Marriage: A License to Love

July 30, 2010

photo courtesy of swparkerphotography.com

Regardless of what kind – big and extravagant or small and intimate – of wedding you’re planning, there are certain things that put every bride on the same playing field.  One of those things is obtaining a marriage license.

So, lucky for all brides that obtaining a marriage license is fairly easy schmeasy!  While rules might vary from state to state, it’s important to remember that every state requires you to have one in order to say “I do.”  Okay, so you can say the words “I do” without having a marriage license, but you can’t say the vow “I do” and make it offish without it.  You get the point.  And yet, I digress…

The application for a marriage license should be submitted in the county of residence of either the bride or the groom; so, your first step is to call your County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse.  For those of you who are uncertain as to where this is or how you can contact them, you can find their information simply by surfin’ the Web or doing it old school by flippin’ through the yellow pages or phone book. 

You’ll need to speak to a representative from the appropriate department to help you determine what information you will need to obtain your marriage license.  Trust a girl who knows.  You will reduce stress and heartache by taking the time to prepare, especially with every state having unique rules and restrictions.

Some states require a certificate of health, verification of vaccinations, birth certificate, drivers license, social security card and /or a blood test.  While most states have marriage certificates that are valid for a period of 30-60 days, there are some states where it’s only valid for 10-20 days.  Hence, why it’s soooo important to contact your state’s County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse to ensure no one’s time is wasted.

And because most states require a waiting period before a license can be obtained, do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the last minute!  Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness!

Filed under: Wedding Etiquette

Tags: bridal guide, marriage, marriage advice, marriage license, obtaining a marriage license, state marriage license, wedding advice, wedding blog, wedding blogs, wedding planning, wedding tips, weddings