Spouse And You: Separate Signatures For Wedding Applications?

A marriage license and a marriage certificate are two distinct legal documents that are both required for a couple to be considered legally married. A marriage license is a legal permit that confirms that a couple is legally allowed to marry and is typically issued by a state authority. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is a document that proves that a couple is legally married and is issued after the wedding ceremony. While the specific requirements may vary by state, generally, both spouses and witnesses are required to sign the marriage license after the ceremony.

What is a marriage license?

A marriage license is a legal permit that confirms you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. It is issued by a state authority, such as a county court, and confirms that there are no legal qualifications that would disqualify you from marrying.

The marriage license is not proof of marriage—it is simply the legal confirmation that you are allowed to marry. The license must be presented during the ceremony and signed by an officiant. The date and location of the marriage, as well as the officiant's information, must be documented and then taken to the county clerk's office to be recorded.

Marriage licenses are typically obtained from the county clerk's office, but some states issue them from city hall or a marriage license bureau. The cost of a marriage license varies from state to state, ranging from $35 to $150.

Marriage licenses are only valid for a limited period of time, so it is important to apply for the license within the right time frame. You should apply for your marriage license at least one week before your wedding, and no earlier than 90 days prior.

To apply for a marriage license, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. Some states also require additional documentation, such as proof of how any previous marriages ended.

What is a marriage certificate?

A marriage certificate is a document that proves you are legally married to your spouse. It records the date, time, and place of your wedding, and in many places, the officiant's name is also included. Marriage certificates are typically issued by a state authority, such as the county court, and they are important for various legal and administrative purposes, such as sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for loans or mortgages, proving identity, or travelling internationally.

In most cases, the marriage certificate is sent to the newlyweds automatically by mail after the wedding officiant has submitted the marriage license to the relevant authority. However, in some states, the couple may need to request a copy of their marriage certificate. Obtaining a marriage certificate usually incurs a small fee, ranging from $5 to $26, depending on the state.

It is important to note that a marriage certificate is different from a marriage license. A marriage license is a legal permit that states that you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. It is obtained before the wedding and presented during the ceremony, but it does not mean you are legally married until it is signed by an officiant.

When to get a marriage license

A marriage license is a legal permit that confirms you and your partner are allowed to marry. It is issued by a state authority, such as a county court, and is generally required to be presented during the wedding ceremony. The process of obtaining a marriage license can vary depending on your location, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your state and county. Here is a guide to help you navigate the process and ensure you obtain your marriage license on time:

When to Apply for a Marriage License:

• It is recommended to apply for your marriage license at least one week before your wedding. Some states may have waiting periods between receiving the license and the wedding, so make sure to factor that into your plans.
• Marriage licenses are typically valid for a limited period, which can vary from 30 to 90 days depending on the state. Therefore, it is important to time your application correctly to ensure the license remains valid for your wedding date.
• In some states, such as Louisiana, there is a waiting period between receiving your license and getting married, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your state.
• On the other hand, some states like Washington, DC, allow marriage licenses to be issued on the same day as the wedding, and they never expire.
• It is advisable to check with your local county clerk's office, city hall, or marriage license bureau to confirm the timing requirements for your specific location.

What to Bring When Applying for a Marriage License:

• Both you and your partner will usually need to be present and provide identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
• If either partner has been married before, proof of how the previous union ended, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be required.
• There may be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which can range from $35 to $150 depending on the location.
• In some cases, you may need to bring information about your parents, including their full names, birthdates, and birthplace.
• It is recommended to research the specific requirements of your county in advance to ensure you have all the necessary documents.

What to Do After Applying for a Marriage License:

• Once you have received your marriage license, you are ready to walk down the aisle!
• After the ceremony, your officiant will typically sign the marriage license and return it to the county clerk.
• You will then receive a marriage certificate, which serves as official confirmation that you are legally married.
• The marriage certificate is important for various purposes, such as sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for loans, and changing your name.

Where to get a marriage license

To get a marriage license, you will need to confirm the city, district, or county in which your wedding will take place. Marriage licenses are typically issued by county court clerks, but some states issue them from city hall or a marriage license bureau.

In the US, marriage licenses are generally issued by a state authority, such as the county court. The cost of a marriage license varies from state to state and is typically between $35 and $150. Accepted forms of payment also vary depending on the state.

To apply for a marriage license, both parties must appear together and provide valid government-issued photo identification. Applicants must be at least 18 years old; 17-year-olds may obtain a marriage license with a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, who must be present when the license is purchased.

You should apply for your marriage license at least one week before your wedding, but no earlier than 90 days prior, as marriage licenses are only valid for a limited time, usually between 30 days and a year.

• Fill out the online application, ensuring all information is accurate and matches the information on your birth certificate.
• Schedule an appointment with the Recording Division.
• Visit the County Clerk's Recording Division office, and provide valid government-issued photo identification.
• Pay the non-refundable fee, which is $60 in Clackamas County.
• The Recording Division will issue a physical marriage license, which will be valid after a three-day waiting period. This waiting period can be waived for an additional fee of $15.
• Provide the marriage license to your officiant, who will sign it and return it to the County Clerk's Recording Division within 60 days.
• After the marriage has been performed and the license has been returned, you can request a certified copy of your marriage license by writing an informal letter including the names of both parties before and after the marriage, the date of the marriage, a phone number, and a return address.

When to get a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is a document that proves you are legally married to your spouse. It is issued to you after your wedding and records the date, time, and place of your wedding, as well as the officiant's name. Marriage certificates are useful for sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for home loans or mortgages, proving identity, or traveling internationally. If you want to change your name to your spouse's, you will need a marriage certificate.

The process of obtaining a marriage certificate varies depending on the state. In some states, the officiant is responsible for submitting the marriage license to the relevant authority, who will then process and certify the document. In other states, the couple may need to request a copy of their marriage certificate. Typically, you can purchase your marriage certificate a few business days after the license is received by the relevant authority.

It is important to note that a marriage certificate is different from a marriage license. A marriage license is a legal permit that states you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. It is obtained before the wedding ceremony and is generally issued by a state authority, such as the county court. The marriage license must be presented during the ceremony and signed by an officiant.

Frequently asked questions