Junior Rasmussen
Signing a wedding license during the ceremony is a great way to make your wedding unique. It is a special moment that can be shared with your guests, and it is also a legal requirement for your marriage to be officially recognised. The process involves the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses, and it is usually done after the vows and exchange of rings. Some couples choose to sign the license during the ceremony, while others prefer to do it privately before or after the ceremony. It is important to check the legal requirements in your region, as they may vary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who signs the marriage license? | The couple getting married, the officiant, and 2 witnesses |
| When to sign the marriage license | During or after the ceremony, or before the wedding day |
| Where to sign the marriage license | A special wedding sign table, or any surface like a clipboard, bench, bar top, folder, or each other's backs |
What You'll Learn
Signing the marriage license during the ceremony
Most couples choose to sign the license during or just after the ceremony. If you opt to sign it during the ceremony, you will typically do so after exchanging vows and rings. You, your witnesses, and the officiant will go off to the side, sign the license, and then return to finish the ceremony. The officiant will then pronounce you married and invite you to kiss!
If you choose to sign the license after the ceremony, you will usually meet your officiant and witnesses right after the recessional. The ceremony will be over, and you will head off to the side or to a separate room to sign the paperwork.
It is entirely up to you whether you want to make signing the license part of your ceremony or do it separately. You do not have to sign it in front of your guests if you don't want to. Discuss with your officiant when the best time for the signing would be.
Some couples prefer to sign the license just before the ceremony, and the 'signing' during the ceremony is simply a photo opportunity. This can be a good option if you are nervous about being the centre of attention or want to ensure your signature is neat!
Remember that the requirements for a valid marriage license may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check with your local authorities. For example, in some places, the license must be signed on the day of the wedding, while in other places, it can be signed beforehand. In certain jurisdictions, the declaration of intent (the ceremony) is part of the legalities, so you can't just sign the license without saying your vows.
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Who signs the marriage license?
The marriage license is signed by the couple getting married, the wedding officiant who married them, and two witnesses who observed the wedding ceremony. Each signatory has an important role to play in ensuring the legality of the wedding. The couple must both be free to marry and consent to the marriage. The officiant must be licensed and able to marry couples in the region. The witnesses must confirm that the couple has consented to marry one another.
Most couples sign their marriage license during or just after the wedding ceremony. If the couple chooses to sign during the ceremony, they will typically do so after the vows and rings. They will go off to the side with their officiant and witnesses, sign the license, and then return to finish the ceremony. If the couple chooses to sign after the ceremony, they will usually meet their officiant and witnesses just after their recessional back up the aisle.
However, the timing of the signing of the marriage license is not strictly prescribed. Couples could choose to sign their license days, weeks, months, or even years before or after their wedding day. This is known as a legal signing or legal ceremony. This option may be preferable for couples who wish to get married abroad or who need to be married in order to qualify for certain benefits.
It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining and signing a marriage license may vary depending on the region or country in which the wedding is taking place. For example, in some places, it is common to sign the license during the ceremony, while in others, the couple may need to sign it ahead of time at a designated office. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific requirements for the location where the wedding will take place.
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When to sign the marriage license
The timing of signing the marriage license depends on where you live and your personal preference. In some places, the couple signs the license before the wedding day, while in other places, the couple must sign the license on the day of the wedding. In some jurisdictions, the ceremony itself, including declaring your intent, is part of the legalities, so you can't just sign the license without saying your vows.
Most couples sign their marriage license right after the wedding ceremony ends, but it is also common to sign it during the ceremony after the vows and exchange of rings. If you choose to sign the license during the ceremony, you will typically go off to the side with your officiant and witnesses, sign the license, and then return to finish the ceremony. Your officiant will then pronounce you married and invite you to kiss!
If you choose to sign your marriage license after your ceremony, you will typically meet your officiant and witnesses just after your recessional back up the aisle. The ceremony will be over, and you will head off to the side or a separate room to sign the paperwork.
It's important to ensure that the marriage license is signed by all the necessary people, including the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses. Many couples opt to have siblings or very close friends act as witnesses. Don't forget to bring your ID and pay for your license ahead of your wedding day.
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Where to sign the marriage license
There are a few options for where to sign your marriage license. Most couples choose to sign their marriage license during or just after their wedding ceremony. If you choose to sign it during the ceremony, you will typically do the signing after the vows and rings. You'll go off to the side with your officiant and witnesses, sign the license, and then come back to finish the ceremony. Your officiant will then pronounce you married and invite you to kiss!
If you choose to sign your marriage license after your ceremony, you'll typically meet your officiant and witnesses just after your recessional back up the aisle. The ceremony will be over, everyone will have clapped and cheered, and you'll head off to the side or a separate room to sign the paperwork.
If you are signing your marriage license during your wedding ceremony or just after, you may choose to set up a special wedding sign table. These tables are usually off to the side in the ceremony space and consist of a table/desk, chair, and some decor. However, you do not have to set up a wedding sign table. Couples have been known to sign their marriage licenses on a clipboard, bench, bar top, folder, or even each other's backs!
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What to do if you forget to sign the marriage license
It is essential to sign your marriage license to be legally recognised as married. While it is possible to sign the license before or after the ceremony, it is best to do it early on in the day before the celebrations begin. If you forget to sign your marriage license, here is what you should do:
- Ask your officiant and guests to wait while you go and retrieve the license. This may be costly as you will have to cover the extra time of your officiant and vendors, and your officiant may not be able to wait if they have other weddings booked.
- Turn your wedding into a commitment ceremony by removing references to marriage from the script. This is important as it is a misdemeanor in many states for an officiant to perform a wedding ceremony without a marriage license. You can then sign the license at a later date in a 'sign and go' ceremony.
- If you have already signed the license but forgotten to return it, you will need to contact the county clerk. The next steps will depend on how much time has passed since your wedding day and the regulations of your state. You may need to apply for a new license, file an affidavit, or pay an additional fee.
- If you have lost your license before the ceremony, contact the clerk's office and request a duplicate. You may need to sign and file an affidavit and pay an additional fee.
- If you have lost your license after the ceremony but before it has been returned to the county recorder, you, your officiant, and any witnesses will need to sign the duplicate as soon as possible.
It is a good idea to have someone in your wedding party ordained so that they can serve as a backup officiant. This will give you more flexibility if you need to make last-minute changes to your plans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to sign a wedding license during the ceremony. In some places, like Canada, it is standard practice to sign the license during the ceremony. However, it is important to check the local laws and requirements, as they may vary.
The wedding license needs to be signed by the couple getting married, the wedding officiant, and two witnesses who observed the wedding ceremony.
The license is typically signed after the vows and exchange of rings. The couple, officiant, and witnesses go to a signing table, usually set up off to the side, to sign the license.
Once the license is signed, the officiant will pronounce the couple as married and invite them to kiss. The officiant is then responsible for mailing the license to the relevant agency for processing and registration.
