Free same sex marriages in the New Year: Inner West bookings now open
7 December 2017
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne has welcomed the passing of marriage equality through the Parliament and officially opened bookings for same sex marriages to take place
free of charge in Council’s town halls, community centers and parks for 100 days.
Inner West Council is the first local government in Australia to make this gesture of good
will and solidarity with the LGBTIQ community.
“This is an historic day in the struggle for civil rights in Australia,” he said.
“The day after I was elected as Mayor of the Inner West I announced we would make our town
halls available, free of charge, for same sex marriages when marriage equality was legislated.
“Now that marriage equality is law of the land, I am proud to be able to make good on that pledge.
“From today same sex couples can book in to be married in our beautiful town halls, community
centers and parks free of charge.
“This is an important gesture of support, solidarity, and recognition of our LGBTIQ community.
“We are proud that the Inner West delivered the highest turn out in the postal survey of any area in
NSW. Now we are aiming to become the same sex marriage capital of Sydney.”
Any same sex couple wishing to marry in a Council hall, park or community centre can take
advantage of the waiver of fees 100 days. 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.
The 100 days will begin in one calendar month (7 January).
Marriages cannot take place until one calendar month after the authorised celebrant receives the
Notice of Intention to Marry. Couples could not lodge the Notice until after the same sex marriage
legislation was enacted in parliament.
Therefore, Council facilities will be made available free of charge for 100 days beginning one
month after successful legislation.
For more information, go to our information page on same sex marriages