The Marriage Certificate

One of the things that often surprises our clients is the fact the lovely wedding certificate they are given on the day and usually winds up in some of their photos is not the document they need if they want to change their name.

The certificate you and your witnesses sign on the day is a ‘presentation certificate.' The celebrant will usually prepare this before the wedding day, writing in the names of the participants (the couple who are getting married, their witnesses and the celebrant’s name). It will also have the location of the ceremony and the Australian coat of arms in colour at the top make it look both fancy and official.

The signing of the certificate is a wonderful moment in the ceremony, as it usually provides a break for both the couple and the friends and family in attendance. Because it only involves the couple and their witnesses, everyone else can chatter about how wonderful the day has been or catch up with friends they may not see regularly. For the couple it is a moment to reflect with their witnesses, usually close family or friends and relax into their first moments of married life. We have seen couples use this time to have family (or even paid staff) distribute drinks (mostly, but not always champagne) and flower petals (to be thrown as the couple depart).

The certificate usually comes with an envelope and it is a good idea to put someone in charge of this after all the photographs have been taken (we have often seen one of the couple’s family do this). At the end of a ceremony, when everyone is waiting to congratulate you, or you are rushing off to get the official photos taken, it is easy to forget small details – like picking up the certificate! If you have a designated ‘certificate watcher’ you will be assured it won’t be lost.

If you are looking to change your name on bank accounts, or documents such as your licence or passport, the ‘presentation certificate’ is not enough, even though it is an official numbered document (the celebrant is required to record and store details of this certificate). For this documentation you will need to apply to the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory after your wedding and they will provide an official wedding certificate. This process can take a number of weeks, so the sooner you organise the sooner you will receive the certificate. As with all things to do with weddings, speak to your celebrant for assistance (there is now an option (in Victoria at least) to order this certificate at the time the celebrant records the details with Births, Deaths and Marriages, which may save you some time).