When anyone envisions a marriage or wedding, the first picture that pops into their mind is bound to be a ceremony filled with flowers and a white dress or a reception filled with music, drinks, and dancing, but what about the act that legally binds partners resulting in the marriage?
A marriage license is a legal document obtained by a couple prior to marriage. A marriage certificate is issued once the license is signed (during or after your ceremony) and returned by an officiant to the county.
Read on to learn more about this multi-step process and the road to becoming legally married!
1. When to get your marriage license?
Before you make plans to get your marriage license, you must plan the date and place of your wedding. This is because you typically have to file your marriage license application in the county in which you’ll be getting married. Not to mention marriage licenses expire—some, for example, expire after 90 days—so you have to wait to apply for the marriage license until you’re within the deadline.
2. How to get a marriage license
The easiest and most common way to get a marriage license is to visit the county clerk's office. Making an appointment beforehand and having all proper documentation in hand is essential for a quick and efficient trip to acquire the license.
While each state's requirements are different, typically, you’ll need a driver’s license or passport, but you may also need a birth certificate to prove your identity.
In addition, some states even require a witness for the marriage license application, so be prepared to ask a family member or friend—who has known you for at least six months—to join you and your partner.
Information about your parents is also essential. Have your parents’ full birth names, birthdates, birth states, and dates of passing, if applicable, on hand when you arrive to fill out your application.
If you plan to change your name—during your visit to the county clerk to apply for your marriage license—now is the best time to do that. While you will still retain your maiden name until you actually get married, this will let the court officially know what your new name will be
3. How much is a marriage license?
Don't forget: There's a fee to apply for a marriage license that usually ranges from $35 to $150. In our home state of Massachusetts, the cost of a marriage license varies from city to city, with Boston, for instance, costing $50. And keep in mind, most clerk's offices don't accept card, so be sure to have a proper form of payment, such as cash or check, on you when you arrive for your appointment.
4. How long does it take to get a marriage license?
The actual marriage license application process should take no more than an hour, but know that some states require a 24-72 hour waiting period between when you receive your marriage license and when your marriage can occur. So don't plan on showing up or applying on the day of your wedding!
5. How to fill out a marriage license
Follow these steps to fill out a marriage license to avoid costly mistakes.
- Fill in the groom’s first and last name where the marriage license asks for it. Don’t forget to include his birth city and state in the appropriate areas.
- Repeat this process for the bride’s information. However, you must use her maiden name instead of using her married name.
- Input the wedding venue information, as this serves as legal proof that the ceremony did take place. You need to include the date and time of the ceremony, and the city, state, and church or venue name in which the ceremony took place.
- Under officiant, put officiant's legal name. Don’t forget to include their title—whether the officiant is a judge, a religious leader, or a friend—which is often “Minister.”
- Include details about the church or venue where you performed the ceremony and include any religious affiliations.
For more information on the proper steps and to see an example of a filled-out wedding license, click here.
6. What to do with your marriage license after the wedding
After the ceremony is complete, the officiant's responsibility is to return the marriage license to the county clerk, either by mail or in person. After that, you’re all set. Depending on where you live, you will either be mailed a certified copy or need to go in person to pick up certified copies.
7. Does a marriage license expire?
As previously mentioned, a marriage license can expire—as it is only the application to get married—and often will expire after 90 days since the submission. However, your marriage certificate—the certification you and your spouse will receive after your officiant returns the marriage license to the county clerk after the ceremony— is valid for the entire duration of your marriage to your spouse, and there is no date of expiration.
8. What happens if a marriage license is never turned in?
The answer, once again, is it depends on the city and state in which you got married. For example, in California, if your officiant forgets to turn in your marriage license for whatever reason, yes, under most circumstances, even if you had a technical defect in your marriage license, you are legally married under California family law. But if this were to happen in New Jersey, for instance, then no, if there is no paperwork filed with the Registrar of the municipality in which the ceremony was performed, the parties are not legally married.
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Now that you know all there is to know on the technicalities of marriage licenses, it's time to focus your energy on more exciting facets of your marriage journey! From finding your wedding planner, shopping for wedding decorations, or our personal favorite, finding your dream wedding dress, there's a lot to be done! That's where Alexandra's Boutique comes in. Our large selection of show-stopping wedding dresses includes designers like Stella York, Martina Liana, Maggie Sottero, and plenty more. You can find exactly what you're dreaming of wearing on your wedding day with help from Alexandra's Boutique.
