With the excitement of finally being husband and wife many couples ask me when can they start using their spouses’ surname after their wedding ceremony. On the day of your wedding I will present to you a beautiful Certificate of Marriage on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia. This certificate is accountable and cannot be reprinted or reproduced if it is damaged or destroyed in any way. That’s why I will always make sure it is in safe hands before your guests come up and wrap their arms around you (and the certificate you are holding!) at the end of your ceremony. The purpose of this certificate that is presented to you on the day is to signify that your marriage has actually taken place. It is important for any newlywed to use their original maiden name signature on the day of their wedding.
Contrary to popular belief there is no official change of name form in the context of a typical marriage. In Australia it is assumed that a married partner will adopt their spouses’ surname. The partner wanting to change their surname may be required to provide evidence that their marriage was registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages applicable for the state or territory in which they were married in. This is achieved by applying for a Certificate of Marriage issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages after your marriage has been registered by your celebrant.
Government agencies such as Roads & Maritime Services, financial institutions and other bodies will require you to produce a Certificate of Marriage issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages in order to change your surname on a legal document.
As painful as it may be, resist the temptation to book any official documentation for your honeymoon using your new married surname should you be departing our shores shortly after your wedding celebration. This is particularly important if you are required to use your passport, drivers licence or other identifying document during your honeymoon. Some couples have shared with me their experience of being delayed at customs, missing flights, or even travel insurance issues because of a discrepancy in the names used to organise overseas travel without the recognised evidence of their marriage.
On most occasions Births, Deaths and Marriages will process and dispatch your Certificate of Marriage as soon as possible, so hopefully there should be a little collection notice in your letterbox when you arrive home from your honeymoon!
As an experienced, professional and trusted marriage celebrant servicing the Coffs Coast and beyond you can rest easy as I manage all of your legal paperwork from start to finish. You’re always in good hands. For more information please visit my website marriedbysimon.com.au.