This guide outlines how to apply for or renew your passport after marriage, when to travel under your maiden name, and what to do before your honeymoon abroad.
Newly Married? Here’s How to Handle Your Passport Before the Honeymoon
- If you’re planning a honeymoon soon after your wedding, don’t forget to plan for your passport… especially if you’re changing your name. Whether you’re making a new passport application or a passport renewal, timing and accuracy are critical.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Passport After Your Wedding
Step 1: Wait for Your Official Marriage Certificate
You’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update your passport to your new married name.
Step 2: Choose the Right Passport Application or Renewal Form
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If your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago or you were under 16 at the time: Use Form DS-11
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If your current passport is less than 15 years old and you’re eligible for renewal: Use Form DS-82
Both forms are available at travel.state.gov, and you’ll need to submit your old passport, a new photo, and payment.
Step 3: Submit Name Change Documentation
Include a certified copy of your marriage certificate to reflect your new legal name. This applies to both first-time applications and renewals with a name change.
Step 4: Allow Enough Processing Time
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Routine service: 4–6 weeks
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Expedited service: 2–3 weeks
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Urgent travel (via third-party expeditors): 24–72 hours (additional fees apply)
When NOT to Update Your Passport Before the Honeymoon
If your honeymoon is immediately after your wedding, it’s typically better to:
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Keep your passport in your maiden name
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Book all travel reservations (airfare, hotel, tours) using your maiden name
Why? Because it may take weeks to receive your marriage certificate and process a new passport… putting your international trip at risk.
✈️ Pro Tip: Passport and airline ticket names must match exactly. You cannot travel internationally with mismatched documents, even if you bring your marriage certificate.
Can You Travel With Your Maiden Name After Getting Married?
Yes. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you can travel on a valid passport in your maiden name after marriage as long as your travel documents match. Some countries may accept a marriage certificate as proof of name change, but not all do, so it’s safest to travel under the name printed on your passport.
Ideal Timeline: Passport Planning for Post-Wedding Travel
| Honeymoon Timing | Passport Name Strategy |
|---|---|
| Within 2–4 weeks after wedding | Use maiden name; renew after trip |
| 2–3 months after wedding | Consider expedited renewal to married name |
| 4+ months after wedding | Safe to update passport with new name |
Passport Renewal With Name Change: What You’ll Need
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Completed DS-82 or DS-11 form
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Current passport
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Certified marriage certificate
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Passport photo
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Fee payment (check the latest fee schedule at travel.state.gov)
💼 Need help planning your travel, wedding, and legal details together? Our Louisville wedding planning team supports every step of your celebration, including post-wedding logistics.
Don’t Let Your Passport Delay the Honeymoon of Your Dreams
At Michaelis Events, we think through every detail…so you don’t miss your flight, your name doesn’t cause issues, and your trip starts stress-free. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean, Italy, or Napa Valley, we’ll help you navigate the post-wedding details with ease.
Reach out today to start planning your wedding weekend and everything that comes after.
