Explaining certificates

To the bride ... planning on changing your name? … then you’ll need a standard marriage certificate

If, on getting married, you plan on changing your surname to your husband’s and you want to use this name on key documents, such as your driving licence and passport, you will need to obtain what is called a Standard Marriage Certificate. This is also usually required in marriages involving visa applications.

This certificate, which shows the registration number of your marriage, can only be ordered from Birth, Deaths & Marriages after your wedding (i.e. after the celebrant has lodged the documents and the marriage has been registered).

There are also artistic certifcates available, which are called commemorative certificates. There are currently six different designs available. If you order a commemorative certiifcate, you also get a standard certificate (at no extra charge)

I 'm happy to order the standard/ commemorative certificates for you. I order and pay for these online and then just add the cost to you bill.

Births, Deaths and Marriages will then mail them to you about 3-4 weeks after your wedding. Information on this (including the different commemorative designs) is available on the Births, Deaths and Marriages website 

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/marriages/designsAndCost.htm [1].

The cost of these certificates (as currently charged by Births, Deaths and Marriages are:
Standard Marriage Certificate $44
Commemorative Marriage Certificate $63

About the marriage certificate given to you at your wedding …

All couples in Australia are given the traditional ‘wedding certificate’ at the end of their wedding ceremony. This is a government requirement.

This official certificate cites the name of the bride and groom, the wedding venue and the date of the wedding. It is signed by the bride and groom, the two witnesses and the celebrant.

This is a legal document and is proof of your marriage but, as explained, you’ll need the additional standard certificate for change of name on key documents, such as a driving licence or passport.
 

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