Some formalities...
Taking your husband's name
Some women choose to change their surname to their husband's surname. This is done as a matter of custom and is not a legal requirement. A formal Change of Name conducted at the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages is not required if you wish to take your husband's name.
A Standard Marriage Certificate is usually sufficient evidence to have personal documentation, such as your driver's licence and passport changed to your married surname. Some women however do wish to formally change their name with the Registry. It's simply a matter of choice. If you decide to change your surname to your husband's name the Roads and Traffic Authority and the Passport Office need to view your official Standard Marriage Certificate issued by the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages. The Passports Office will not accept the Certificate of Marriage issued by the marriage celebrant on the day of the marriage, as it does not contain security features and can be easily reproduced. It also does not contain the full details of the parties to the marriage such as parents' names and dates of birth.
· Obtaining a copy of your Standard Marriage Certificate
A VIC Standard Marriage Certificate is an official certified copy of the registration data relating to an event held by the VIC Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. Your civil or religious marriage celebrant will register your marriage on your behalf; you can then apply to the registry. All applications must be accompanied by at least three forms of identification. This ensures your privacy is maintained and that information is only released to those who are entitled to it.
Along with the Standard Marriage Certificate, the Registry also offers a range of Commemorative Marriage Certificates. All Commemorative Marriage Certificate packages include a Standard Marriage Certificate.
· The Marriage Celebrants Code of Practice
All Marriage Celebrants must abide with the Attorney General's Code of Practice and one of the requirements is to ensure their personal presentation is of an appropriate standard. Others include making an effort to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those present, conducting a rehearsal if requested and assisting couples in choosing or composing a marriage ceremony that will meet their needs. If you have any concerns regarding my services, please let me know. You are can also contact the Attorney–General’s Office on 02 6234 4800 or at www.ag.gov.au