Following the passing of her father, Ms R, who lives in Australia, inherited several family photo albums and documents. While looking through them with her children, she discovered that her parents’ original UK marriage certificate was missing.
The family wanted to create a memory book celebrating their parents’ lives and also organise important family documents for future generations. As only one marriage certificate had originally been issued when her parents married, Ms R wanted to obtain two certified copy marriage certificates — one to keep safely with the family’s legal paperwork and another to include in the family’s history archive.
Ms R initially assumed she could simply request another original marriage certificate.
She soon discovered that the original certificate issued on the day of the marriage cannot be replaced. If it has been lost, it is unfortunately gone for good.
The only option is to obtain an official certified copy marriage certificate, which is produced from the original marriage register and carries the same legal standing for official purposes.
Living in Australia, Ms R wanted a straightforward way to obtain the correct documents without having to contact several UK organisations.
Whilst researching replacement marriage certificates online, Ms R found UK Document Services.
She liked the fact that the ordering process was simple, that no original paperwork needed to be sent, and that experienced staff would check the information before submitting the application. Knowing the certificates could be delivered securely to Australia gave her additional peace of mind.
How to Get a Marriage Certificate
Ordering a certified copy marriage certificate is quick and straightforward with UK Document Services.
Simply complete our secure online Order Form with the information you know, including:
- both parties’ full names;
- the approximate date of the marriage;
- where the marriage took place;
Our experienced team checks the information against the official records before submitting the application, helping to reduce the risk of delays.
After reviewing Ms R’s application, we searched the official marriage records, confirmed the correct entry and obtained two certified copies of her parents’ marriage certificate.
Once the certificates had been issued, we carefully prepared them for international dispatch and arranged secure delivery to Australia using Ms R’s preferred postage option.
The certified copy marriage certificates arrived safely in Australia.
Ms R was able to organise the family’s important paperwork while also preserving a copy within her family history collection for future generations.
Original vs Certified Copy Marriage Certificate
The original marriage certificate is issued at the time of the marriage. If it has been lost, it cannot be replaced.
Any replacement issued in the future is an official certified copy taken from the original marriage register.
A certified copy is not a photocopy. It is an official government document printed on secure paper and carries the same legal validity for official purposes.
Marriage Certificate Dispatch Times
- Standard Service – dispatch is up to 10 working days
- Rapid Service – dispatch is up to 5 working days
- Priority Service – dispatch is next working day
NB. Delivery time should be added to the stated estimated dispatch date.
Apostille Dispatch Times
- Standard Service – dispatch is up to an additional 7 working days.
NB. Delivery time should be added to the stated estimated dispatch date.
- 1st Class Airmail (12-15 Days)
- International Tracked Service (10-12 days)
- Courier (2-6 days) – The most reliable delivery option
How UK Document Services helps:
Rather than trying to understand the ordering process herself, Ms R chose a service that handled everything on her behalf.
UK Document Services:
- helps you obtain the correct certified copy first time;
- checks the information before submitting your order;
- offers friendly support by telephone and email;
- provides UK and worldwide delivery options;
- allows multiple certified copies to be ordered at the same time; and
- gives you one dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
Need a certified copy marriage certificate?
Whether you’ve lost your original marriage certificate or simply want an additional certified copy for legal or family history purposes, UK Document Services can help.
Complete our secure online Order Form today and we’ll obtain your official marriage certificate and deliver it safely anywhere in the world.
