Do you get a marriage license where you live or get married?

Category: family and relationships marriage and civil unions
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The easiest place to get your marriage license is the county clerk's office or the court clerk in the state where you are getting married. It's a good idea to go to the local county clerk in the city where you are getting married.



Consequently, do you have to get a marriage license in the county you are getting married in?

You can usually apply for your marriage license at any county clerks office in the state in which you want to be married. Some states require you to apply in the county clerks office in which you want to be married. Most states require a small fee, and receiving your marriage license usually takes a few days.

Also, does a marriage license mean you are married? Remember, a marriage license means you are allowed to get married, not that you are married. During your wedding ceremony, you, your soon-to-be- spouse, officiant, and 1-2 witnesses will sign the license.

Similarly, can you have a marriage license in one state and get married in another?

Most states require you to apply for your marriage license at the town or county clerk's office where the ceremony will be taking place. Your state of choice may not have any waiting period, in which case you can apply for your out of state marriage license and get married in the same day!

Why do you need a license to get married?

US citizens need marriage licenses to marry because it is in their state's interests to regulate marriage. Marriage is regulated by and large by each state government, not by the US government. States in the US regulate marriage for four main reasons: 1) It aids in property transfer and dispute.

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Can you be denied a marriage license?

Although marriage license laws vary widely from state to state, all states require a couple to obtain a marriage license in order to have a valid union. Therefore, states cannot deny marriage licenses to couples solely due to their race.

Is it OK to get married without a wedding?

No, you do not have to have a wedding reception (although if you invite even only your witnesses, it's a nice touch….) but in most states, you need to have someone legal marry you. (CO and PA have self uniting licenses.) In many states you need to have a witness or two.

How do I know if my marriage is legal?

Anyone can find out if someone is married by searching the public records for the state and county where the marriage certificate is filed. With access to the internet, you can find the county records without paying a fee, unless you request a copy of the marriage license.

Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license?

An appointment is required to obtain a marriage license and/or civil ceremony. For a Confidential Marriage License, no witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony, AND no witnesses sign on the marriage license.

Can you get married over the Internet?


People can't get legally married online since the internet is not a place or a legal entity in itself. It is possible, however, for the ceremony to take place through the net. Those wanting to get married online may just want to throw a fun ceremony, which is possible to do without a legal marriage.

What is the meaning of common law wife?

What is Common Law Marriage: A Definition. A common law marriage is one in which the couple lives together for a period of time and holds themselves out to friends, family and the community as "being married," but without ever going through a formal ceremony or getting a marriage license.

How much do it cost for marriage license?

U.S. Marriage License Application Fees. Fees for marriage licenses range from a low of $10 to as much as $115. The cost varies based on county, city or municipality, residential status, and in some cases, completion of a pre-marital counseling or education course. A few states, have standard, statewide fees.

What states allow same day marriage?

Marriage License Requirements
  • 1 day: South Carolina.
  • 3 days: Alaska, District of Columbia, Florida (unless couple attends a marriage preparation class), Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington.
  • 5 days: Minnesota.
  • 6 days: Wisconsin.

What is the easiest state to get married in?


So the easiest places to get married are Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C. These places recognize common law marriage, which means that you and your spouse are a legally married couple

What states don't require marriage license?

These are some states that permit these types of marriages at time of publication: Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

Can I get married in a state I don't live in?

State Residency: You do not need to be a resident to receive a marriage license, but you do need to apply either in the town where one applicant lives or the town where you plan on getting married.

Can I be married in two different states?

You can marry the same person in every state and every country. You just can't be married to two or more different people at the same time.

Are Vegas marriages legal in all states?

Marriages entered into in the state of Nevada are legal everywhere in the US (and in many places in the world that recognize US marriages), so long as a marriage license was actually issued and refiled with the county recorder.

Do you have to show divorce papers to get married?


Remarriage After Divorce
Do you need divorce papers to remarry? Yes. You'll need to present your divorce decree or certificate of dissolution from your previous marriage. If you no longer have a copy, your lawyer can order you another one.

What states can you marry at 12?

Most states have a minimum marriage age for minors with parental consent, ranging from 12-17 years old. California and Mississippi, however, do not have minimum ages for minors to be allowed to marry with parental consent.

What is the primary obligation of marriage?

A marriage is a confidential relationship, and therefore there is a duty to act in the highest good faith and fair dealing in any transaction between the spouses. For instance, you may not perpetrate a fraud on your spouse or unduly influence them into signing a contract.