Behind every record is a story
On 1 March 2026, the Registry marked 170 years of continuous service to the NSW community.
Since Register General, Christopher Rolleston recorded the first civil registration in 1856, the Registry now holds more than 20 million registrations, playing a significant role in recording the life events of the people of NSW.
Number of birth registrations since 1856
Number of marriage registrations since 1856
Number of death registrations since 1856
Life events registered for all birth, death and marriage registrations since 1856
Weddings at the State Library of NSW
In celebration of 170 years of the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, and 200 years of the State Library of NSW, the Registry is conducting weddings in one of Sydney’s most significant heritage buildings.
For one day only on 10 October 2026, the Registry will solemnise weddings at the State Library of NSW in Sydney.
These storybook weddings are now sold out. Learn more about unique Registry weddings.
Limited edition commemorative certificates
Thanks to the support of the State Library of NSW, who are marking their 200th anniversary in 2026, we have released limited-edition birth and marriage certificates featuring illustrations by pioneering female natural history artists of the 19th Century:
- Harriet and Helena Scott - Renowned for their detailed depictions of NSW flora and fauna, and honorary members of the Entomological Society of NSW in 1868.
- Ellis Rowan - Celebrated botanical artist and explorer, known for capturing rare specimens and hosting Australia’s largest solo exhibition of her time.
The featured artwork has been sourced from the State Library of NSW’s collections, and these certificates offer a unique way to celebrate your own milestones alongside the history of NSW.
Commemorative birth certificate
Illustrations of detailed passionflowers and butterflies from Australia’s pioneering sister artists, Harriet Scott (1830-1907) and Helena Scott (1832-1910), decorate this beautiful 170-year commemorative birth certificate.
From a young age the Scott sisters showed exceptional creative talent, and while painting flowers and collecting butterflies were considered acceptable pastimes for girls and women in the colonial era, Harriet and Helena soon moved beyond the level of hobbyists to become key contributors to the documentation of the native plants and animals of New South Wales.
The incredibly detailed illustrations of moths and butterflies - or lepidoptera - were of scientific as well as artistic value, accompanying the reference texts written by their father Alexander Walker Scott, and other natural scientists.
As a playful symbol of growth and change, their butterflies create the perfect theme for this elegant, limited-edition commemorative birth certificate.
Commemorative marriage certificate
Celebrating Australian natural history, illustrations of botanicals and butterflies from Australia’s pioneering female artists decorate this beautiful commemorative marriage certificate.
Courtesy of the State Library of NSW’s impressive collection, our 170-year commemorative marriage certificate features butterflies and wildflowers painted by the accomplished natural history artists Harriet (1830-1907) and Helena (1832-1910) Scott and Ellis Rowan (1848–1922).
The Scott sisters shared their father Alexander Walker Scott’s passion for documenting the native plants and animals of New South Wales. Their precise and delicate illustrations of insects, plants, and landscapes brought to life the scientific works that recorded the incredible variety of species in their home state. Rowan similarly made it her goal to paint every flower she could and create a visual collection of thousands of specimens in her lifetime.
On this marriage certificate, Rowan’s bright and joyful native bouquet, complemented by the Scotts’ butterflies, frame a timeless keepsake of your wedding day.
