Council extends same-sex marriage offer to recommitment ceremonies

Wednesday 13 December 2017

Inner West Council last night voted to extend the offer of free venue hire for same-sex marriages to couples who want to hold a recommitment ceremony.

Inner West was the first local government in Australia to offer Council’s parks, towns halls and community centres free of charge for same sex marriages (for 100 days).

Any same sex couple wishing to marry or hold a recommitment ceremony in a Council hall, park or community centre can take advantage of the free 100 days, although preference will be given to couples residing in the inner west local government area.

Hire fees will be waived, however the couples will still be responsible for payment of other fees such as security deposit, and cleaning fees.

While the legislation has now passed, the 100 days begins on Tuesday 9 January. This is because marriages cannot take place until one calendar month after the authorised celebrant receives the Notice of Intention to Marry. The Notice cannot be lodged until after the same sex marriage legislation is enacted in parliament.

Same-sex marriage was signed into law by the Governor-General on Friday 8 December. At midnight, same-sex couples who had already married overseas had their relationships recognised in Australia, and couples could then give their month's notice of intention to marry. 

Same Sex Marriage Info

For information on Council’s halls, rooms and other venues, go to Council's Community Centres and Town Halls page.

For information on Council’s parks, go to Parks and Playgrounds page.