Registry-style ceremonies by civil celebrants, not a government registry office. No fuss, no frills, no wedding. Just paperwork.

Applying for a Marriage Certificate in the Northern Territory

A simple guide to the difference between the ceremonial certificate and the official NT marriage certificate.

After you get married, you receive a certificate on the day, but that is not usually the one you need for legal paperwork.

Two different certificates

Ceremonial certificate

  • given to you on the day by the celebrant
  • keepsake certificate
  • not usually accepted for official proof

Official marriage certificate

  • issued by the NT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • used for name changes, passports, visas, and legal proof of marriage

How to get the official certificate

  1. Get married.
  2. We lodge the marriage paperwork.
  3. Once the marriage is registered, apply through the NT Registry.

Official link:

More detail

For the full step-by-step version, see How to get your marriage certificate in the Northern Territory.