How to Get Your Marriage Certificate in Victoria

Authorised Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant. Serving Greater Melbourne / Melbourne.

Order Your Marriage Certificate (Victoria)

After your Melbourne wedding ceremony, you’ll need official marriage certificates for various purposes like changing your name, updating documents, or proving your marital status. Here’s everything you need to know about ordering your marriage certificate in Victoria.

Certificate Types Available

Standard Marriage Certificate

Official legal document recognised by all Australian and international authorities
Full registration details including both parties’ information
Security features to prevent fraud and forgery
Required for: Name changes, passport applications, visa applications, legal proceedings
Suitable for: All official purposes, government departments, banks, employers

Commemorative Marriage Certificate

Decorative certificate for display and keepsake purposes
Not legally valid for official transactions
Beautiful presentation suitable for framing
Optional addition to your standard certificate order
Available in various designs through BDM Victoria

Typical Timeframes

Processing Times:

Standard processing: See Victoria BDM website for current timeframes
Express processing: Faster service available for additional fee
International delivery: Additional time for overseas addresses
Peak periods: Longer processing during busy seasons (December-February)

Important: Processing times can vary based on demand and time of year. Check the official BDM Victoria website for the most current information.

Steps from Ceremony to Certificate

1. Your Wedding Ceremony

Marriage documents signed by you, your partner, witnesses, and celebrant
Commemorative certificate presented on your wedding day
Legal paperwork completed ready for registration

2. Registration with BDM Victoria

Celebrant lodges documents with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
Registration processed by BDM (usually within 2-4 weeks)
Marriage officially recorded in Victorian registry
You’ll receive confirmation when registration is complete

3. Ordering Your Official Certificate

Wait for registration confirmation before ordering
Apply online through BDM Victoria website
Provide required information and identification
Pay applicable fees (see BDM Victoria for current pricing)
Choose delivery method (standard post, express, or collection)

How to Order Your Certificate

Online Ordering (Recommended):

Visit the BDM Victoria website
Select “Order a Certificate”
Choose “Marriage Certificate”
Complete the online application form
Upload required identification documents
Pay online with credit card or bank transfer

Required Information:

Full names of both parties as they appear on the marriage registration
Date of marriage
Place of marriage (ceremony location)
Your current identification documents
Delivery address for certificate posting

Alternative Ordering Methods:

By post: Download application form from BDM Victoria website
In person: Visit a BDM Victoria office (limited locations)
By phone: Some services available via telephone

Fees and Payment

Certificate Fees: For current pricing, please check the BDM Victoria website as fees are subject to change.

Additional Costs:

Express processing fees for faster service
International postage for overseas delivery
Multiple copies if you need several certificates
Commemorative certificates as optional extras

Payment Methods:

Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
Bank transfer
Money order (for postal applications)
Cash (for in-person applications only)

When You’ll Need Your Marriage Certificate

Essential for:

Changing your name on driver’s licence, passport, bank accounts
Updating government records with Centrelink, ATO, Medicare
Visa applications for travel or immigration purposes
Legal proceedings where marital status is relevant
Insurance policies and superannuation updates
Property transactions and joint financial applications

How Many Copies to Order:

2-3 copies minimum for most couples
Additional copies if both partners are changing names
Extra copies for complex financial or legal situations
International couples may need additional copies for overseas use

Tips for Ordering

Before You Order:

Wait for registration confirmation - you can’t order until your marriage is registered
Check spelling carefully - names must match exactly as registered
Have identification ready - you’ll need to prove your identity
Plan ahead - allow processing time for important deadlines

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ordering too early before registration is complete
Incorrect spelling of names or details
Wrong delivery address causing delays
Insufficient copies for your needs

Need Help with Your Certificate Order?

The Melbourne Marriage Office can assist with:

Registration status updates - checking if your marriage is registered
Document guidance - helping with the ordering process
Name change advice - next steps after receiving your certificate
Apostille and legalisation - if you need your certificate for overseas use

Contact us if you need assistance with your certificate order or have questions about the process.

Apostille & Legalisation - using your certificate overseas
Change your name after marriage - step-by-step name change guide
Quick wedding services - fast ceremony options
Legal requirements - understanding marriage documentation

Ready to Get Married?

Before you can order your certificate, you need to get married! Book your Melbourne wedding with The Melbourne Marriage Office.

We handle all the legal paperwork and registration, making the certificate ordering process as smooth as possible.

This information is general guidance only. For specific fees, timeframes, and requirements, always check the official BDM Victoria website or contact them directly.