Features

• A wedding license typically provides the full name, Social Security number and birthplace of the individuals involved in the wedding, as well as the full names and birthplaces of their parents. The address of both parties involved is also recorded on the license, as are their occupations, levels of education and any former marriages. If one or both partners have formerly been married, they will need a formal dissolution-of-marriage notice or death certificate to show that the marriage has ended before a license will be granted. This will be noted on the license as well. The license will have a date and blank sections to be filled in by the officiant and witnesses on the day of the wedding. The bride must also know her married name, as that will be included on the license.
  
  

Time Frame

• To obtain a license, some states still require a formal blood test, so schedule one with your doctor in plenty of time to have the results to take with you to the county clerk. The tests check for the presence of venereal disease and rubella, and may also be used to identify any genetic disorders that either partner carries, such as sickle-cell anemia or Tay-Sachs disease. Most states do not test for HIV, though you can do so additionally if you wish. If you're over 50 or have other reasons, including being pregnant or sterile, you can waive the blood test.
  
  Set a time with the county clerk to get your license about 1 month before the wedding. Both partners must be present and must bring valid identification; non-citizens will need to provide a translated birth certificate. Plan the timing according to your state's regulations. Less than a month before, and any problems in processing the license could endanger your wedding date. Too much earlier, and the license may expire, as most are only valid between 30 and 60 days. Check with your county for the specific time frame. You must have a witness present to formally witness the license.
  
  

Considerations

• Same-sex couples may not be able to receive a marriage license in their state, as the status of marrying partners of the same gender is still being debated in many states. While some states actively forbid it, other states provide a registry process for same-sex couples or the option for them to enter into an alternative to a marriage called a civil union.
  
  

Warning

• The granting of a marriage license does not mean you are married. The wedding must be formally officiated by a justice of the peace or a religious officiant who signs the license. On the day of the actual wedding, the officiant will keep the license until after the ceremony. Then the officiant and the witnesses will sign the license and return it to the county clerk to be formally recorded and validated.
  
  You must be of legal age to get a marriage license. In most states, the age of formal consent is 18. You cannot be too closely related or the license will not be granted. Check your state's regulations for specific definitions.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The license itself is a critical legal document. Many county clerks will not accept a license if it is marred in an fashion. Folding, stapling or smearing any information is cause for the license to be returned to the officiant; a new license will need to be created, unless the officiant swears in an affidavit that the information is correct. Marking out or correcting any information on the license can also make it invalid, so check it thoroughly once it has been received, and far enough ahead of the wedding day to make corrections with the state agency that granted it.