Marriage is one of the most significant milestones a couple will achieve in their life-long journey. It is a ceremony of promised wedding vows to be interchanged with one another and a promise to be on each other’s back in sickness and in health. As wedding ceremonies may perhaps be the most romantic day for the couple, it is also required to file a legal requirement for their marriage to be verified.
The Legality of Marriage in Australia
In Australia, a civil wedding ceremony will always include legal wedding vows for it to take action. The groom and bride must orate it with the presence of the two witnesses within the courtroom. Thus, the couple will together state their vows as:
“I ask everyone here to witness that I, (name), take you, (name), to be my lawful husband/partner/spouse”
To get married in Australia, The Marriage Act 1961 and Marriage Regulations 1963 requires the couple to meet this requirement to become legally married. The High Court of Australia and the federal government passed these laws to have legitimacy in their marriage with legal documents. You don’t have to be an Australian citizen to get married in Australia, as non- Australians are also allowed to get married within the said jurisdiction.
Foreigners who want to get married and permanently live in Australia are legally allowed to have their wedding ceremony through a verified marriage visa. However, they also need to see their respective Embassies to grant legal permission in marrying their Australian spouse.
LGBTQ+ couples from countries that ban same-sex marriage are also allowed to have a civil union in Australia.
The Difference Between Church Wedding and Civil Wedding
Church weddings are inclined to religiosity and the couple’s devotion to God. It is in the state of being wed by the eyes of God (or a deity you believe in). In church weddings, both man and wife must be in the same religious denomination to get married. Couples with different religious beliefs have a slim chance to tie a knot in a church.
However, there are places of worship that allow couples of different religions to have their wedding ceremony. Marriage vows in church weddings are spoken before God before the bride and groom’s family members and loved ones. These vows are called “Declarations” to affirm that the couple will love and care for each other for the love of God.
In civil weddings, the groom and bride will take their wedding ceremony in a courtroom, together with a judge, an attorney, and the chosen witnesses for it to commence. They can also customise their wedding vows creatively and poetically.
Additionally, in this wedding ceremony, couples with different religious denominations can freely lawfully hold their wedding. On behalf of that, civil marriages aren’t just limited inside the courtrooms, but they can also celebrate the day of their union at the beach, garden, or convention halls.
When Does A Wedding Vow Become Obsolete In the Long-Run?
Wedding vows are orations and words of promises made between the love of the soon-to-be husband and wife. These vows are made to remind each other that they have to love one another and become partners for life, sickness, and health.
However, wedding vows can become rusty when the husband and wife realise that their intimacy level, compatibility, sexual chemistry, and driven goals are incompatible. Some instances can lead to the following:
- Cheating
- Extreme domestic violence
- Lack of communication
- Constant arguments
- Sexual dissatisfaction
- Emotional disconnection
In the long run, these marital problems may lead to divorce or annulment.
Situations That Can Break Marital Vows
Marriage can be a difficult crossroad when a problem arises. Here are some marital issues that can significantly affect your relationship:
1.) Infidelity
Unfaithfulness between a husband and wife can occur at any time. Infidelity can cause devastating effects in a relationship, as well as trust issues. It can also cause jealousy and emotional distress between the husband and the wife. It can also psychologically affect their children’s emotional health and inflict trauma on them.
2.) Domestic Abuse
This refers to the act of causing harm to your spouse. It can be defined as an act of power and control over the husband or wife. Domestic abuse not only minor physical dama, but also extends to emotional, sexual, and psychological threats. This act of crime can also intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, and terrorise the dignity of your partner. In short, it can also cause a scarred trauma to your spouse.
3.) Lack of Communication
This calls to neglectful communication with your spouse. It can breed insecurity, lack of affirmation, distrust, and self-doubtfulness.
Expressing how your day went and even the tiniest details about yourself to your significant other can make your marriage bloom. In making your relationship healthy, constant communication can bring you closer and more intimate with your spouse.
These marital problems mentioned above can cause destructive behaviour in the long run when no other solution or action is being involved. A husband and wife must be faithful to the wedding vows and with each other, and not forget it as time goes by.
