Marriage certificates are a celebration of a special part of your life. They're also an important personal document. You can use the certificate as proof of your wedding for official purposes.
This might include changing your name on a passport or driver licence. Learn more about changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce.
When ordering a certificate you will need to prove your identity.
Types of marriage certificates
Commonwealth marriage certificate (party certificate)
During the wedding ceremony, you and your witnesses signed a Commonwealth marriage certificate. This is also known as the 'party certificate'. Usually your celebrant presents it to you after the ceremony.
This certificate is a memento. It is not the registered marriage certificate. Most organisations won’t accept it as official proof of marriage.
Legal marriage certificate from BDM
The certificate used for legal purposes is known as the ‘legal’ (or registered) marriage certificate.
It is not available on your wedding day. Your celebrant registers your marriage with us after your ceremony.
Marriage registration number
The registration number is usually in the top right-hand corner of your legal marriage certificate.
Before 2000, not all certificates showed the registration number. If you need the registration number but your certificate doesn’t have one, you’ll need to apply for your marriage certificate.
Marriages outside Victoria
We can't issue certificates for marriages that took place outside of Victoria.
If you were married outside Victoria, contact the Registry (External link) of the state, territory or country where the marriage took place.
