Aching to disturb the peace before that wedding "I do"? You might want to check yourself if you're in South Australia, where disrupting a wedding (or funeral, for that matter) carries a fat $10,000 fine. That's right, in the fourth largest state in the whole country, that whole "speak now or forever hold your peace," is pure Hollywood poppycock, and carries a pretty steep consequence. 

This law dates all the way back to 1953 and is part of South Australia's Section 7A of the Summary Offences Act. Ceremonies do not need to be religious in nature, nor is this measure limited strictly to citizens. According to the law, perpetrators are subject to the 5-figure fine or two years (yes, years!) in jail. Seems like a good time to muzzle your drunk uncle.

While there isn't a whole lot of historical context to back up the peace-keeping measure, the law is still on the books. Next time you're exploring the southern reaches of Down Under, make sure to zip the lips before it costs you your trip.

Back to notes
  • Slow Travel for All at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

    Slow Travel for All at Jackson Hole Mountain Re...

    Words and photos by: Jess Barnard A quick look on paper and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) can feel a bit...umm...intense, right? Or is that just me, a 30-something adult learning...

    Slow Travel for All at Jackson Hole Mountain Re...

    Words and photos by: Jess Barnard A quick look on paper and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) can feel a bit...umm...intense, right? Or is that just me, a 30-something adult learning...

  • Through the Lens: Whistler, B.C. with Christie Fitzpatrick

    Through the Lens: Whistler, B.C. with Christie ...

    The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite photographers. Next up, Christie Fitzpatrick trains...

    Through the Lens: Whistler, B.C. with Christie ...

    The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite photographers. Next up, Christie Fitzpatrick trains...

  • Law List: No Lasso Fishing in Montana

    Law List: No Lasso Fishing in Montana

    To anyone planning a trip to Montana, keep your lassos in the saddle because the Big Sky State strictly prohibits fishing with a rope wrangler. In the Montana Code Annotated, fishing with anything...

    Law List: No Lasso Fishing in Montana

    To anyone planning a trip to Montana, keep your lassos in the saddle because the Big Sky State strictly prohibits fishing with a rope wrangler. In the Montana Code Annotated, fishing with anything...

  • Through the Lens: Paris, France with Julie Glassberg

    Through the Lens: Paris, France with Julie Glas...

    The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite photographers. While all eyes were on...

    Through the Lens: Paris, France with Julie Glas...

    The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite photographers. While all eyes were on...

1 of 4

Shop Merchandise