Registry-style ceremonies by civil celebrants, not a government registry office. No fuss, no frills, no wedding. Just paperwork.

Change of Name After Marriage

You do not have to change your name after marriage.

That choice is entirely up to you.

If you do want to change it

For many people married in Australia, the official marriage certificate is the key document used to update records.

That is the NSW BDM certificate, not just the ceremonial one from the day.

Common places to update

People often use the official certificate to update:

  • passport
  • driver licence
  • bank records
  • Medicare
  • superannuation
  • work records

Sometimes a formal change of name is needed

If you want a surname that is not covered by the usual marriage-certificate process, or if your situation is more complex, check the current rules with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Ready to get married?

Click Get Married to start. You book first, pay the fee, then prepare your NOIM. Once we receive the paperwork, we confirm the date, time, and place subject to availability.