Changing your name after marriage

YAY! You’re getting married and want to know, what’s the deal with changing your surname? Here is everything you need to know.

It’s a common misconception that after you get married, your surname automatically changes to that of your spouse. That’s most definitely not the case. Of course, you can change your name on social media straight away, but that only makes it Insta official!

There are a few things to know when changing your name after getting married in Australia, so let’s start unpacking.

Speaking of unpacking, before we get into the nitty gritty, I want to bring one very important thing to your attention right now in case you don’t read all the way to the end. If you are planning on travelling overseas, remember your travel bookings and plane tickets MUST match your passport. If you’ve already booked international travel before you get married, it’s probably going to be easier to wait until you return before you change your name on your passport and other ID. These guys are strict on names matching, trust me!

Ok, back on track.

Do you have to change your surname?

Absolutely not. It’s completely up to you whether or not you change your name. Some people keep their name, some change it, some use their maiden name professionally, and change their name for everything else. You do you. 

Who changes their surname?

Either party to the marriage can change their name. Once again, you do you.

What can my surname be changed to?

After marriage you can change your surname to that of your new spouse, or add their surname to yours in either order, without registering a name change. For example if Alex Smith marries Sam Jones, Alex’s options are:

Alex Smith

Alex Jones

Alex Smith-Jones

Alex Jones-Smith

And the same options apply to Sam

The above is hereon known as the pre-approved list.

What if we want to choose our own surname?

It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to combine their surnames and create a brand new surname. For example, Alex and Sam might want to go with Smones, or Jith, or Smithones or even Jonith. They absolutely can do so, however simply by being married doesn’t enable them to do so. They will need to apply for a change of name.

You can find all the official guidelines on the NSW Government website here, or google for other states.

Ok, you’ve decided on a name, so great, let’s do it! 

What do you even do first?

Well, the pretty marriage certificate you sign during your ceremony? That doesn’t actually help a whole lot. In some circumstances it will help to prove you’re married, but to change your name on official documents - and we’re talking about the pre-approved list of surnames here - you will need an official marriage certificate. Your celebrant can order this for you when they register your marriage, or you can order one through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory you were married in. A fee does apply. 

Once you have your certificate, you can then begin changing your name. And boy oh boy, where do you even start? Your employer, drivers licence, passport, ATO, bank, electricity bill… you’ll need forms forms forms, certified copies of your identification… ooh boy it’s time for a lie down… 

Hot tip #1 - there are companies out there like www.easynamechange.com.au who will do the leg work for you. They all have a range of packages and I highly recommend you take the top one within your budget. It will save you a lot of time, time you could be spending reminiscing about your wonderful wedding day.

Hot tip #2 - if you are going to go your own way and create your own last name, it will be waaaayyyy easier if one of you changes your name BEFORE you sign your Notice of Intended Marriage and the other changes their name after marriage. That means only one of you have to go through the name change process.

If you do plan on changing your name, you will sign your marriage certificates with your current name, not your new name. But don’t let that stop you from practising your new signature!

Are you looking for your celebrant? Book a call with me. I’d love to create your dream ceremony.