Are you planning to tie the knot? If you are, you might be wondering about different types of documents that you need to obtain in preparation for the big day. Among the most commonly confused documents are a marriage license and a marriage certificate. What is the difference between these two documents? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a legal document that gives a couple permission to get married. Without a marriage license, it is not possible to get legally married. When you apply for a marriage license, you will need to provide some basic personal information, such as your full name, age, and birth certificate.
How Do You Obtain a Marriage License?
To obtain a marriage license, you will need to visit the county clerk in the county where you plan to get married. You will need to provide identification documents, such as your driver’s license and birth certificate, and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on the state and county.
What is the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
The main difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate is the timing. A marriage license is obtained before the wedding and provides legal permission for the couple to get married. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is obtained after the wedding ceremony and serves as proof of the marriage.
Why is a Marriage License Required?
A marriage license is required to ensure that both parties meet the legal requirements to marry, such as age and being unmarried. It also protects parties from bigamy and other legal issues.
What is a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is a document that proves that a legal marriage has taken place. It includes important information such as the date of the marriage, the location of the marriage, and the names of both parties involved in the union.
How is a Marriage Certificate Obtained?
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant fills out the marriage certificate and sends it to the county clerk’s office where it is recorded.
What Information is Listed on a Marriage Certificate?
The information listed on a marriage certificate includes the full names of both spouses, their dates of birth, their parents’ names, the location and date of the wedding, and the officiant’s name and title.
What is the Purpose of a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate serves as proof of the legal union between two people. It is needed for various legal purposes such as name changes, tax filing, and obtaining benefits.
How Does the Marriage License and Certificate Process Work?
Where Do You Obtain a Marriage License?
A marriage license is obtained from the county clerk in the county where you plan to get married. You can find the information online or by contacting the clerk’s office.
What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License?
The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary by state and county. Generally, you will need a valid ID and proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
What Happens After the Marriage Ceremony?
After the marriage ceremony, the officiant fills out the marriage certificate and sends it to the county clerk’s office where it is recorded. You will be given a temporary marriage certificate at the ceremony. You can get your official copies of the marriage certificate by requesting them from the county clerk’s office after the wedding.
What Happens if You Need a Copy of Your Marriage License or Certificate?
How Do You Obtain a Certified Copy?
If you need a copy of your marriage license or certificate, you can request one from the county clerk’s office where it was recorded. You will need to provide identification and pay a fee. You can request a certified copy, which is a legal record of the marriage, or a non-certified copy, which is not legally binding.
What is the Difference Between a Certified and Non-Certified Copy?
A certified copy is typically required for legal and government purposes, such as changing your name, applying for benefits, and filing taxes. A non-certified copy is often used for personal records or family history research.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Copy?
The processing time for obtaining a copy of your marriage license or certificate varies by state and county. Generally, it takes a few days to a few weeks to receive your copy.
Conclusion
In summary, a marriage license and marriage certificate are two different documents. The marriage license is obtained before the wedding ceremony and provides legal permission for the couple to get married. The marriage certificate is obtained after the wedding and serves as proof of the marriage. It is important to understand the difference between the two documents and know how to obtain copies if needed.
