What is an official marriage certificate
An official marriage certificate is different to the ceremonial marriage certificate you take home on your wedding day.
You need an official marriage certificate to prove you are married. You can also use it if you choose to change your surname after marriage.
Who can apply for an official marriage certificate
You can apply for an official marriage certificate at any time after your wedding day, once the marriage has been registered by your celebrant.
Anyone can apply for a NSW official marriage certificate if the marriage took place in NSW, provided they are:
- one of the people named in the marriage
- a child of the marriage, if both individuals named in the marriage are deceased
- the celebrant who officiated the marriage, applying within 2 months of the ceremony
- an authorised representative of either person named in the marriage.
An authorised representative will need to:
- show a letter of authority (PDF 217.4KB) giving them permission to apply for the marriage certificate
- show Power of Attorney for either person named in the marriage, or
- be a solicitor acting for a person named on the certificate or needing the certificate for a legal purpose.
Applying for a new or replacement official marriage certificate
To apply for a new or replacement official marriage certificate, you will need to provide:
- details of the marriage
- personal and contact information
- proof of identity documents
- payment.
How to apply
Apply online
The fastest way to complete and lodge your application is online.
Apply online for an official marriage certificate
To resume an application you have already started, search your email to find your Online Reference Number (ORN) and go to Resume your saved form.
Apply by post
Download and print the marriage certificate application form.
Post the form and required document copies to the address listed on the form.
Apply in person
Gather all the required documents to prove your eligibility and identity.
Visit a Service NSW service centre with your required documents.
Proof of identity documents
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will need to verify your identity before processing the official marriage certificate application.
This is done by reviewing official identity documents, which you will need to provide, as proof of identity.
Fees and processing times
Processing times are estimates only, and do not include delivery. Please contact Australia Post to find out about current domestic and international delivery times.
Ensure your application is complete and correct, as this can cause delays.
All prices include $11 postage and handling. Add a further $9 for international post.
Common questions about marriage certificates
How do I get a replacement marriage certificate
If you have lost your original marriage certificate, you can apply for a replacement using the process outlined on this page.
How do I correct an error on my marriage certificate
You can apply to correct an error if you’ve received your marriage certificate and the details are incorrect.
This will be free if the registry made the error. There will be an additional cost if you supplied incorrect or incomplete information.
You’ll need to:
- return the original certificate by post or in person at a Service NSW centre
- provide 3 proof of identity documents
- send the correct information on the correct an entry form (PDF 1.05MB).
Learn how to correct an error on your marriage certificate.
How do I apply for a marriage certificate if I was married in another state or territory than NSW
If you were not married in NSW, you can apply for a marriage certificate in:
If the couple are deceased, how do I obtain their marriage certificate
If you are a child of the marriage, the certificate can be issued to you if both parents are deceased.
If you are not a child of the marriage, but need to establish your legal right or entitlement, e.g. under a Will, your application will be considered.
If you DO meet the above criteria, you must provide:
- Three forms of your own ID (see Proof of Identity).
If you DO NOT meet the above criteria, you must provide:
- A Letter of Authority (PDF 217.4KB) giving permission from either partner in the marriage, or if deceased, their next-of-kin. Include their address, phone number and signature.
- Three forms of ID from the person giving permission (see Proof of Identity).
- Three forms of your own ID (see Proof of Identity).
If the couple were married over 50 years ago, how do I obtain their marriage certificate
If the couple in question were married more than 50 years ago, you can find records via Family History Search. You can then apply for a family history certificate through the Family History platform instead.