How To Get Your Marriage Certificate Post-Wedding

A marriage certificate is a document that proves you are legally married. It is issued after the wedding ceremony and includes details such as the date, time, and place of the wedding, as well as the officiant's name. The process of obtaining a marriage certificate varies depending on the state and country where the marriage took place. In some cases, the certificate is automatically sent to the newlyweds, while in others, it needs to be requested or picked up in person. The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate also differs by location, typically ranging from $5 to $26. It is important to note that a marriage license, which allows individuals to marry, is different from a marriage certificate, which confirms that the marriage has taken place.

Where to get a marriage certificate

If you got married in the US, you can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate by contacting the vital records office in the state where the wedding took place. They will let you know the cost, what information you need to supply, and whether you can get a copy online, by mail, or in person.

If you got married abroad, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where the marriage took place. If the wedding took place before November 9, 1989, you should contact the State Department to get a copy of the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad.

In some places, you will need to go to the vital statistics office in person to get your marriage certificate. For example, in Chicago, you need to go to Vital Statistics two weeks after the wedding to get your certificate. In California, you need to wait a week and then go in person to get it, or you can choose to mail it but you must notarize the signature.

In some states, you can get a copy of your marriage certificate online. For example, in British Columbia, you can apply for a marriage certificate online via the BC Vital Statistics website.

How to get a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is a document that proves you are legally married to your spouse. The certificate records the date, time, and place of your wedding, and in many places, the officiant's name is also included. Marriage certificates are essential for sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for home loans/mortgages, and more.

Step 1: Choose Your Marriage Location

Marriage licenses are issued to couples based on their legal wedding ceremony location. Therefore, before applying for a marriage license, you must choose a location. The rules for obtaining a marriage license can vary by region and state, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your desired location.

Step 2: Set Your Wedding Date

It is important to set your wedding date as there is usually a specific time window around your wedding date within which you must apply for, receive, sign, and submit your marriage license. It is recommended to file for your marriage license at least one week before your wedding and no earlier than 90 days before the wedding. Marriage licenses typically expire, so you must get the timing right.

Step 3: Decide Whether You Will Change Your Name

The marriage license application may ask if you plan to change your surname after marriage, so it is recommended to discuss this with your partner beforehand. If you prefer to wait to decide, you can work with a name change service to make the process smoother after the wedding.

Step 4: Apply for a Marriage License

To apply for a marriage license, you and your future spouse will need to visit the appropriate office together, either in person or virtually. This is typically the county clerk's office, but it can vary depending on the state. In some states, you may be required to bring a witness.

Be sure to bring the necessary documentation, which may include:

• Proof of age (birth certificate)
• Parental consent if underage (usually under 18 years of age)
• Photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, etc.)
• Social security number
• Proof of citizenship and/or residence
• Both your parents' full names, birth dates, and birth states, and date of passing if applicable
• Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
• Parental permission if under 18 years old (a court order may also be required)

The marriage license fee typically ranges from $35 to $150, and the accepted payment methods can vary, so be sure to check beforehand.

Step 5: Sign and Submit Your Marriage License

Once you receive your marriage license, remember to bring it to your wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple, witnesses, and officiant will need to sign the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for submitting the signed marriage license to the appropriate authority (usually the county clerk) within a specified time frame, which can vary by state.

Step 6: Get a Marriage Certificate

The marriage certificate is issued after the marriage license has been certified by local officials. In some states, the marriage certificate is automatically sent to the newlywed couple, while in others, the couple must request a copy. It is a good idea to have a marriage certificate as proof of marriage for various purposes, such as taxes, insurance, banking, and name changes.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate

The time it takes to get a marriage certificate varies depending on location and other factors. In the United States, the process of obtaining a marriage certificate is handled by the county clerk's office in the jurisdiction where the marriage took place.

In some states, such as California, there is no waiting period to receive a marriage license, and it can be obtained on the same day as the application. However, the license is typically only valid for a specific time frame, such as 90 days in California. After the wedding ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the clerk's office, either by mail or in person, within a certain timeframe (usually a week). Once the county clerk receives the license, it will be processed, and the official marriage certificate will be mailed out within a few weeks.

In other states, there may be a waiting period between filing for the license and receiving it. For example, in Massachusetts, there is a 72-hour waiting period after the application is approved before the license is issued. Additionally, some states, such as New York, require couples to wait at least 24 hours after receiving their license before holding the wedding ceremony.

The time it takes to receive the official marriage certificate after the wedding can also vary. In some cases, couples may receive their certificate within 9 to 10 days, while others may wait up to 4 to 6 weeks. The timing depends on when the officiant submits the completed license and how long the processing takes. It's recommended to allow at least a month before the wedding day to apply for the license and anticipate potential delays.

It's important to note that marriage licenses and certificates are subject to different regulations and requirements in each state and county. These may include specific documentation, witness requirements, and fees. Therefore, it's advisable to check with the local county clerk's office to understand the exact process and timing for obtaining a marriage certificate.

What to do with a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is a crucial document that proves your marriage is legally recognised. Here are some steps to take to ensure you receive and maintain your marriage certificate:

Understand the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate:

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is a document that permits you to get married. It is typically obtained before the wedding and proves that you are legally able to marry. On the other hand, a marriage certificate confirms that the marriage has taken place and is signed by the couple and their officiant.

Apply for your marriage license:

The process of obtaining a marriage license can vary depending on your location. In some places, you may need to schedule an in-person appointment, while in others, you can apply online. It is important to plan ahead and apply for the license within the specified timeframe, as they usually expire.

Sign the marriage license:

After the wedding ceremony, ensure that the marriage license is signed by both spouses, the officiant, and any required witnesses. The number of witnesses required can vary by location, so be sure to check the requirements for your area.

Submit the signed marriage license:

The signed marriage license should be returned to the local marriage bureau or the county clerk, either by mail or in person. This step is typically the responsibility of the officiant, but it is important to confirm these details with them before and after the ceremony. There is usually a timeframe within which the license must be submitted, so be sure to meet the deadline.

Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate:

Once the signed marriage license is submitted, you will receive a marriage certificate. You may need to pay a fee to obtain certified copies. These copies will be useful for various purposes, such as changing your marital status for insurance, Social Security, bank accounts, and other official documents.

Store your marriage certificate safely:

Keep your original marriage certificate in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a secure storage box. Consider making digital or physical backup copies to ensure you always have access to this important document.

Remember to refer to the specific requirements and procedures of your state or country, as the process may differ. Congratulations on your wedding, and best of luck with the paperwork!

Who needs a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is a crucial document for any married couple, as it serves as legal proof of their union. While the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage certificate vary by location, there are some general guidelines and commonalities to be aware of. Here's an overview of who needs a marriage certificate and why.

• The Married Couple: The primary individuals who need a marriage certificate are, of course, the married couple themselves. This document serves as legal proof of their marriage and can be essential for various administrative and legal purposes. For instance, a marriage certificate may be required when applying for spousal benefits, insurance, or a name change after marriage. It is also necessary for any official transactions or records that require proof of marital status, such as taxes, banking, mortgage applications, or government services.
• Children and Parents of the Married Couple: In some cases, the children or parents of the married couple may also need a copy of the marriage certificate. This is especially true if there are legal, financial, or inheritance matters that involve the extended family. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage certificate may vary depending on the relationship of the applicant to the married couple.
• Government Agencies and Legal Representatives: Official government agencies and legal representatives may also require a marriage certificate for various administrative and legal purposes. For example, when processing spousal benefits for healthcare or social security, government agencies will typically ask for a marriage certificate as proof of the couple's marital status.
• Individuals Changing Their Name: If an individual plans to change their name after marriage, having a marriage certificate is essential. The certificate serves as legal proof of the name change and can be used to update identification documents, records, and accounts.
• Individuals Applying for a Divorce: When a married couple decides to separate and initiate divorce proceedings, a marriage certificate may be required as part of the legal process. It serves as proof of the initial marriage, which is necessary for the court to grant a divorce.
• Individuals Tracing Family History: Marriage certificates are also important for individuals interested in genealogy and family history research. They provide valuable information about family relationships and can help individuals trace their lineage accurately.

It's important to note that marriage certificates are typically obtained after the wedding ceremony has taken place. The officiant of the wedding often plays a role in filing the necessary paperwork to certify the marriage, and there may be specific time frames and procedures to follow based on the location of the marriage.

Frequently asked questions