After your marriage ceremony

A guide to what to do now you’re married

After your wedding, there are a few important steps to consider to ensure all legalities are properly addressed and to help you transition smoothly into married life. Here’s a concise guide to assist you:

Celebrant and Marriage Legalities

As your celebrant, there’s nothing more I require from you post-ceremony. However, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, I’m here to assist with any questions regarding name changes and obtaining marriage certificates.

Changing Your Name

Deciding to change your name after marriage is entirely optional and can be done at any time. If you choose to proceed, you’ll need to obtain an official marriage certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the state where your marriage was registered. This certificate serves as proof for updating your name on official documents such as your driver’s licence and passport. Each state has its own procedures and fees, so it’s advisable to check the specific requirements for your location.

Marriage Certificates

During your ceremony, three marriage certificates are signed:

  1. Form 15 (Ceremonial Certificate): This decorative certificate is given to you during the ceremony. While it’s a lovely keepsake, it’s not sufficient for legal name changes or official purposes.
  2. Celebrant’s Copy: This is retained by me for record-keeping purposes for six years.
  3. Official Certificate: This is sent to the state’s Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for registration. Once processed, you can request an official marriage certificate from the registry, which is necessary for legal processes like name changes.

In some states, I can assist in ordering this official certificate on your behalf; in others, you’ll need to apply directly. Processing times and fees vary, so it’s best to consult the relevant state registry’s website for detailed information.

Providing a Review

Your feedback is invaluable and helps future couples in their decision-making process. Sharing your experience can guide others and support my services. If you’re unsure about what to include in your review, consider the following:

  • Who, What, Where, When, and Why: Mention the details of your wedding, including who was involved, the location, date, and reasons for choosing my services.
  • Your Experience: Describe how you felt during the lead-up to the wedding and on the day itself. Did the service meet your expectations?
  • Uniqueness: Highlight any aspects that made the service stand out compared to others.
  • Recommendations: Suggest the types of couples or weddings that would benefit from similar services.

To simplify the process, you can use I Do Review, a tool that helps generate a review by asking a few simple questions.

I Do Review will send you an email with a review for you to copy and paste to use on the following platforms:

At the bare minimum a good review says something around the lines of:

Josh was a <positive declaration> wedding celebrant for our wedding at <wedding location> and made us feel <how you felt> when he did <something unique and meaningful I did> at our wedding.

Your thoughtful review not only supports my business but also assists other couples in making informed choices for their special day.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with any post-wedding matters, feel free to reach out. Wishing you all the best in your married life!

Wondering about what else should you do after? Here’s info on how to change your name?