Applying for a Marriage Certificate

Types of Certificates

Standard Marriage Certificate

  • Official, certified copy of marriage registration
  • Includes full registration details
  • Suitable for all legal and identity purposes
  • Can be used as evidence for surname changes

Extract of Marriage

  • Contains only names, date and place of marriage
  • Limited information
  • Not suitable for most identity purposes

Certificate of No Record

  • Confirms no marriage record in New South Wales during specified period
  • Sometimes called a single status certificate
  • Required for some overseas marriages
  • May need Department of Foreign Affairs Apostille stamp
  • Only issued to the person named on certificate

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you are:

  • One of the married parties
  • A child of the married couple
  • An executor of their estate (must provide evidence)
  • Administrator or trustee (must provide evidence)
  • Someone with written authority or power of attorney (must provide evidence)

Note: Marriage records over 30 years old are publicly accessible in NSW.

How to Apply

Online

In Person

  • Visit any Service NSW centre in the Byron Bay region
  • Bring required identification
  • Pay applicable fees

By Post

  1. Download and print marriage certificate application form from NSW Registry website
  2. Complete the form
  3. Include required identification and payment
  4. Mail to provided address

Processing Times

Standard Service

  • Approximately 2-3 weeks
  • May take longer during peak periods
  • The Byron Bay Marriage Office can advise on current processing times

Priority Service

  • Express processing available (additional fees apply)
  • Must be approved
  • Applications after 4:30pm processed next business day

Service NSW Locations Near Byron Bay

Certificates can be applied for at Service NSW centres in:

  • Byron Bay
  • Ballina
  • Tweed Heads
  • Lismore
  • Murwillumbah
  • Mullumbimby

For other locations in the Northern Rivers region, please check the Service NSW website.

Delivery

  • All certificates sent via registered post
  • Express post available at additional cost
  • Collection available at specified Service NSW centres
  • The Byron Bay Marriage Office can provide guidance on tracking your certificate

Byron Bay Marriage Office Assistance

The Byron Bay Marriage Office can:

  • Provide information about the certificate application process
  • Help you understand which certificate type you need
  • Offer guidance on completing forms correctly
  • Advise on identification requirements
  • Assist with follow-up inquiries

For more information, contact the Byron Bay Marriage Office directly.