How do you address an envelope to a couple when the wife has kept maiden name?

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1266127

2026-05-02 19:15

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Modern etiquette has been quite adaptive to relatively new changes in how individuals retain their identity after marriage. In some instances the choice to retain a maiden name may be professional. The spouse may have a medical practice, or professional reputation where it's beneficial for them to continue using their pre-married name, but still wish to celebrate the fact of their marriage.

In a scenario where a man and woman have married and the woman chooses to retain her maiden name, as well as adopt her married name, the form would be:

Millicent Millhouse-McGillicutty

To address a letter to husband and wife collectively, respecting the spouse's choice to retain her family name, the address would be:

Mr Harold Millhouse

Ms Millicent McGillicutty - Millhouse

(There is no specific order implied in placing one name over the other, other than the neatness of the envelope).

In the US, the form of address would include a 'full-stop' or 'period' after the abbreviated title, such as:

Prof. Herbert Hoffmeister

Dr. Anastasia Meistersinger - Hoffmeister

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