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Most married or soon-to-be-wed people will tell you a lot of stuff is going on before a couple officially ties the knot. Reception venues need to be booked. There’s also choosing food, music, and invitations.
While all that’s happening, couples must follow a time-tested process to get married. This process doesn’t just include a wedding ceremony. There are vital legal matters couples must complete before they can officially marry.
Fortunately, knowing what to expect can take a lot off your mind. Here’s a simplified look at the process of getting married and obtaining a marriage certificate.
Step 1: Gathering Supporting Documentation
When two people want to marry, each person must provide proof of their respective identities. While exact policies can differ from one city to another, most areas require at least one state or government-issued form of identification (ID).
Examples of valid IDs typically include:
-Driver’s license
-State ID card
-Passport
-Military ID
Some jurisdictions may require additional documents for identity verification purposes. For instance, you may also be asked to present a birth certificate or bills in your name to prove your residency.
Additionally, this step is when couples should specify who will be changing their last name. Knowing this information now can help you avoid any delays when it’s time to fill out a marriage license application.
Step 2: Applying for a Marriage License
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With all supporting documents gathered and requirements met, you and your soon-to-be spouse are ready to complete a marriage license application. This document differs from a marriage certificate, which comes only after a wedding ceremony.
Someone must also pay the marriage license-related expenses. Exact fees will vary based on city, state, or county. Before presenting your payment, finding out what forms of payment this office takes is an important step. For example, some offices may only be able to accept cash or checks.
Once the payment and information are presented, you should receive your official marriage license. You’re now ready for the next step in the marriage process.
Step 3: Completing the Wedding Ceremony
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Having a valid marriage license gives you and your partner the legal right to marry. This step is where couples have the freedom to make choices. Some may prefer a cut-and-dry civil ceremony at their local courthouse. Others might opt for a lavish wedding ceremony in a stunning venue with their loved ones.
However, someone must oversee your wedding. This can’t be just anyone. Instead, this individual must be an officiant. It’s understandable if that title seems unfamiliar. An officiant is anyone with legal recognition to oversee a wedding ceremony.
You may picture an officiant as a religious leader, such as a pastor, rabbi, or pandit. But that’s not how your wedding has to be. For instance, a judge is the person often serving as the officiant in a civil wedding ceremony. Some states give civil celebrants the legal right to oversee wedding ceremonies.
Step 4: Obtaining a Marriage Certificate
With your wedding ceremony complete, the marriage process is almost done. Once your ceremony concludes, you must obtain several signatures. Some localities may also deem it necessary for witnesses to be present for signatures from you, your spouse, and this ceremony’s officiant.
If you’d rather not complete this process in person, obtaining an online marriage certificate is also possible. No matter which option you choose, every marriage certificate needs time to process. It typically takes a few weeks until this critical certificate is ready for you to receive. A marriage certificate also serves as proof to confirm a surname change.
Don’t let our previously mentioned steps stress you out. Every couple who wants to marry in the United States must complete this process. After taking care of these vital steps, you and your soon-to-be spouse can start planning for an exciting post-wedding honeymoon!