How to Get Your Marriage Certificate in Western Australia

Order Your Marriage Certificate (Western Australia)

After your marriage ceremony in Western Australia, you’ll need to understand how to get your official marriage certificate. This guide explains the process, timeframes, and different types of certificates available.

Authorised Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant. Serving Perth and Fremantle / Perth.

Types of Marriage Certificates

Commemorative Certificate

  • What it is: A decorative certificate you receive on your wedding day
  • Legal status: Not legally recognised for official purposes
  • Cost: Usually included with your ceremony
  • Use: Keepsake and memento of your special day

Official Marriage Certificate

  • What it is: Legal document issued by WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Legal status: Fully recognised for all legal purposes
  • Required for: Name changes, passport applications, visa applications, legal proceedings
  • Cost: See Western Australia BDM website for current fees

Certified Copy vs Extract

  • Certified Copy: Full reproduction of the marriage register entry
  • Extract: Abbreviated version with essential details only
  • Both are legally valid for most purposes
  • Choose based on the requirements of the organisation requesting it

The Process: From Ceremony to Certificate

Step 1: Marriage Ceremony

  • Your celebrant conducts the legal marriage ceremony
  • You and your witnesses sign the marriage documents
  • Celebrant provides you with a commemorative certificate

Step 2: Registration (Celebrant’s Responsibility)

  • Within 14 days: Your celebrant must lodge the marriage documents with WA BDM
  • No action required from you during this step
  • Registration processing: Usually takes 2-4 weeks

Step 3: Ordering Your Certificate

  • Wait period: Allow 4-6 weeks after your ceremony before ordering
  • Online ordering: Available through WA BDM website
  • In-person ordering: Visit a BDM office
  • Mail ordering: Send completed application form

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

  • Standard processing: See WA BDM for current timeframes
  • Express processing: Available for additional fee
  • Delivery options: Post or collection from BDM office

When Can You Order?

Timing Guidelines

  • Minimum wait: 4 weeks after your ceremony
  • Recommended wait: 6 weeks to ensure registration is complete
  • If urgent: Contact WA BDM to check if your marriage is registered
  • Processing time: Additional time for BDM to process your order

What If It’s Not Ready?

  • Your celebrant may not have lodged the documents yet (they have 14 days)
  • BDM may still be processing the registration
  • There may have been an error requiring correction
  • Contact your celebrant first, then BDM if needed

How to Order Your Certificate

  1. Visit the Western Australia BDM website
  2. Select “Order a Certificate”
  3. Choose “Marriage Certificate”
  4. Complete the online application
  5. Pay the fee online
  6. Choose delivery method

Required Information

  • Full names of both parties (as on marriage documents)
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage (suburb/town)
  • Celebrant’s name (if known)
  • Your identification details
  • Delivery address

In-Person Ordering

  • Visit any WA BDM office
  • Bring photo identification
  • Complete application form
  • Pay fee (cash, card, or cheque)
  • Choose collection or postal delivery

Fees and Processing Times

Current fees and processing times: Check the Western Australia BDM website for up-to-date information, as government fees and timeframes can change.

Typical Options

  • Standard certificate: Standard processing time
  • Express certificate: Faster processing for additional fee
  • Certified copy vs extract: May have different fees
  • Delivery options: Post or collection may affect total cost

Who Can Order a Marriage Certificate?

Authorised Persons

  • Either spouse named on the certificate
  • Legal representative with proper authority
  • Person with legitimate interest (with appropriate documentation)

Identification Required

  • Photo ID: Driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card
  • Proof of relationship: If ordering for someone else
  • Legal authority: If acting as representative

Common Uses for Marriage Certificates

Name Changes

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Passport applications
  • Driver’s licence updates
  • Employment records
  • Insurance policies
  • Visa applications
  • Immigration processes
  • Legal proceedings
  • Property transactions
  • Superannuation changes

International Use

Troubleshooting Common Issues

”Marriage Not Found”

  • Wait longer: Registration may still be processing
  • Check details: Ensure names and dates are exactly correct
  • Contact celebrant: Confirm documents were lodged
  • Contact BDM: If problems persist

Name Spelling Errors

  • Minor errors: May be correctable through BDM
  • Major errors: May require celebrant to lodge correction
  • Document errors: Original marriage documents may need amendment

Urgent Certificate Needed

  • Express processing: Available for additional fee
  • Contact BDM: Explain your urgent circumstances
  • Alternative documents: Check if other proof of marriage is acceptable

Getting Help

The Perth Marriage Office Support

  • Pre-ceremony guidance: We explain the certificate process
  • Post-ceremony support: Help with any registration issues
  • Document problems: Assistance with corrections if needed
  • Contact us: If you have questions about your marriage registration

WA BDM Contact

  • Website: Western Australia Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Phone: Check BDM website for current contact numbers
  • Office visits: Multiple locations across WA

Plan Ahead

If you know you’ll need your marriage certificate for:

  • Name changes: Start the process 6-8 weeks after your ceremony
  • Passport applications: Allow extra time for processing
  • Visa applications: Check requirements early and order accordingly
  • Overseas travel: Consider if apostille is needed

Ready to Get Married?

Book your marriage ceremony with The Perth Marriage Office, and we’ll guide you through the entire process, including how to get your marriage certificate.

Contact us if you have questions about the marriage registration process or need help with certificate-related issues.

Remember: Your marriage is legally valid as soon as the ceremony is completed and the documents are signed. The certificate is simply official proof of your marriage for legal and administrative purposes.