What's in a Name? Your Post-Wedding Surname Options!
Do you need to change your surname after marriage?
Hey lovebirds! As a Sunshine Coast Celebrant, this is one of the hottest topics I have with my couples. It’s the great surname debate!
So, you've said your "I dos," sealed it with a sweet kiss, and danced the night away. Now comes the million-dollar question: "Do I have to change my surname after I'm married?"
Well, let me tell you a little secret, you don't have to do anything you don't want to! That's right, the choice is entirely yours! We all have options these days!
The Traditional Route: Taking Your Partner's Name
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of presenting a gorgeous couple as "Mr. and Mrs. Engaged" (not their real name, of course – celebrant-client confidentiality and all that jazz!).
The crowd went wild, and why wouldn't they? It's a beautiful tradition that many couples still cherish.
Plot Twist: When Tradition Gets a Modern Makeover
But here's where it gets interesting! In this case, "Engaged" wasn't the groom's name – it was the bride's!
That's right, our dashing groom decided to take his beautiful bride's surname.
How's that for a progressive power move?
Keeping It in the Family: Maiden Names Forever
Now, there's a growing trend of brides choosing to keep their maiden names, and for all sorts of fabulous reasons:
Maybe you're Dr. Awesome, Captain Incredible, or Professor Brilliant, and your name is your brand.
Perhaps you're the only child in a close-knit family, carrying on the family name like a boss.
Or maybe you just love your name and want to keep it. Because guess what? You can!
The Big Question: Is Name Changing Automatic?
As a Sunshine Coast Celebrant with more than 15 years experience in the wedding game, I still get asked if name changing happens automatically after marriage.
The answer is a big, sparkly NO! It's entirely all up to you!
Making the Change: Easy as Wedding Cake
For those of you who do want to change your name, don't fret! There are super handy Name Change Kits available online. They come with instructions, checklists, and forms to make the process smoother than your wedding day dance moves. My personal fave? After The Wedding's easy-to-use name change kit. It's a game-changer!
So, are you jumping on the name-change train, or are you keeping your surname as is?
There's no right or wrong answer – it's all about what feels right for you and your partner.
Whatever you choose, remember that your name is just one part of your amazing new journey together. The most important thing is the love you share and the life you're building. That's what really puts the "ever" in "happily ever after"!
If you have more questions about your Sunshine Coast ceremony, want to chat about name changes, vows, or just need some wedding wisdom, I'm all ears!
Let's hop on a Zoom call and make your big day as unique as your love story.
Click here to book your free consultation, and let's start planning the wedding of your dreams!