Deborah Chan
A marriage license legally permits you to marry, while a marriage certificate proves that you are married. The process of obtaining these documents varies depending on where you live, but some general requirements include providing photo identification, parental consent if you are underage, and proof of divorce or death of a former spouse if applicable. It is important to plan ahead, as marriage licenses are typically only valid for a limited time, and you must meet certain conditions during this period for your union to be legally recognized.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a marriage license? | A marriage license legally allows you to marry. |
| What is a marriage certificate? | A marriage certificate proves you got married. |
| Where to get a marriage license? | In the region where you plan to get legally married. It might be city hall, the town or city clerk's office, or the marriage license bureau in the county where you plan to wed. |
| What are the requirements for a marriage license? | The requirements vary from state to state and sometimes county to county. In general, you need to be at least 18 years old, not be a party to another civil union, and provide a photo ID. If you are under 18, you may need parental consent or a court order. If it isn't your first marriage, you'll need to bring your certificate of divorce or the death certificate of your former spouse. |
| How much does a marriage license cost? | The fee varies by office and ranges from $35 to $150. |
| How long is a marriage license valid for? | Marriage licenses are typically valid for a certain period, usually between 10 days to a year, depending on the issuing state. |
| What happens after receiving the marriage license? | After the marriage ceremony, the couple, witnesses, and the officiant will sign the marriage license. The officiant then submits the signed marriage license to be certified by local officials within a specified time limit. |
| What happens after the marriage license is certified? | The issuance of a marriage certificate occurs after the marriage license has been certified by local officials. |
| Why do I need a marriage certificate? | It is good to have a marriage certificate as proof of marriage for taxes, insurance, banking, mortgage applications, or a name change. |
| How to get a copy of your marriage certificate? | If you were married in the U.S., contact the vital records office in the state where you were married. If married abroad before November 9, 1989, contact the State Department to get a copy of the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a marriage license
Marriage licenses are typically issued by government offices, with the specific location depending on the region and country in which you plan to marry. Here is a general guide on where to obtain a marriage license:
In the United States:
In the United States, marriage licenses are typically issued by local or county offices. The specific office can vary and may include the Local Registrar's office, the County Clerk's office, the town or city clerk's office, or the marriage license bureau in the county where you plan to wed. For example, in Connecticut, marriage licenses are issued by the municipal clerk's office in the town where the wedding will take place, while in Iowa, couples may apply at any county registrar or recorder's office.
Some states, like New Jersey, offer the convenience of downloading a marriage license brochure and the license itself, which can be filled out by the couple. However, it is always a good idea to check with your local government office to confirm the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license.
In Other Countries:
The process for obtaining a marriage license can vary by country. For instance, in Louisiana, marriage licenses are issued by the parish clerk of court in the parish where the ceremony will take place, while in Michigan, couples typically apply at the County Clerk's Office in the county where one of the applicants resides.
It is important to note that marriage licenses are typically valid only within the issuing state or country, so be sure to inquire about any specific requirements or restrictions for your chosen wedding destination.
Additionally, keep in mind that marriage licenses have an expiration date, and the waiting period between issuance and when the license becomes valid can vary. Therefore, it is crucial to plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the application process to ensure your marriage license is valid for your wedding date.
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Documents needed for a marriage license
Obtaining a marriage license requires careful planning and the fulfillment of specific requirements. While the procedure may vary slightly depending on your location, here is a general overview of the documents you will need to obtain a marriage license. Firstly, you must decide if you want to change your name before applying for a marriage license. This decision is essential, as some locations, like California, require you to make this decision before submitting your application. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific requirements of your state or county.
Once you have made this decision, you can proceed to the relevant county clerk's office to apply for your marriage license. In California, for example, you can obtain your license from any county clerk's office in the state, regardless of your county of residence or the location of your wedding ceremony. It is recommended to check the website of your local county clerk, as they usually provide up-to-date information on the necessary documents and procedures. For instance, the San Francisco County Clerk's website offers online marriage license reservations and relevant forms.
When visiting the county clerk's office, ensure that you bring valid identification documents, such as passports or driver's licenses, for both parties. Additionally, some locations may require proof of residency, so it is advisable to carry recent utility bills or similar documents. It is worth noting that some counties, like San Francisco, require appointments for obtaining marriage licenses, so ensure you are aware of the specific procedures in your county.
While the aforementioned documents are typically the most crucial ones, there may be additional requirements depending on your location and unique circumstances. These could include birth certificates, divorce decrees, or other relevant legal documents. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult official sources or seek guidance from a professional wedding service to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.
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Marriage license fees
The marriage license fee varies depending on the location and the office issuing the license. In the US, these fees typically range from $35 to $150, with the specific amount depending on the state and county. For example, the standard marriage license fee in Broward County, Florida, is $86, while in the same state but a different county, the fee is $61. In California, the marriage license must be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days, while in Florida, it must be submitted within 60 days of issuance.
It's important to note that marriage licenses are typically only valid for a limited time and must be used within a certain period, which can range from 10 days to a year. This is something to consider when planning your wedding and applying for your marriage license.
Most offices will accept various forms of payment, including cash, debit card, credit card, check, or money order. It's always a good idea to check with the specific office to confirm the accepted payment methods and any other requirements they may have.
Additionally, some locations may offer reduced fees if the couple completes a premarital course from a registered provider. For example, in Broward County, Florida, the marriage license fee is reduced to $61 if the couple presents a premarital course completion certificate when applying for their marriage license. This option not only saves money but also waives the usual waiting period, making the license effective immediately.
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Marriage license witnesses
The number of witnesses and their eligibility criteria depend on the state in which the marriage is taking place. Some states require two witnesses aged 16 or older, while others require witnesses to be 18 or older. Witnesses must be able to provide proper identification, and their only responsibility is to affirm that the couple is voluntarily entering the union and to sign the marriage license.
In some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., witnesses are not required for the wedding ceremony. However, in states like Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, and New York, witnesses are required by law.
It is important to note that the witnesses' signatures are crucial for the validity of the marriage license. The witnesses must be able to sign their names without assistance and understand the significance of witnessing a marriage ceremony. The best man, maid-of-honor, or parents typically act as witnesses, but this is not mandatory.
The marriage license witnesses should be chosen carefully, considering the specific requirements of the state where the marriage will take place. It is always a good idea to check with the local authorities to ensure that all the necessary requirements are met.
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Getting a marriage certificate after the wedding
A marriage certificate is a vital document that serves as proof of marriage. While the specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on your location, here is a general guide to obtaining a marriage certificate after your wedding:
Before the Wedding
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is what you need to apply for and obtain before your wedding, as it legally allows you to marry. The marriage certificate, on the other hand, is what you will receive after your wedding ceremony, proving that you are officially married.
When applying for a marriage license, you will typically need to provide photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or birth certificate. There may also be an application fee, which can range from $35 to $150, depending on the location. It is essential to be mindful of the validity period of your marriage license, as they usually expire within a certain timeframe, often between 10 days and a year.
During the Wedding
On your wedding day, remember to bring your marriage license to the ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple, witnesses, and the officiant will all need to sign the marriage license. The witnesses are typically the best man, maid-of-honor, or parents, and they must be old enough to understand the significance of the ceremony and able to sign their names. The officiant is a legal official, such as a justice of the peace, county or court clerk, judge, magistrate, or notary public.
After the Wedding
Once the wedding ceremony is over, the signed marriage license needs to be submitted for certification within a specified timeframe, which varies by location. For example, in California, the deadline is 10 days, while in Texas, it is 60 days from the issue date. After the marriage license has been certified by local officials, the issuance of the marriage certificate will follow.
Obtaining Certified Copies
It is a good idea to obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate, as they may be required for various purposes, such as taxes, insurance, banking, mortgage applications, or name changes. The process for obtaining certified copies differs depending on the region. For instance, in New York State, you can obtain copies from the office of the town or city clerk who issued the license, or from the New York State Department of Health, with associated fees.
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Frequently asked questions
A marriage license legally allows you to marry, while a marriage certificate proves you got married.
The process for obtaining a marriage license varies depending on the region and whether you are getting married in the U.S. or abroad. In the U.S., you can get a marriage license at the local registrar's office or the vital records office in the state where you reside or plan to get married. You will need to fill out an application form and provide valid identification. There may be additional requirements, such as proof of divorce or death of a former spouse if applicable, parental consent if you are underage, and a fee.
After receiving your marriage license, you must have your wedding ceremony, get the license signed by the officiant, you, your partner, and witnesses, and file for a certified marriage record within the validity period of the license, which is usually between 10 days to a year, depending on the issuing state.
