The Monitum
'The Monitum' is a mandatory legal statement.
The purpose of reciting the Monitum in a wedding ceremony is to ensure that the marrying couple understand the legal nature and definition of marriage under Australian Law.
What I need to say
I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
Legal Vows
​In Australia these words must be spoken by the parties in the presence
of a Civil Authorised Celebrant (non-religious) and two witnesses who are
over 18 years old.
This is what you need to say
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, ('your full name') take thee,
('your partners full name'), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband, or spouse)".
(or words to that effect.)
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'Or words to that effect' means these words can be altered slightly but the words absolutely must mean the exact same thing as what is stated in section 45 (2) of the Marriage Act.
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An example of alternative version
I ask everyone here to witness that I, ('your full name'), take you, ('your partners full name'), to be my lawful wedded wife (husband or spouse).​​