Name change

The first thing is to change it with social security. You can't legally change it anywhere else beforehand, and you need the marriage certificate. There isn't much you can do before this step. You can start making a list of all the places you will need to change your name, including insurance, credit cards, store cards, etc. You can find lists online as well.

There’s nothing you can do to get started before you’re married. My best advice is to get at least 2, preferably 3, certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need them even more right now while many things can only be done by mail. That say you don’t have to send it to one place and wait for it to come back before you start the next step.

I don't think there's much you can start now, but I started the process immediately after my husband and I got married in October. Once I received my marriage certificate, I mailed everything to SSA. In the meantime I made my online appointment to change me drivers license because their appointments were booking up fast. I was able to change my bank accounts with my marriage certificate. Once I got my SS card I changed everything else employee, 401K, car and health insurance ... etc

As PPs have said, there’s nothing you can do before hand. I’m in the process of changing my name right now, so here’s what I’ve experienced (So Cal). Got married 9/24 and had the license sent in same day. Picked up 2 copies of our marriage certificate two weeks later (10/9). Filled out the social security form and mailed the form, the marriage certificate, and my passport on 10/13. Received my certificate and passport back about 2 weeks later. Finally received my new SS card last Wednesday (11/25) and went in same day to the DMV to update my license. My state isn’t doing appointments for name changes, so I had to wait in line (though I got lucky and was in and out in about an hour). I should have my new license in about another week or so. Once I receive that, I’ll be able to change bank accounts, work documents, my teaching license, etc.

Nothing you can do before getting married besides having the paperwork ready.