Your Marriage Certificate

You, your Marriage Celebrant and witnesses will all sign 3 Marriage certificates on your wedding day:

1. Form 16 - the official Certificate of Marriage that is sent to the relevant BDM
2. the Certificate of Marriage that is kept by the authorised Marriage Celebrant
3. Form 15 - the Certificate of Marriage that is given to the bride and groom

The Form 15 Marriage Certificate has a variety of in-built security features, including special inks and a unique number. Although not an official identity document it can be used as evidence that a couple is married. This certificate is NOT able to be replaced if lost, so keep it in a safe place.

You can see a sample copy of the certificate here.

Remember that the Certificate you receive is evidence of your change in marital status. it is not a proof of identity document and, in some cases, will not be accepted as such.

Further information about Certificates of Marriage can be found in Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants.

The above is a revision of an article originally posted on 20-Sep-2007.

Certificate of Marriage - Civil Ceremonies - Sample Copy