New Married Names
It is traditional for the bride to change her name to her husband's surname after marriage, but she is not legally required to do so.
If she chooses to take her husband's name after marriage, a deed poll is not required; the marriage certificate is sufficient documentary evidence to show that she has changed her surname.
If she decides to retain her maiden name, she can adopt her husband's last name at any time in the future without a deed poll. A groom has no such legal right to change his name.
Legalities
A surname must be legally changed by deed poll if:
- The couple choose to have a double-barrelled or hyphenated surname.
- The bride wishes to use her maiden name as a middle name and adopt her husband's surname.
- The bride wishes to change the surname of any children from a previous relationship to that of her new husband.
Marriage Certificates
The marriage certificate is usually the only document needed to change names on official papers, identification and accounts, but sometimes a passport is also required. Additional copies of the certificate can be purchased from the General Register Office (GRO).
