There are two different certificates people often mean after a paperwork-only or courthouse-style marriage in Tasmania.
This matters because the legal appointment is short, but the certificate you need later depends on what you are trying to do.
The Certificate You Get on the Day
Your celebrant gives you a ceremonial certificate on the day of the marriage.
It is a nice record of the day, but it is usually not the certificate you use for legal or administrative purposes.
The Official Marriage Certificate
The official certificate comes from Tasmania Births, Deaths and Marriages after the marriage has been registered.
This is the certificate most people need for things like:
- proving the marriage
- changing a surname
- passport and identity updates
- some visa and legal processes
The Usual Order
- you get married
- the celebrant lodges the marriage paperwork
- the marriage is registered
- you order the official certificate from Tasmania BDM
If you are not sure which certificate you need, the official certificate is usually the one people mean.
Useful Next Pages
For the local step-by-step version, read how to get your marriage certificate in Tasmania.
If you want to use a married surname, read change of name in marriage.
If the certificate needs to be used overseas, read apostille and legalisation.