What name should you use for your honeymoon documents?

​MAIDEN NAME
and here's why...
 
Time. Documents take a long time to arrive, from the marriage certificate to the passport, it can be weeks before it is all sorted out. Most couples don't have enough time between the wedding and the honeymoon to make a name change.

Free name changes. If you don't currently have a passport in any name, you may be tempted to get it in your married name. DON'T FALL FOR THAT TRAP! As mentioned above, you simply don't have the time to get the proper documentation. And there is good news, the State Department will allow you to change your name within 12 months of issuance. So although it requires a bit more form filling... you will be able to complete a name change when you return from your honeymoon without stressing about getting everything in time! 
(NOTE: Don't let it slip past 12 months, it will be more costly and time consuming)

Additionally, if you are renewing your passport within a year of the name change; there is no cost to change your name.

Original Blog post 6/16/2016, updated 7/23/18

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