Marriage certificates are a celebration of a special part of your life. They’re also important personal documents. You can use the Australia marriage certificate as proof of your wedding for official purposes.
Types of Australia 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 Australia marriage 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 online marriage certificate Australia showed the registration number. If you need the registration number but your marriage certificate online Australia doesn’t have one, you’ll need to apply for your marriage certificate.
