Can we use our actual marriage certificate in our wedding frame?

The short answer is Yes!

The long answer is, a good celebrant friend once told me she refers to the commemorative signing certificate used on the day of your ceremony as “The Pretty Certificate”, because it is 'pretty useless'. Pretty on the day and useless after that!

The certificate you receive on the day is called a Form 15 and is a ceremonial certificate of your marriage and while it is a one-of and can never be replaced; it only proves you got married, it doesn't prove your marriage was registered.

From the time you have spoken the required words and signed the required papers, either of you can use your partner’s surname and identify using it, on anything that’s not legal like booking a table at a restaurant etc.

If you do need to prove you are married for legal purposes, you will need a Registered Marriage Certificate. This can usually be ordered through your celebrant or you can order it directly from the BDM in your state. This is the official and legal document that you can then use change your 'Usual Usage Surname' on your licence, Medicare, bank details and passport if you wish.

So, if the 'Pretty' certificate can't be used for anything and you don't want to lose it, why not display in your bouquet frame, loud and proud to remember your day?

It beats rolling it up and popping it into a tube in the cupboard somewhere or filing it away. It can’t be used anywhere than on your wall to remind you each day of your commitment to each other.

Let’s face it, it’s a fantastic way to be reminded of your anniversary each year… no

excuses and no chance of ending up in the doghouse.