Marriage Certificates Explained
Understanding the difference between your wedding day certificate and the official certificate.
After your wedding, you'll hear about two different types of marriage certificates. It's important to understand the difference, as they serve different purposes.
The Two Types of Certificates
Form 15
Commemorative CertificateThis is the certificate you receive on your wedding day. It's signed by you, your partner, your witnesses, and the celebrant.
Not accepted for official purposes like name changes, bank accounts, or passport updates.
Official Certificate
From Registry of BDMThis is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) after your marriage is registered. You must order it separately.
Approximately $55 for standard delivery in WA. Express options available.
Important: Form 15 is NOT Enough
If you need to change your name on your driver's licence, passport, bank accounts, or any other official documents, you must order the official certificate from BDM. The Form 15 from your wedding day will not be accepted.
How to Order Your Official Certificate
Wait for Registration
Your celebrant lodges the marriage paperwork with BDM within 14 days of your wedding. Allow a few days for processing after that.
Apply Online
Visit the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website to order your certificate online.
Order your certificate onlineReceive Your Certificate
Standard processing takes about 5-10 business days. Express options are available for urgent requests.
Certificate Timeline
You receive your Form 15 commemorative certificate
Celebrant lodges paperwork with BDM
Marriage registered - you can now order official certificate
Receive official certificate (if ordered promptly)
Want It Faster?
Same-Day Submission Add-on
If you add our "Same-Day Submission" option when booking, we'll lodge your marriage paperwork with BDM on your wedding day. This means you can order your official certificate sooner.
Note: BDM processing times still apply - this just removes the celebrant's 14-day lodgement window.
Common Questions
How many copies do I need?
One certificate is usually enough. If you need to update multiple organisations at once, get copies certified by a JP rather than ordering multiple certificates - it's cheaper and faster.
Can I order a certificate years later?
Yes! Marriage records are kept permanently. You can order a certificate at any time after your marriage is registered.
We got married overseas - can I get an Australian certificate?
No, you'll need to obtain a certificate from the country where you were married. However, you may be able to register your overseas marriage in Australia.
What if I lose my certificate?
You can order a replacement from BDM at any time. The same process and fees apply.