PRIVACY POLICY | MARRIED BY A TEDDY

At Married By A Teddy, we celebrate love while keeping your personal information safe and sound. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your Personal Information. We follow the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and adhere to the legal requirements set out in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).

For more information about the Australian Privacy Principles, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

WHAT IS PERSONAL INFORMATION AND WHY DO WE COLLECT IT?

Personal Information refers to any information that can identify you. Examples we collect include:

  • Your name

  • Address

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Other contact details.

How We Collect It:

  • Consultations and meetings (in-person or virtual)

  • Email and phone communications

  • Forms submitted via our website marriedbyateddy.com

  • Cookies and website tracking

  • Public sources or third parties with your consent.

We use your Personal Information to deliver our celebrancy services, personalise your ceremony, and keep in touch. Occasionally, we might send you updates or marketing material, but you can opt-out anytime by emailing hello@marriedbyateddy.com.

Opting out of marketing communications will not affect essential updates regarding your ceremony or legal paperwork.

COLLECTION AND USE OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION

As part of the legal marriage process, we collect Sensitive Information such as:

  • Identification documents (passports, birth certificates)

  • Declarations of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

  • Witness statements.

This information is collected to meet our obligations under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). Registering your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) or the relevant authority is essential.

Why We Collect Sensitive Information:

  • To complete legal marriage paperwork

  • To ensure compliance with Australian marriage laws

  • To solemnise and register your marriage.

Before collecting sensitive documents, we’ll explain why we need them and ask for your consent. Sensitive Personal Information is never used for marketing purposes.

LEGAL DOCUMENT RETENTION (MARRIAGE ACT 1961 COMPLIANCE)

Under Australian law (Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)), we must keep certain documents, like marriage certificates, for at least five years. This ensures your marriage is fully recognised and recorded by government authorities. These documents include:

  • Declarations of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

  • Official Certificates of Marriage.

After this period, they are securely disposed of or permanently de-identified.

THIRD-PARTY DISCLOSURES

Sometimes, we need to share your information with trusted third parties to resolve the legal aspect of things. This includes submitting your details to Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (or the relevant authority) to ensure your marriage is officially recognised.

We may also share limited information with contractors or service providers only as needed to deliver our celebrancy services. Any third parties we work with are bound by this policy and relevant privacy laws.

Sensitive documents, such as passports and marriage declarations, are strictly used for legal purposes and will not be disclosed for marketing or unrelated activities.

PERSONALISING YOUR CEREMONY

In addition to legal paperwork, we collect fun, non-legal details to make your ceremony uniquely you. This might include:

  • Your love story

  • Pronouns and preferred language

  • Vow preferences

  • Cultural or personal ceremony elements.

At Married By A Teddy, we celebrate love in all its forms. We respect your pronouns, cultural traditions, and any accessibility needs you may have. Our goal is to ensure your ceremony reflects your identity and values.

This confidential information is used solely to craft a personalised and meaningful experience.

ACCESS, UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS

If your Information changes before your big day – say you update your passport or change your name – let us know. Keeping your details current ensures your legal paperwork is spot-on.

If you want to update your information or request access, please email hello@marriedbyateddy.com. Proof of identity may be required.

We respond to access and update requests within 30 days. There is no charge for accessing your information, though administrative fees may apply if copies are required.

COOKIES AND WEBSITE INTERACTION

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies help us:

  • Understand how you use our site

  • Improve website functionality

  • Personalise your experience.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit some website features.

SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

We take security seriously. Your Personal Information is stored securely using:

  • Encrypted digital storage systems

  • Locked physical files (when applicable).

Only authorised personnel have access to sensitive data, and we regularly review our security measures to ensure your information stays safe.

COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please email us at hello@marriedbyateddy.com.

We’ll acknowledge your enquiry within five business days and aim to resolve any issues within 30 days. If you’re dissatisfied with our response, contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

POLICY UPDATES

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in the law or our services. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Last Updated: December 2024