Changing Your Surname after marriage

As you plan your beautiful wedding day with Weddings By Arthur, one detail you might be considering is the tradition of surnames. For centuries, it was customary for a bride to take her husband’s surname. While many couples still embrace this tradition, it’s wonderful to know you have choices! And interestingly, the options have expanded over time.

So, what are your possibilities when it comes to your surname after marriage in South Africa? Let’s break it down:

Your Surname Choices:

When you get married, you generally have three main options regarding your surname:

1. Keep Your Current Surname: You can absolutely continue using the surname you had before getting married (often called a maiden name, but applicable to either spouse keeping their original name).
2. Take Your Spouse’s Surname: You can adopt your partner’s surname as your own.
3. Double-Barrel Your Surnames: You can combine both your surnames, usually with a hyphen (e.g., Smith-Jones).

Important Note: Choosing to change your surname is entirely optional. There’s no legal requirement forcing you to do so. It’s a personal decision for you and your partner.

A Quick Look at the Legal Side (Simplified!):

South Africa has two main laws governing marriage: the Marriage Act and the Civil Union Act. The main difference relevant to surnames is:

• Under the Marriage Act, traditionally only the woman has the option to change her surname.
• Under the Civil Union Act (which allows for marriage regardless of gender), either spouse has the option to change their surname.

Practical Considerations:

Here’s a helpful tip: Even if you legally change your surname, you are generally still permitted to use your original surname in certain contexts. Many people find this useful, especially professionally.

Why? By the time many couples marry, they’ve built careers, perhaps own property or vehicles, all under their original names. Changing everything across the board can be a significant administrative task. Knowing you can maintain your professional identity under your original name while embracing your married name socially or legally offers welcome flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision about surnames is a personal one for you as a couple. Discuss what feels right for both of you as you embark on this exciting new chapter together!