Practical Wedding Issues – The License
By: Fernando Bellingham
Once you and yours have committed to each other, the wedding ceremony should be the next item on your agenda. Marriage licenses are the practical side of the process.
If you’ve just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time. Don’t let the marriage license laws put a dent in your wedding plans. Here’s what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a marriage license. It is recommended to get this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date. Requirements may vary within each county.
A marriage license is permission from a legal authority (either church or state) for the marriage of two people to be performed. The details of how licenses are obtained, and in what circumstances, have differed between states and counties. Be that as it may, most states follow most of the same guidelines. Most of the differences between the states are whether or not you need to have a birth certificate. To show you what you may need to bring or go through to get a license here are examples of some states requirements.
Since state laws are so different, let’s use California for an example. It is recommended that you call the California County or City Clerk’s office to see if they suggest setting an appointment. You could find yourselves in a long line with as much as a 2-hour wait without an appointment in some California locales.
California requires a picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates. You need to know your parents’ names, mother’s maiden name and places of their birth. You do not have to be a resident of California to apply for a marriage license there.
If you have lived together as husband and wife, you can apply for a confidential license. This means there is no public record of your marriage. For re-marriage, you must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county.)
There is no waiting period in California. It will cost you $45.00 to get married in California. It varies from county to county and some California counties will only accept cash, so don’t leave home with out some cash! California doesn’t require blood tests.
If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor’s parents or legal guardian must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a California superior court judge.
In California there is no Common Law Marriage, but you can marry your cousin! In California there are no same sex marriages. However, Domestic Partnership Certificates are available in San Francisco and Marin Counties. One partner must live or work in that county and both must have photo ID.
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Fernando Bellingham is with Wedding Yeti - a site with free wedding information and resources.