Name Change In Marriage

Marriage is the most common reason for anyone changing their name in the UK.

There are a number of different options for newly married couples who are undecided about names.

The traditional practice is for the woman to take the man’s surname upon marriage. If you choose to do this no deed poll or any further action is required, and your marriage certificate will serve as evidence of your name change.

If you want to continue using your maiden name you also do not need to take any action as no names have been made.

If you are not sure what to do about your name once you get married, consider the following options, which will require a deed poll for official purposes:

Double Barrel Surnames

This uses both of the couples surnames, placed in any order either as one word or separated by a hyphen.

In some cases this will require a deed poll as evidence.

The cost of two deed polls can be avoided if the man changes his surname before the wedding, then the wife can take his double barrelled surname on the day in the traditional way. This should be done at least two months before the wedding, and all necessary documents changed to the correct name, particularly if you are planning a honeymoon abroad as international travel with more than one name can be very difficult.

Meshing Your Surnames

This is blending elements of each person’s surname to create a new one for both of them. For example, if Mr Williams married Mrs Johnson, they could become Mr & Mrs Willson.

Man Taking the Woman’s Surname

It is perfectly acceptable to do this, and many organisations (including the passport service and DVLA) will accept the marriage certificate as evidence of this.

However, because of the break in tradition some organisations, such as banks and building societies, will require a deed poll.

Taking Either Partners Surname as a Middle Name

To keep a link to your family or to make the name changing process less one sided you could take whichever surname is being abandoned as a middle name. This can be done by deed poll.

A legal document, such as a deed poll, should only be drawn up by an experienced solicitor, to ensure that it will be accepted by all of the relevant bodies.

Changing your name upon marriage can be complicated, particularly if you plan to travel abroad shortly afterwards.

A solicitor will advise you on the best way to proceed.