Say yes - marriage proposal and engagement ring
FREE MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION
Congratulations! You are engaged and planning your wedding, soon to be husband and wife! While you are moving forward with your wedding plans, review the marriage license information below and make sure you have tended to all of the requirements for your particular wedding and location.
Feel free to use the information provided here as a guide for your application for marriage license. Note that specific details, such as where to get a marriage license, marriage license fees and such will need to be confirmed per your individual situation and location.
For your reference, we have included a free wedding checklist that you may also wish to use on the following page: Free Printable Wedding Checklist
“It takes a loose rein to keep a marriage tight.” – John Stevenson
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MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION
◊ Where to apply for a Marriage License:
Residents of each State need to verify with the County they either live in and/or intend to be married in as to the requirements involved prior to your wedding day. Be sure to do your homework on this so you aren’t in for any rude surprises when it comes to crunch time! We recommend that you start with your County Clerk’s office and follow their direction to apply for your Marriage License.
◊ What you may need when applying for a Marriage License:
Anticipate needing at least the following items to apply for your Marriage License – confirm with your County whether or not you will need anything else. This information is for your general reference:
1) Photo identification such as a driver’s license;
2) Certified copy of your birth certificates (foreign birth certificates need to be translated into English and be notarized);
3) Your parents’ addresses and your mother’s maiden names;
4) If either person has been divorced, you will need to know the date the divorce was final. Be sure to inquire if you will need a copy of the divorce papers, either just to show or if you will need a copy that can be left with the County Clerk; and
5) If your County has posted the application for the license on the internet, (often posted on the County’s website) it may save you some time if you print and complete it prior to going to apply, so check it out before you go.
◊ When to apply for a Marriage License:
Again, details may vary between States and their Counties. We suggest you research your location specifically but anticipate at least 3-7 business days for the processing of your application. In some instances, the waiting period may be waived by the County Clerk or governing official. The license itself will most likely be valid for a specific amount of time, such as 30 days or so. Be sure to plan your timing according to the information your County (or the County you will be married in) provides you with.
◊ Who needs to be present to apply for a Marriage License:
Most likely, only one of you – but confirm this prior to going in to apply. The person physically applying for the license will need copies of all the appropriate documentation that the pertaining County requires for both parties. It may be recommended that both parties are present if they are non-residents of either the State or County they are wishing to marry in.
◊ Who may perform Marriage Ceremonies:
Most commonly, Marriages may be performed by federal, probate, district and municipal judges and district court magistrates in their court area; mayors in their city; County Clerks; ministers and pastors of the gospel and often times notaries. Again, this list may differ depending on the County.
◊ Marriage License Fees:
Varies per County. More homework for you! Be sure to find out before you get there – and confirm the forms of payment they will accept to avoid any unnecessary surprises.
◊ Age Requirements:
Believe it or not, this is important. If a person is wishing to get married who is under the age of 18, they will need parental or guardian consent. If under 16 years of age, it is our understanding that is a law that they will have to appear with their parent(s) or guardian(s) before the appropriate Judge for their County to state their case and the Judge will then decide if the Marriage should take place.
◊ Witnesses:
Confirm age requirements of your witnesses and how many you will need. They will need to be able to comprehend that they are witnesses to a legal marriage and to be able to sign their legal name.
HELPFUL WEDDING PLANNING AND MARRIAGE LINKS
Miscellaneous items for your special day:
- MARRIAGE VOWS AND WEDDING VOWS
Marriage and wedding vows for couples getting married - THE MASTER WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
Wedding Planning Guide Secrets!! - ALL TYPES OF WEDDING SPEECHES
Your Source For Step-by-step Guides That Walk You Through Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Inspirational Speech
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