Gay and lesbian couples face a likely wait of at least two months before being allowed to tie the knot, as the landmark change passes through the hands of politicians, bureaucrats and the Governor-General.
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Marriage registries are gearing up for the change, working with their counterparts in other states and the federal Attorney General's Department, to ensure they are ready when the revised Marriage Act kicks in.
But the confetti on gay weddings probably won't be thrown until at least January 2018.
First, the cross-party bill put forward by Liberal senator Dean Smith must pass through both houses of Parliament - which Attorney General George Brandis believes will happen by December 7, "if not earlier".
Most in the government, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, want same-sex marriage legalised before Christmas, allowing the Coalition to start 2018 with the all-consuming marriage equality issue well behind it.
As of Thursday there were just nine sitting days remaining this year, unless an extra sitting week is set down.
Once the bill passes Parliament - assuming this happens by December 7 - it will move to the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove for royal assent, which is expected to be granted quickly.
It is unclear what date Parliament will set for the bill to come into effect, however Senator Brandis said this "will not be delayed".
The bill may commence soon after royal assent is granted - around mid-December - or the Parliament may choose to enact it early in the new year. At the latest, the legislation must begin within 28 days of the royal assent.
Couples intending to marry must give one month's written notice, however this notice cannot be given until the new Marriage Act comes into force - meaning wedding bells for same-sex couples could begin ringing around mid January.
Labor and the Greens support the proposed legislation, but its passage may be slowed by conservative backbenchers who want the views of 'no' voters to be reflected in the changes.
Liberal senator Eric Abetz on Thursday told ABC radio that amendments were being drafted relating to parental rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and conscientious objection.
The bill already states that ministers of religion should not be forced to marry two people if it goes against their beliefs, and allows religious bodies to refuse to allow their facilities to be used for, or to provide goods or services to, same-sex weddings.
It would also create another category known as religious marriage celebrants, separate to civil celebrants, allowing them to refuse to solemnise same-sex marriage if it goes against their beliefs.
