Marriage License

A marriage license is a legal document required for a couple to be legally recognized as married.

What is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is an essential document that couples must obtain before their wedding ceremony to have their marriage legally recognized. Issued by a governmental authority, typically a city or county clerk’s office, the marriage license grants permission for the couple to marry. This document is usually applied for in advance of the wedding and has specific requirements, which may vary by location, such as proof of identity, residency, or age.

In many cases, couples are required to apply for the marriage license in person and may need to pay a fee. Some locations impose waiting periods between obtaining the license and the actual marriage ceremony, while others may have specific expiration dates, meaning the wedding must take place within a designated timeframe.

After the marriage ceremony, the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and witnesses, if required, to validate the marriage legally. The signed license is then filed with the appropriate government office, officially recording the marriage. The couple may later request a marriage certificate, an official document proving their married status.