When deciding to make your wedding, the first thing to do is to obtain a marriage license. This legal niggling piece of paper will certify your marriage. The details of getting a marriage license and the process are all here.
What Is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a government-issued document that allows two people to marry each other. It’s typically obtained from a local government entity (eg, a county clerk). This license has a fixed term and it must be signed by the couple as well as the officiant/witness after the ceremony.
Here are some things to remember about marriage licenses:
- A legal marriage license is needed for married life.
- The license for marriage is granted by government institutions, often at the county level in the US.
- It may require a country, state, or locality.
- Most commonly you will need proof of age, identification, and address.
- The marriage license has a time limit after issue.
- Usually, both husbands must submit in person.
- You may need to pay for a marriage License.
- After the ceremony, the signed marriage license has to be handed back to the office for record.
The issuance of a marriage license is also different in different states. Here’s a general overview of getting a marriage license in the US.
What to Do To Get A Marriage License In The US
How to obtain a marriage license in the US can vary slightly by state and city. Here is a quick rundown of the process:
To Verify Legality:
The first thing to do is research the marriage laws in the state you are going to get married. You have to be at least 18 and not already married in most states. The waiting time for getting married in some states after you get the license depends on what state you live in.
Gather Required Documents:
The second step is to collect documents. Generally required papers are government photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), residence evidence, and, maybe, a birth certificate. If one of the husbands or wives is already married, you might need more documents such as divorce papers or a death certificate.
Apply for the License:
Go to the clerk’s office of your county or other official office where you will be getting married. Fill in an application and submit your documents. You can apply in person for both spouses in some states, and only one spouse in some states.
Pay the Fees:
Usually, there is a fee to get a marriage license, depending on the jurisdiction.
Receive the License: Once your application is processed and payment is received, you will get your marriage license. The license is 30 to 90 days, depending on your state, and you’ll have to use it in that time.
Get Married:
With a marriage license, get married! The officiant and witnesses then sign the license. After that, bring the original signed document back to the office where it was registered to record your marriage.
This is different in some states and some cities so make sure to inquire with your county clerk’s office for guidance.
Marriage Licenses and U.S. Immigration
– Marriage licenses are important to you and your spouse’s immigration applications if you and your spouse are applying for a marriage-based green card. But you have to understand that there is a marriage license and then there’s a marriage certificate because they have different functions.
- Marriage License: A marriage license is the official certificate to be married. It’s presented in advance of the ceremony and does not prove the marriage has yet taken place.
- Marriage Certificate: After you’ve married, you will be issued a marriage certificate, which confirms that your marriage happened. It is usually needed for a variety of legal reasons such as a green card.
To get into immigration, you’ll need to include a marriage certificate with your application to verify you’re legally married. This is issued by the government department that registers marriages, like the county clerk’s office, and it will contain information about your marriage such as the names of both husbands and wives, the date and place of the wedding, and the officiant’s signature.
In short, a marriage license will get you married, and a marriage certificate will attest to the marriage. When you need a marriage green card, you’ll need the marriage certificate as part of the application, but the marriage license is how you get married.
Getting a marriage license is not an expensive but necessary part of your wedding planning. Be sure to inquire about your nearest office for specific requirements and guidelines to get married without any hitches.
