Changing Your Name When Getting Married

Getting married gives you the option to change your name. What you need to do depends on which name you want to use after your wedding.

Do You Need a Deed Poll?

Whether you need a deed poll depends on what name you want to use after getting married.

If You Are Taking Your Spouse's Surname

You do not need a deed poll if you are simply taking your spouse's surname. Your marriage certificate is sufficient proof of your name change.

For example, if your name is Sarah Jones and you marry David Smith, you can become Sarah Smith using only your marriage certificate.

If You Want Any Other Name Change

You need a deed poll if you want to:

• Hyphenate your surname with your spouse's (Sarah Jones-Smith)
• Keep your middle name and add your spouse's surname
• Change to a completely new surname that neither of you currently has
• Both partners change to a hyphenated or new surname



Your marriage certificate only allows you to take your spouse's existing surname. Any other name change requires a deed poll.

You can read our full guide on changing your name by deed poll.

Your Options After Marriage

Take Your Spouse's Surname

This is the most common choice. You use your spouse's surname as your own.



You do not need a deed poll. Use your marriage certificate as proof when updating documents.

Hyphenate Your Surnames

You can combine both surnames with a hyphen. For example, Sarah Jones and David Smith could become Sarah Jones-Smith or Sarah Smith-Jones.



You need a deed poll for this. Your marriage certificate does not cover hyphenated names.

Keep Your Own Name

You can keep your current name. You do not need to change your name when you get married.



No deed poll or other documentation is needed.

Choose a New Surname Together

Both partners can change to a completely new surname. For example, Sarah Jones and David Smith could both become Sarah Taylor and David Taylor.



Both partners need individual deed polls for this. Your marriage certificate does not cover new surnames.

Your Spouse Takes Your Surname

Your spouse can take your surname instead. For example, David Smith becomes David Jones.



Your spouse needs a deed poll for this. Marriage certificates only allow taking the other spouse's name, not giving your own.

Timeline: Before or After the Wedding

You can change your name before or after your wedding. Each option has advantages.

Changing Before the Wedding

Some people prefer to have their new name ready for the wedding day.

If you need a deed poll, you can apply for it and use it at any time. You do not need to wait until after the wedding to change your name by deed poll.



However, if you are taking your spouse's surname using only your marriage certificate, you must wait until after the wedding. Your marriage certificate is your proof of the name change.

Changing After the Wedding

Most people change their name after the wedding.

If you are using a deed poll, you can apply for it after you are married and use your marriage certificate alongside it.

If you are using only your marriage certificate (taking your spouse's surname), you can begin updating documents as soon as you receive your official marriage certificate.

Updating Your Documents

After changing your name, you need to update your documents with various organisations.

See who to inform after changing your name for a complete list and guidance.

Using Your Marriage Certificate

If you are taking your spouse's surname without a deed poll, use your marriage certificate as proof of your name change.

Getting Your Marriage Certificate

You receive a marriage certificate on your wedding day. This is usually a commemorative certificate.

For updating documents, you need an official marriage certificate. You can order this from the register office where you were married.



Order multiple copies if possible. Some organisations require you to send the original certificate by post.

What Organisations Accept

All UK organisations must accept your marriage certificate as proof that you have taken your spouse's surname.

You do not need any additional documentation if you are simply taking your spouse's surname.

Using a Deed Poll and Marriage Certificate Together

If you need a deed poll for your chosen name, you use your marriage certificate and deed poll together.

The marriage certificate proves you are married. The deed poll proves your chosen name change.



Both documents together show organisations that your name change is related to your marriage and is legitimate.

If Your Spouse Is Changing Their Name

If your spouse is taking your surname, they follow the same process. They use their marriage certificate as proof.

If your spouse wants any other name change (such as hyphenating), they need their own deed poll.



Each person needs their own individual deed poll. You cannot share a deed poll.

Same-Sex Marriages and Civil Partnerships

The same rules apply to same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.

You can take your spouse's or partner's surname using your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate.



Any other name change requires a deed poll.

Apply for Your Deed Poll

If you are hyphenating your surnames, choosing a new surname, or making any name change other than simply taking your spouse's surname, you need a deed poll.



Apply online with Deedly and receive your deed poll within days.