What Are My Marriage Name Options?

As a bride you have 4 options for taking a new name.  You can take any one of the options below and as a married couple you can have different surnames.  Any of these changes can be taken with only your marriage certificate as evidence of your new name.

• You can change your surname to your husband's surname. It is a custom for a bride to take her husband’s surname, not the law. However since the mid 90’s approximately 85% of brides still choose to take their husbands name. Along with the wedding ceremony and a ring from a jewellers such as 77-Diamonds, many women see taking their husband's name as a symbol of their marriage. However, it is not compulsory, and it is not an option chosen by everyone.
• You can choose to take a double barrelled surname which is a combination of both your surnames.  For instance if Jane Citizen married John Smith you can take the surname Citizen-Smith or Smith-Citizen.  You do not both have to have the same surname, for instance a couple can be Jane Citizen-Smith and John Smith.  Some companies will insist you have a deed poll, however you can change your passport and driving licence with just your marriage certificate, you can then use your updated passport and driving licence as evidence of your new name for subsequent changes.
• You can use a combination of your married and maiden name.  Professionally you may want to retain your maiden name, especially as you have developed a reputation in your industry.  Personally you may chose to update your passport and drivers license to have the same surname as your partner.  Just ensure your personal documents and ID are consistently under the one name.
• You can leave your name as is and take no action.

Want a different surname entirely?

A couple could change their surname name to a different name entirely, but if it is not one of the above options then they would need Change your name via deed poll, or undertake one of the other name change options.  If a couple decides they both want a new name, it is easiest for the husband to legally change his surname before the wedding, then after the wedding the bride can use the Wedding Certificate to change her surname.

Change Your Name The Easy Way™

Easy Name Change™ provides you a personalised and complete letter or fax for every company you need to notify of your new name. Our customers save around 6 hours as they don't need to do any research or letter writing. You don't even need to address an envelope!

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