What happens on the day of your ceremony

Changing your name

It is tradition for at least one partner to change their name after the ceremony. Although this is a tradition, it is not required by law.

Your marriage certificate is evidence of your marriage and can be used to evidence name change. There is no need for a separate deed poll document.

Registering children

If you have a child or children together prior to getting married, it is necessary to re-register your children following your marriage. It is necessary to do this even if the children have already been given the father's surname and no matter how old the children are at the time of marriage. Re-registration after marriage is a legal requirement under the 1976 Legitimacy Act.

Find out more information about how to re-register a child’s birth.