Changing Your Name When Getting Married

Getting married gives you the option to change your name. Whether you need a deed poll depends on the name you want.



If you're taking your spouse's surname, your marriage certificate is enough. Any other change needs a deed poll. The same rules apply if you form a civil partnership.

When You Need a Deed Poll

You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse's surname. Your marriage certificate is your proof.


For example, if Sarah Jones marries David Smith, she can become Sarah Smith using only her marriage certificate. This works for either of you: David can become David Jones the same way.


You need a deed poll for any other change. This includes:

  • Hyphenating your surname with your spouse's (Sarah Jones-Smith)
  • Blending your surnames into a new one
  • Both of you changing to a completely new surname
  • Any change to your first or middle names


Your marriage certificate only covers taking your spouse's existing surname. For everything else, see our guide to changing your name in Northern Ireland.

Your Options

Take your spouse's surname

The most common choice. No deed poll is needed, and either spouse can do it. Use your marriage certificate as proof when updating your documents.

Keep your own name

You do not need to change your name when you marry. No documentation is needed.

Hyphenate your surnames

You can combine both surnames with a hyphen, in either order. Sarah Jones and David Smith could become Jones-Smith or Smith-Jones. This needs a deed poll.

Choose a new surname together

You can both change to a surname neither of you currently has. Each of you needs your own deed poll. Deed polls cannot be shared.

Changing Your Name Before or After the Wedding

You can change your name by deed poll at any time. You do not need to wait for the wedding, so some people have their new name in place for the day itself.



If you're using your marriage certificate alone, you must wait until after the wedding, since the certificate is your proof.

Your Marriage Certificate

To update your documents, you need an official copy of your marriage certificate. In Northern Ireland, you can order copies from the district registration office where you married or from the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI).



Organisations across Northern Ireland and the UK accept your marriage certificate as proof that you have taken your spouse's surname. No other documentation is needed.

Using a Deed Poll and Marriage Certificate Together

If your chosen name needs a deed poll, the deed poll alone is your proof of the name change. You can show your marriage certificate alongside it if an organisation asks about the reason for the change, but the deed poll is the document that changes your name.

Updating Your Documents

After changing your name, you update your records with each organisation directly. See our article on who to inform when you change your name for the full list.

Ready to Change Your Name?

If you're hyphenating, choosing a new surname together, or making any change beyond taking your spouse's surname, you need a deed poll.


Apply online and receive your deed poll by post within days. Each document is drafted to Northern Irish requirements, printed on parchment paper and embossed with a seal.


Once signed and witnessed, it is legally binding and guaranteed to be accepted in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.