Nope—“I do” is totally optional.

To be legally married in Australia, you don’t have to say “I do” at all. What’s required is that both of you say a specific legal sentence, declaring that you take each other as spouses. This sentence must be spoken aloud, in front of your celebrant and two witnesses—but how you express your agreement after that is completely up to you.

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So where does “I do” come in?

It’s a traditional phrase many couples like to include for emotional or cinematic reasons, but it’s not part of the legal wording under the Marriage Act 1961.

You can skip it, whisper it, shout it, or swap it for something entirely unique—as long as the legal vow is said clearly and correctly, your marriage is valid.

(Don’t worry; your celebrant also won’t ask if anyone objects to the union. That’s just a movie thing!)