Double Last Name

When we applied for our marriage license we were able to choose any last name we wanted, including any combination of hyphenation.

Hi Emyli! If your new legal last name will be two names (Jones Doe), then it definitely has to be listed that way on all official documentation including bank & credit cards. Be prepared for it to confuse them though!! My husband has two middle names and every bank acts super flustered and confused like they've never seen it before. 😆

Also your new last name can be whatever you want! Legally neither of you has to take the other's last name, you can make up something totally new and the process is the same!!

In some states and counties you do have to write your new last name on your marriage license, so make sure to read your application thoroughly!

This is going to depend on your state. Unlike what Lynnie said, in my state you can’t make up a different name and have the same process. One of you would have to petition the court to change your name first and then the other could take it. The best thing to do is call your local clerk’s office and find out what your options are.

This probably depends on where you live and/or are getting married. Sometimes you can just create whatever last name you want on your marriage documents but other times you may need to petition for a name change if its something different than what is considered "traditional" (woman taking mans last name).