Request a marriage certificate
Access Canberra will process your request within 15 business days of receiving all required documents. This timeframe does not include Australia Post delivery times.
Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 if you don’t receive your certificate within this timeframe.
You can request a copy of your marriage certificate if you:
- are named as the bride, groom or partner on the certificate
- are authorised by the bride, groom or partner named on the certificate
- meet the criteria in the Births, Deaths and Marriages Access Policy [PDF 391.8 KB].
Apply online
All requests for certificates:
- have an application fee unless you’re eligible for a waiver
- are assessed against the Births, Deaths and Marriages Access Policy [PDF 391.8 KB]
You can apply for a marriage certificate online:
Apply for a marriage certificate
What you'll need
- Upload 3 copies of proof of identity
- Pay the fee.
Fee waivers
You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you are experiencing financial hardship and require a certificate to access immediate services.
Read more about fee waivers.
Certificate types
The types of certificates you can request are:
- a standard certificate: this is a legal document that uses security paper. Only this type of certificate is recognised as the official registered marriage certificate and commonly accepted in support of proof of identity.
- a commemorative certificate: these use normal paper and decorative styles. They are not typically recognised as a legal document
- a standard and commemorative certificate package: you can order the legal document and a commemorative version.
Standard certificates
Standard certificates use security paper that make them almost impossible to copy or tamper with.
They are a record of a marriage and you can use them to support your legal identity. They include:
- See-through Register
- Anti-Copy Screen Tapping
- Security Pattern
- Microtext - Positive/Negative
- Split Colour Rainbow
- Unique Serial Number
- UV Invisible Florescence
- UV Visible Florescence
- UV Rainbow.
If you think you have a fraudulent marriage certificate, email the Births, Deaths and Marriages team at BDM@act.gov.au.
Commemorative marriage certificates
Commemorative marriage certificates use normal paper and come in 3 designs.
They are not accepted as a proof of identity document.
You can apply for a package that includes both the Standard marriage certificate and a Commemorative version.
The options available are:
Gold ring
Silver ring
Balloon
