Applying for a Marriage Certificate

There are two different certificates people usually mean when they say “marriage certificate”.

On the day

On the day of the marriage, you receive the ceremonial certificate.

This shows that the marriage took place, but it is not the official registry certificate used for things like name change.

The official certificate

The official marriage certificate is issued by NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages.

That is the certificate most people need for:

• changing name with government agencies
• updating a passport
• proving a marriage formally

How to get it

You can order it from NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages after the marriage has been registered.

We can also help point you in the right direction if needed. If you plan to take your spouse’s name, see changing your name after marriage. If you plan to take your spouse’s name, see changing your name after marriage.

Good to know

• this website is not the registry
• the official certificate is a separate step
• processing times are set by the registry, not by us