Wedding Certificates in Australia: What Queer Couples Need to Know
Let’s talk wedding paperwork.
Okay, it’s not the most thrilling part of getting married. But it is important and understanding how wedding certificates work in Australia will make things way smoother both on your wedding day and afterwards.
This guide is especially here for my queer community, including trans and gender-diverse folks. Whether you’re navigating changing your name after marriage or just want to know which documents matter, this guide breaks it all down in clear, affirming language. Because while the system doesn’t always make space for our love stories, I absolutely do.
What is a wedding certificate in Australia?
When you get married in Australia, you sign three marriage certificates during your ceremony:
One I keep - as your authorised celebrant, I’m legally required to hang on to it for six years.
One goes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) to officially register your marriage.
One decorative certificate that you’ll take home. It’s beautiful and frame-worthy, but you can’t use it as proof of marriage.
If you’re planning to change your name or update your ID, you’ll need the official marriage certificate issued by BDM. Don’t stress though - I apply for that on your behalf and it’ll be posted directly to you. All you need to do is sign on the dotted line.
Marriage Certificates in Victoria
After your marriage ceremony, I lodge your paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria. At the same time, I order your legal marriage certificate.
Your marriage will usually be registered within 4 to 6 weeks (or up to 8 weeks during peak wedding season). Your legal marriage certificate will be sent to your home address through express post within a few days.
If you’re getting married outside of Victoria, the process is similar but timelines and application methods might vary slightly. We’ll go through the specifics during your wedding workshop and I’ll make sure everything’s sorted for you.
How to change your name after marriage in Australia
Let’s get one thing straight (pun intended): you don’t have to change your name.
Plenty of couples keep their own surnames, choose a new one together, hyphenate, or only change their name socially. It’s completely up to you.
But if you do decide to change your name, here’s how it works in Victoria:
Sign your marriage certificates with your current, pre-marriage name.
Wait for your BDM-issued certificate. I’ll apply for this so you don’t have to.
Use your legal marriage certificate to update your ID. Start with your driver’s licence and passport, then move on to banks, Medicare, work, loyalty programs, and so on.
Name change for trans and gender-diverse folks
If you have documents with different names or gender markers, or you’re unsure how the name change process after marriage might affect you, please reach out.
I know how messy this system can be, and I’m here to help you navigate it safely and affirmingly. You deserve a process that honours who you are.
Not planning to change your name?
Totally fine! You don’t need to do a single thing. Keep your official certificate somewhere secure, display your decorative one if you want to, and go on calling each other whatever feels most you. You’re legally married, and that’s what counts.
TLDR; Your Wedding Certificate
You’ll sign three marriage certificates on your wedding day.
I lodge your marriage with BDM and apply for your legal marriage certificate.
That legal marriage certificate will be mailed to you automatically. No need to apply.
If you want to change your name after getting married, I’ll walk you through it.
If anything feels confusing or stressful, I’m just a message away.
So whether you're planning a romantic escape, a low-key legal ceremony, or a full destination wedding celebration, this guide will walk you through how LGBTQIA+ or Queer couples from overseas can get married in Australia—legally, simply, and joyfully.