Marriage License - What’s it All About?

For all its romance and emotion, marriage is actually a legal agreement entered into by a man and a woman. A marriage license is the contract signed by both parties and witnesses to simplify the arrangement in the eyes of the courts. Should the marriage end in divorce, division of assets and the custody of children is easier to manage.

Why do people marry?

According to a 1998 study conducted by an Australian research group, the top five reasons why people get married are:

    1. To indicate a life-long commitment
    2. To publicize their commitment
    3. Due to religious beliefs
    4. For legal status or financial security
    5. To provide security for children

6.
The requirement to obtain a marriage license exists in many developed countries throughout the world and helps a couple to honor the commitment they make on their wedding day.

A marriage license is different to a marriage certificate. The former is required in order to be permitted to marry and have the union formally recognized. The latter is what you are given upon the exchange of vows, to signify your union.

Requirements

Every American state issues marriage licenses but each state dictates its own criteria that the intended bride and groom are to meet before one will be granted. The couple – or the person who will officiate at the wedding – must then file for a certified copy as well as a marriage certificate with the authorities. In the U.S., the usual waiting period is between one to six days.

At the government offices, records will be checked to ensure neither party is currently still married. There will also be a determination as to whether the man and woman are related, and a blood test is required to ensure the marriage is not likely to result in diseased children. This can occur if the spouses have a common recessive disease-causing gene.

In most states, applicants for marriage licenses must be aged over 18 years or if younger, have written consent from a parent.

    • Applicants may have to provide proof of age such as with a driver’s license, birth certificate or military identification.
    • Applicants must not be more closely related than second cousins or cousins of half blood.
    • Applicants must not have a husband or wife living.
    • Divorced applicants are to provide proof of divorce or at least be able to state the actual date of their divorce and the state in which the decree was issued.
    • In some states, the blood test is not mandatory. Nevada is one such state.

Fees

Once all of these requirements have been fulfilled to the government’s satisfaction, a marriage license will be issued. There are fees involved to cover administration and processing costs and they are usually around $50 to $70, depending on which state is issuing the license.

Same sex marriages

Under the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), many states prohibit the issuing of marriage licenses to same sex couples. Same sex marriage has been recognized as a legal union in Massachusetts since 2004, though other states have not been so quick to follow suit.

Getting married in Las Vegas

For some, it’s the ultimate in fun, romance and spontaneity. Getting married in Las Vegas is a fantasy come true for thousands of couples, even though it’s the epitome of tacky and tasteless to others. Amid the flashing neon and the sounds of slot machines handing over small jackpots, you can arrange a marriage license as close as one day before you wish to tie the knot.