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

How to Get Your Marriage Certificate in the Northern Territory

A plain-English guide to what happens after the marriage and how to order the official NT marriage certificate.

After the marriage, you receive a ceremonial certificate on the day. If you need official proof of marriage, you then order the official NT marriage certificate from the Registry.

What happens after the marriage

  1. You get married and sign the marriage documents with your two witnesses.
  2. We give you the ceremonial certificate on the day.
  3. We lodge the paperwork after the marriage.
  4. Once the marriage is registered, you can apply for the official certificate.

Attorney-General guidance says the celebrant must submit the marriage paperwork to the state or territory registry within 14 days of the marriage.

How to apply

Use the NT online service:

Official NT information:

Important reminder

The official certificate is different from the ceremonial certificate you receive from the celebrant on the day.

You usually need the official certificate for:

  • name changes
  • passports
  • visas
  • legal proof of marriage