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

Change of Name In Marriage

What to know about changing your name after marriage, including common surname options and why the official marriage certificate usually matters.

You do not have to change your name after marriage.

If you want to, the document most people need is the official marriage certificate from Tasmania Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Common Options

After marriage, many people:

  • keep their current name
  • start using their spouse’s surname
  • use a hyphenated version

The Important Bit

For most common post-marriage name changes, the ceremonial certificate from the day is not enough.

You usually need the official certificate issued after registration.

If Your Situation Is More Complex

If you want a different name structure, or if the organisation you are dealing with has unusual requirements, you may need to ask that organisation or the registry what they need.

The simplest path is:

  1. get married
  2. order the official marriage certificate
  3. use that certificate with the organisations you need to update

Ready to get married?

Book online, pay the fee, prepare your NOIM, and we will help with the rest.

Need something bigger? For an elopement, see Elopement Collective. For a ceremony people can watch and enjoy, see Tasmanian celebrant Josh Withers. We are part of the Australian Marriage Offices network.