Marriage License: Day-After Signing, Is It Legal?

Signing a marriage license is a crucial step in making your union official and legally recognised. While the specific requirements and processes may vary depending on your location, here's an overview of the topic: A marriage license is an official document obtained by the couple before the wedding, proving their legal ability to marry. The license is typically signed during or right after the ceremony, along with the officiant and witnesses. Most states provide a window of 30 to 60 days to file the certificate, but it's essential to confirm the timeline for your specific location. The signed license is then returned to the county clerk, either by mail or in person, to receive the marriage certificate.

Signing the marriage license during the ceremony

The marriage license is signed by the couple, the wedding officiant, and two witnesses. The witnesses are usually the maid of honour and the best man, but can be any two people who observe the ceremony.

If you choose to sign your marriage license during the ceremony, you will typically do so after the vows and ring exchange. The couple, officiant, and witnesses will go off to the side, sign the license, and then return to finish the ceremony. This can be done at a special signing table, which is usually set up off to the side of the ceremony space, or on any surface, such as a clipboard, bench, bar top, or folder.

Music can be played during this time, and the officiant can make an announcement before and after the signing to let guests know what is happening.

In some places, it is standard to sign the marriage license during the ceremony, such as in Canada and the UK. However, in other places, such as California, the couple may sign the license ahead of time, and only the witnesses and officiant sign during the ceremony. Be sure to check the requirements for your specific location.

It is important to note that the marriage is not legally valid until the license is returned to the local marriage bureau or county clerk. This is typically done by the officiant, but it is essential to confirm these details with them before and after the ceremony.

Who signs the marriage license

The marriage license is a very important document that needs to be signed by the right people at the right time. While the exact requirements vary depending on the region, there are some general rules about who needs to sign the marriage license.

Firstly, the couple getting married must sign the license. This is usually done right after the wedding ceremony ends, but it can also be done during the ceremony or even days, weeks, months, or years before or after the wedding. The couple's signatures serve as their consent to be joined in marriage.

Secondly, the wedding officiant who married the couple must also sign the license. The officiant must be licensed and authorised to perform weddings in the region. In some places, only the officiant signs the actual license, while in other places, the couple and witnesses also sign.

Thirdly, two witnesses who observed the wedding ceremony must sign the license. The witnesses must confirm that the couple has consented to marry one another. Siblings or very close friends are often chosen to act as witnesses. If there are no guests at the wedding, strangers can be asked to sign as witnesses.

After the marriage license has been signed by all the necessary parties, it must be returned to the local marriage bureau or county clerk. In some places, a hard copy of the license needs to be returned, while in other places, a photo of the signed license can be emailed. The officiant typically takes responsibility for delivering the license, but it is important to confirm these details with them before and after the ceremony. There is usually a window of about ten days to turn in the paperwork, and late fees may apply if it is submitted after the deadline.

Getting the marriage license

Getting a marriage license is a crucial step in the wedding process. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to know about obtaining and signing your marriage license.

Obtaining the Marriage License:

Firstly, you need to establish a date and location for your wedding. Marriage licenses are typically filed in the county where the wedding will take place, and they expire, so knowing your wedding date is essential. Each state and county has its own process and requirements, so be sure to check the specific guidelines for your location. Most states require proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, and some may also ask for a birth certificate. If it's not your first marriage, you'll need to provide a certificate of divorce or death certificate of your former spouse. There is usually a fee for applying, ranging from $35 to $150, so don't forget to bring the correct payment method.

Signing the Marriage License:

Most couples sign their marriage license right after the wedding ceremony, but it can also be done during the ceremony or even before the wedding day. The license must be signed by the couple, the wedding officiant, and two witnesses who observed the ceremony. The witnesses must be physically present, sign the license, and confirm the couple's consent to marry. Some states only require one witness, so be sure to check the requirements for your location. It's a good idea to take a photo of the signed license and get a notarized copy as well.

Returning the Marriage License:

After the ceremony, the signed marriage license needs to be returned to the county clerk by the officiant, either by mail or in person. This step is crucial, as it finalizes the legal recognition of your marriage. There is usually a window of time, often around ten days, to return the license, and late fees may apply if it's submitted after the deadline.

Receiving the Marriage Certificate:

Once the marriage license is processed and registered, the couple will receive a marriage certificate, which proves that the marriage ceremony took place and the couple is legally married. The marriage certificate may be mailed to the couple automatically, or they may need to apply and pay a fee to receive it, depending on the location.

Remember to confirm the specific requirements and guidelines for your state and county, as they can vary significantly. Congratulations and best wishes on your special day!

What to do after signing the marriage license

After the wedding ceremony is over, the marriage license must be signed by the couple and the officiant in the presence of any required witnesses. The number of witnesses required varies by location, but it is usually one or two. The witnesses must be physically present and are often close friends or family members. In some places, the Maid of Honour and Best Man may sign the license.

After the license has been signed, it must be returned to the local marriage bureau or county clerk. In some places, the license must be returned in hard copy, but in others, a photo of the license can be emailed, and the original kept as a valuable legal document. It is typically the officiant's responsibility to return the license, but if they are a friend or family member, it may be someone else's job. It is important to confirm who will be returning the license and to ensure that they are someone you can trust. The license must be returned as soon as possible after the ceremony, with the usual window being around ten days, although this varies by location.

Where to sign the marriage license

The location of the signing of the marriage license is flexible and depends on the couple's preference. Here are some options for where to sign the marriage license:

During the Wedding Ceremony

Some couples choose to incorporate the signing of the marriage license as part of their wedding ceremony. This can be done after the vows and exchange of rings, where the couple, officiant, and witnesses go to a signing table set up at the side of the ceremony space. This table can be decorated and music can be played while the guests wait. After the signing, the officiant can make a dramatic announcement and the couple can make their exit. Alternatively, the signing can be done during the ceremony, after the consent to be joined in marriage, with the couple, officiant, and witnesses signing the license at a table in front of the guests.

Immediately After the Ceremony

The marriage license can be signed immediately after the ceremony, before the recessional. The couple, officiant, and witnesses can meet just outside the ceremony space or in a separate room to sign the paperwork. This option ensures that the signing is done promptly and that all necessary parties are still present.

At a Later Time

In some cases, the marriage license may be signed at a later time, such as during the reception or even the day after the wedding. This may be necessary if there are logistical challenges or if the couple simply prefers to sign the license in private. However, it is important to ensure that all required parties are available to sign, including the officiant and witnesses.

At the Time of Obtaining the License

In certain jurisdictions, the couple may sign the marriage license when they first obtain it, before the wedding day. This can be done at the local marriage bureau or county clerk's office. However, it is important to note that the marriage is not legally valid until the ceremony is performed and the remaining signatures are obtained.

Regardless of the location chosen, it is important to have all the necessary documents, including the marriage license, pens, and the officiant's registry book. It is also a good idea to take a photo of the signed license and have a notarized copy for safekeeping.

Frequently asked questions