Franklin Dean
Group weddings, also known as group marriages, are relationships where multiple individuals are married to one another. While group marriages are not illegal in most countries, no Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people. The legal recognition of group weddings varies, and they are not considered the same as married couples in Western countries. However, in some parts of the world, such as Melanesia and certain tribes, group marriages have been practised historically and continue to be a part of cultural traditions. The legal recognition of these marriages depends on the specific laws of the region and the authority of the person conducting the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Ceremonies where more than one couple gets married at the same time |
| Other names | Mass weddings, joint weddings, double weddings |
| Requirements | Each couple must bring their own marriage license to be signed by the wedding officiant |
| Popularity | Group weddings are becoming an increasingly appealing option due to limited access to wedding officiants, venues, and weekend dates |
| Advantages | Community, affordability, and quirky charm |
| Choice of dates | Palindrome dates, weekends, and always-in-demand holidays like Valentine's Day, Beltane, Halloween (Samhain), or Christmas |
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What You'll Learn
Group marriage legality
The legality of group marriages varies across the world. No Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people. However, in some Muslim-majority countries, men are allowed to have up to four wives. For example, in Saudi Arabia, men are allowed to have up to four wives, but women are punished by law if they are caught with multiple partners. In some parts of Melanesia, there are "sexual relations between a group of men (formed by the husband's brothers) and a group of women (formed by the wife's sisters)".
In the United States, polygamy is outlawed in federal territories and all 50 states. However, prosecutions for polygamy are extremely rare. Utah has treated polygamy as an infraction since 1935, with punishments including fines, compensatory service, forfeiture, and disqualification.
In Europe, polygamy is illegal in all 27 states of the European Union. In Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, and Romania, polygamy is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
In Africa, polygamy is widespread, especially in the polygamy belt of West and Central Africa, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Gambia, Niger, and Nigeria. In some African countries, such as Côte d'Ivoire and Eritrea, polygamy is illegal and punishable by imprisonment and/or fines.
Native American weddings are legally recognized as long as the couple obtains a marriage license and the ceremony is conducted by someone with the authority to do so. However, the legal recognition of these weddings can vary due to the intersection of tribal sovereignty and modern legal systems.
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Native American wedding recognition
The recognition of Native American weddings is a complex issue due to the intersection of tribal sovereignty and modern legal systems. While tribal ceremonies are steeped in centuries-old traditions, their legal standing can vary when it comes to state and federal laws. This recognition is crucial for issues such as jurisdiction in family law matters and the application of benefits. Native American marriages can be legally recognised as long as the couple obtains a marriage license and the ceremony is conducted by someone with the authority to do so.
Native American wedding traditions are as diverse as the tribes themselves, with each tribe having its own unique rituals, beliefs, and symbols. Many Native Americans desire a wedding that reflects their Indian heritage. Some Native American wedding ceremonies are informal, while others are quite formal. When they were not small and informal, these events were solemnised with feasts and merrymaking. The evening is the traditional time for the ceremony to occur. Water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing. The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves. In some traditions, the bride swims outdoors in open water on the morning of her wedding day to receive a blessing from Mother Earth.
The colours and patterns in Native American wedding attire and decorations are chosen with intention, each carrying a specific meaning that contributes to the narrative of the ceremony. Red may symbolise vitality and passion, while white can represent purity and new beginnings. Patterns, too, are symbolic, with motifs such as the butterfly representing transformation or the turtle signifying longevity. These visual elements are a language unto themselves, reflecting the community's values and beliefs.
Some common Native American wedding traditions include the wedding vase, which is used by Native American couples in the Southwest but has also been adopted by couples elsewhere. The blanket ceremony is also commonly practised during Cherokee weddings, where the mothers of the couple bring blue blankets that symbolise the sorrow of their lives prior to their union. Later in the ceremony, a large white blanket is draped over the couple, symbolising peace and fulfilment in their new life together. Another tradition is the exchange of intricate wedding baskets, notably among the Navajo tribe.
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Online marriage certificates
Group weddings are not considered illegal in most countries as long as they are not statutory marriages. No Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people. Native American weddings, for instance, are steeped in centuries-old traditions and rituals, but their legal standing can vary when it comes to state and federal laws. For a Native American wedding to be legally binding, the couple must have a valid marriage license and the person officiating the ceremony must have the authority to do so.
Now, when it comes to obtaining a marriage certificate, you can do so online through VitalChek, the exclusive online partner of over 450 governing agencies. The steps are as follows:
Application
Complete the online form with details such as the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the place of marriage. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship, such as a valid ID or other documents.
Payment
Make the payment using a credit or debit card.
Verification
Follow the secure identity verification process to confirm your eligibility.
Processing
Once your application is validated, the appropriate government agency will handle your request through PCI-compliant security standards. Your official record is printed and shipped directly from the authorized government location.
Delivery
The government vital records agency ships the certified marriage certificate to you.
Please note that the delivery times for the marriage certificate may vary depending on the agency. Additionally, if you need to make any corrections or amendments to your marriage certificate, you can refer to the relevant government websites for the specific processes and requirements.
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Marriage license requirements
While group marriages are not illegal in most countries, no Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people. This means that while three or more people can form and share a sexual relationship, they cannot obtain a marriage license as a group.
- Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old. If one or both parties are under the age of 18, there may be separate procedures and requirements, including the need for parental consent.
- Residency: In some locations, at least one of the individuals must be a resident of the city or state where the marriage license is being obtained.
- Identification: Both parties must provide valid photo identification, such as a state-issued ID card, driver's license, passport, or military ID.
- Proof of Single Status: Both individuals must provide proof that they are unmarried. If previously married, a certified copy of the divorce or annulment decree may be required.
- Birth Certificates: In some places, birth certificates or baptismal certificates of the bride and groom may be necessary.
- Application Forms: Couples may need to complete and sign specific marriage license application forms, which can be obtained from the local marriage registration division or civil registry department.
- Parental Consent: In certain jurisdictions, if the individuals are minors or below a certain age, signed consent from parents or guardians may be mandatory.
- Witness Requirements: Some locations may require witnesses to be present when the marriage license is issued or during the wedding ceremony itself.
- Waiting Period: There may be a mandatory waiting period between the application for the marriage license and when the license is issued or when the wedding can take place.
- Fees: There is often a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which varies depending on the location.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific requirements may differ based on the region or country in which the marriage license is being obtained. Couples should always refer to the official guidelines provided by their local government or marriage license issuing authority.
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Polygamy laws
While group marriages are not illegal in most countries, statutory marriage between more than two people is not permitted in any Western country. Individuals involved in polyamorous relationships are treated no differently from people who live together or date monogamously.
- China: Polygamy is illegal under the Civil Code passed in 2020, which replaced similar prohibitions from 1950 and 1980.
- Hong Kong: Polygamy was outlawed in 1971 when the Marriage Act was passed. Previous unions under customary law are sometimes recognised.
- Israel: Polygamy has been banned for all confessional communities since at least 1959 and was criminalised in 1977. However, the law is not always enforced, and polygamy is still practised by Negev Bedouins.
- Kazakhstan: Polygamous marriages are not recognised, but the practice has been decriminalised since 1998.
- Gabon: Both men and women can technically enter into polygamous marriages under the law. However, in practice, only men have multiple spouses.
- Kenya: Polygamy is legal under legislation passed in 2014.
- South Africa: Customary marriages are recognised, and the Supreme Court ruled that Muslim marriages performed under Sharia law are valid.
- Philippines: Polygamy is only allowed in "exceptional cases" among Muslims, where a man can provide for his wives with equal companionship.
- Eritrea: Polygamy has been illegal since 1977 and is punishable by imprisonment for 6 to 12 months or a fine of 20,001 to 50,000 Nakfas.
- Tunisia: Polygamy has been banned and criminalised since 1956 and is punishable by one year's imprisonment.
- Brazil: Bigamy is illegal and punishable by 2 to 6 years of imprisonment.
- Canada: The criminalisation of polygamy was deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2011. However, minors cannot be prosecuted for participating in a polygamous marriage.
- United States: Polygamy is outlawed in federal territories and all 50 states. Bigamy is treated as a strict liability crime, and penalties vary depending on state laws.
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Frequently asked questions
No Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people. However, several states in the US recognize and perform online marriages, where group weddings can take place.
Native American wedding traditions are diverse, with each tribe having its own unique rituals, beliefs, and symbols. While these ceremonies are steeped in centuries-old traditions, their legal standing can vary when it comes to state and federal laws. Native American marriages can be legally recognized as long as the couple obtains a marriage license and the ceremony is conducted by someone with the authority to do so.
In most countries, it is not illegal for three or more people to form and share a sexual relationship, though such relational forms may run afoul of local laws against unmarried cohabitation. No Western country permits statutory marriage between more than two people, and non-married partners are not given the same legal protections as married couples.
