How to Get Your Marriage Certificate in South Australia

After your marriage in Adelaide or elsewhere in South Australia, the official proof of marriage comes from South Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Two Certificates People Commonly Confuse

Ceremonial Certificate

This is the decorative certificate you usually receive on the day of the marriage. It is a keepsake and not the main legal proof used for government and identity changes.

Official Marriage Certificate

This is the certificate issued by South Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages after the marriage is registered. This is the one usually needed for:

  • passport changes
  • driver’s licence updates
  • banking
  • visa matters
  • formal name updates

What Happens After the Ceremony

  1. The marriage takes place and the legal documents are signed.
  2. The celebrant lodges the documents after the ceremony.
  3. South Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages registers the marriage.
  4. Once registration is complete, the official certificate can be ordered.

Important Timing Point

You cannot usually order the official certificate on the wedding day itself. The marriage must first be registered.

Processing times and fees can change, so always check the official South Australian government page for the current position.

Where to Order the Official Certificate

Use the South Australian government marriages portal:

Register intention and order certificate

What You Will Usually Need

When ordering, expect to provide:

  • the names of both parties
  • the date of marriage
  • the place of marriage
  • proof of identity
  • payment of the government fee

Why This Matters for Adelaide Couples

If you are planning a change of name, overseas travel, visa work, or post-marriage administration, the official certificate is the document you should plan around.

If you want help understanding the difference between the day-of certificate and the official certificate, use the contact form.