Marriage License Tips

Ah, marriage licenses…a critical and yet often overlooked aspect of wedding planning. If you want to be legally married, it is very important you navigate this carefully before and after your wedding day, especially if you are planning to get married out-of-state or out of the country!! And while we hope this information is a helpful stepping stone for our newly engaged couples, always be sure to double check the information! Many counties, cities, states, and countries have different rules that are continually being updated. (Hint: use the keywords “marriage license” with your county/state/country you are from and getting married in, in your web browser)

marriage license pick-up

In California, you can apply for a marriage license at any County Clerk’s office and use it to get married anywhere throughout the state. So, for example, if you live in San Francisco and want to get married in LA, you can pick up your license in either county (although for the sake of making it a heck of a lot easier, I would suggest applying in the county you live in).

In Georgia, you can also apply for a marriage license at any probate court and use it to get married anywhere throughout the state. However, if NEITHER the bride or groom a resident of Georgia, then the license MUST be issued in the county where the ceremony is taking place.

If you plan on getting married in another state, typically you will have to apply and pick up your license within the state you are getting married in. Before planning your destination wedding, please realize that you will not be able to transfer this license to another state (if where the certificate is issued/cemented into public records is important to you.) That being said, you will be considered a legally married couple anywhere within the US (and abroad).

For more information on state marriage license requirements follow this link: www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/marriage-laws-by-state


Things to Remember When Picking Up Your License:

  • Make an appointment! Trust me. Lines can get long and much like the DMV, those without appointments have to simply wait for an opening.

  • Always check in regarding any waiting period (same day for California and Georgia) and for how long the license remains valid (90 days in California, no expiration in Georgia). The last thing you need is for your license to expire and have to restart the whole process or for it to simply not be ready on time for your wedding day!

  • Bring your documents! Many states require birth certificates, proof of citizenship/residency, and a photo ID/driver’s license. If you have been widowed or divorced, you will also need to bring the death certificate or divorce paperwork.

  • Bring cash! Many clerk recorders only accent payment for the license in the form of cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

Dealing with Your License During & After Your Wedding Day:

Step One: Absolutely, 100%, give it to someone you trust (typically your planner) to handle on your wedding day.

Step Two (California Only): Notify your witness(es) before hand that they will need to sign the document after the ceremony. This will help the person handling the document finish up with the legalities of the license in a swift and easy manner. Your officiant will also need to fill in information on the form.

Step Three: Have your officiant return the document to the county clerk’s office. (In California, you have 10 days to do so! In Georgia, you have 30 days.) If they are not able to return it, in some cases, you should also be able to fulfill the request.

Step Four: Once notified that it has been approved, purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the clerk’s office for your records. (If you are changing your last name, this will be the first document you needed on your legal journey….but we will post more on that later.)

Step Five: Put your copy somewhere safe, but first don’t hesitate to give your legal document a good ogling! I couldn’t stop looking at mine for at least a day!

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