Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate: Legalities Explained
Congratulations on your decision to tie the knot! As you start planning your wedding, some legal requirements may seem overwhelming, but they’re crucial for a smooth transition into married life. One such aspect is understanding the difference between a marriage license vs. marriage certificate. If legal jargon makes your head spin, don’t worry – we’re here to simplify everything.
What is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is like the golden ticket that permits you to legally marry your beloved. Think of it as the green light from the government to say, “Yes, you two can officially tie the knot!”
It’s required for every couple to get a marriage license before the ceremony takes place (no matter which state you’re in). Typically, this is obtained through a 10-15 minute application, done in-person or online, depending on your county’s requirements.
Once you’ve been issued your marriage license, you’ll need to share it with the officiant performing your marriage. After you’ve exchanged vows in your ceremony, it’s time to obtain the official documentation of your marriage – the marriage certificate. Your officiant will sign your marriage license, which certifies that the ceremony took place. The marriage certificate serves as proof that you’re officially married, attesting that the ceremony was performed legally.
Oftentimes, when your officiant signs the marriage license, it will become the marriage certificate on the same piece of paper. If this is not the case in your county, then your officiant will need to submit the marriage license to the local clerk’s office, in which afterwards they will give you your marriage certificate.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate - Key Differences
Validity:
- Marriage License: The marriage license is valid for a specific period, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on your county. In simpler words, this means that you need to get married within the 30-90 days of being issued your marriage license. However, if you plan to get married outside of your validity period, then you’ll need to re-obtain a new marriage license.
- Marriage Certificate: The marriage certificate is a permanent record of your marriage and remains valid indefinitely. The only case in which the marriage certificate would become invalid, is if the marriage were to dissolve.
Required Documentation:
- Marriage License: When filling out the marriage license application, you’ll need to provide certain documents, such as a valid government issued ID with your full name, DOB, & profile photo. Additionally, you’ll typically need to provide a history of any previous marriages (this includes divorce decrees or annulment certificates if applicable). Some counties may also ask for your birth certificate.
- Marriage Certificate: Typically, you will each be required to present a valid government issued ID to your officiant before the ceremony takes place, as to prove that you are indeed the same people who are written down on the marriage license.
- Note: A passport, driver license, military ID, and state ID are all valid forms of government issued ID.
Witnesses:
- Marriage License: Witnesses are not required when obtaining the marriage license.
- Marriage Certificate: Depending on your county, witnesses may be required to sign the marriage certificate alongside the couple and the officiant, confirming the authenticity of the marriage. Typically, 1-2 witnesses are required.
Issuance:
- Marriage License: The marriage license is issued before the ceremony, and is seen as the ticket allowing your ceremony to happen.
- Marriage Certificate: The marriage certificate is finalized after the ceremony has taken place. If the marriage license and marriage certificate are on the same piece of paper, then you’ll receive the certificate within the same day. If this is not the case, then it can take up to 7 days to receive from the clerk’s office.
Ceremony Required:
- Marriage License: Having a marriage license doesn’t obligate you to hold a wedding ceremony right away; it just permits you to marry within a set timeframe.
- Marriage Certificate: The marriage certificate is typically issued after the wedding ceremony, meaning that a ceremony is necessary before obtaining it. If you plan to elope, that is also considered a ‘ceremony’.
Common Questions About Marriage Licenses and Marriage Certificates
Have additional questions about the difference between a marriage license and marriage certificate? Let’s address common questions that couples often have about these essential documents:
- Do we need both a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
- Yes, you need both documents. The marriage license is required to marry legally, while the marriage certificate serves as proof that the marriage has occurred.
- Can we use our marriage certificate as proof of marriage right after the ceremony?
- This depends entirely on the county where you got married. If you receive an official marriage certificate immediately after your ceremony, then the answer is yes. However, if the marriage certificate takes a few days to arrive in the mail, then you’ll need to wait until it’s been received before attempting to take actions that require proof of your marriage.
- What if we lose our marriage certificate?
- If you misplace or lose your marriage certificate, don’t panic! You can usually request a certified copy from the clerk’s office where the marriage was registered. Keep in mind that oftentimes there is a small fee of $10-$25 for obtaining an additional copy of the certificate.
- Do we need to update our marital status with government agencies and other institutions?
- After getting married, it’s essential to update your marital status with relevant government agencies (such as the Social Security Administration) and other institutions (like banks, insurance companies, and employers). Your marriage certificate serves as proof of your new marital status.
Familiarize yourself with these legalities, and you can ensure that your marriage is not only a joyous occasion but also legally binding and recognized.
Can I Get a Marriage License with Distant Weddings?
Yes, you definitely can! We’ve processed thousands of marriage licenses for couples all around the world, making sure that the marriage license is issued within 24 hours of applying. We’ve made the process for getting approved as easy as possible, guaranteeing that your marriage is 100% legal and recognized in all 50 states through our strict application protocol.
The marriage license issued by the government is only valid for 32 days, so it’s best to apply within 2-3 weeks before your planned ceremony date. The process of scheduling, filling out the marriage license application, and having your ceremony is done entirely online – allowing you to get both the marriage license and marriage certificate from the comfort of your own home.
You’ll be paired up with one of our US recognized officiants, who will ensure the legal requirements of your ceremony are met. The ceremony will take place over a video call, and typically lasts about 15 minutes – you also have the ability to customize it however you’d like. The marriage certificate will be issued within the same day as your ceremony, where you’ll receive a digital copy of the marriage certificate immediately after your ceremony, and a physical copy will arrive in the mail within 3-7 business days. If you’d like to explore the option of online marriage, take this quiz to find out if it’s a good fit for you.
Final Thoughts: Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
Now you understand the basics of marriage certificates and licenses. With this knowledge, you’re ready for the next part of your life together as a married couple. While obtaining your marriage license and certificate may seem like a hurdle, these documents hold significant meaning and importance.
Go ahead and celebrate your love, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure that your marriage is a legally recognized bond that will stand the test of time.
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