Unlocking the Next Chapter: What To Do With Your Marriage License After The Wedding

Congratulations on tying the knot! Your wedding day was filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. But now that the big day is over, what should you do with your marriage license? It may seem like a small and insignificant document in comparison to all of the wedding planning details, but it holds great importance for your legal union. In this article, we will explore the different options for handling your marriage license after the wedding. Whether you want to cherish it as a keepsake or take care of important legal steps, we have got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover what to do with your marriage license after saying “I do”.

What is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to get married. It serves as proof that the couple has met all the legal requirements to enter into a marriage contract. Without a valid marriage license, a marriage ceremony cannot take place.

The process of obtaining a marriage license varies from state to state, but typically involves filling out an application, providing identification and paying a fee. In most cases, the couple must also appear in person at the county clerk’s office to obtain the license.

Once the marriage license is obtained, it is typically valid for 30-90 days, depending on the state. This means that the couple must get married within this time frame or else they will have to apply for another license.

Why Is It Important?

A marriage license serves as legal documentation of your marriage. It may not seem necessary in the moment of excitement and love during your wedding day, but having a valid marriage license can save you from potential headaches and legal issues in the future.

For one, many benefits and rights are tied to marital status, such as taxes, health insurance coverage, inheritance rights, and parental rights. Without a valid marriage license, these benefits and rights may not be automatically given to you or your spouse.

Additionally, if there are any disputes or legal challenges surrounding your marriage in the future, having a valid marriage license can serve as concrete evidence of your legally recognized union.

In short, obtaining and keeping track of your marriage license is an important part of ensuring that your marriage is recognized by law.

What Can You Do With Your Marriage License After The Wedding?

After all the excitement and preparation leading up to your wedding day, many couples may forget or overlook what they need to do with their marriage licenses once they are officially married. Below are some important steps to take with your marriage license after the wedding:

1. Get it Signed and Notarized

Your marriage license needs to be signed by both you and your spouse, as well as your officiant, in order for it to be valid. Some states also require the signatures of witnesses. Make sure to have all necessary signatures before submitting your marriage license.

In some cases, a notarized signature may also be required. This means having a certified notary public witness and verify the signatures on the marriage license. Check with your county clerk’s office for specific requirements.

2. Submit it to the County Clerk’s Office

After obtaining all necessary signatures, your signed marriage license must be submitted to the county clerk’s office where you obtained it. This is typically done within a few days or weeks after your wedding, depending on state laws.

If you forget to submit your marriage license or do not do so within the required time frame, you may have to apply for a new one and potentially pay another fee.

3. Obtain Copies for Legal Purposes

It’s always wise to keep several copies of your signed and filed marriage license for legal purposes. You may need it for changing your name, updating legal documents, or applying for certain benefits as a married couple.

Be sure to request certified copies from the county clerk’s office, as unofficial photocopies will not hold as much weight in legal situations.

What If You Don’t Need Your Marriage License?

In some cases, couples may end up not needing their marriage licenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as calling off the wedding or getting married in another state where a different document is required.

If this happens, make sure to check with your county clerk’s office on their specific procedures for canceling or nullifying a marriage license. You may also want to consider obtaining an annulment for legal purposes.

Obtaining and properly handling your marriage license is an important step in the marriage process. It serves as proof of your legally recognized union and can provide a peace of mind for any potential legal challenges in the future.

Be sure to follow the necessary steps after obtaining your marriage license to ensure that it is valid and usable. And remember, always keep track of your marriage license for any future legal needs.

Why You Need to Care About Your Marriage License

Marriage is a significant milestone in one’s life. It is a commitment to spend the rest of your life with your partner, to share the joys and sorrows, and to build a future together. As a legal document, your marriage license is proof of this sacred vow. It serves as an official record of your marriage and has important legal implications for you and your spouse.

One may wonder why it is essential to take care of the marriage license after the wedding when there are already so many things to worry about post-wedding. However, it is crucial to understand that the marriage license is not just another document; it has a significant impact on various aspects of your married life. This article will discuss why you need to care about your marriage license.

Applying for a Marriage License

Before we dive into what you need to do with the marriage license after the wedding, let’s talk about how you can get one in the first place. The process of obtaining a marriage license varies from state to state, but generally, it involves filing an application at the county clerk’s office or the town hall.

The application requires you and your spouse-to-be to provide personal information such as full names, birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, etc. You may also have to show identification documents like driver’s licenses or passports. Additionally, some states require you both to appear in person at the office and pay an application fee.

It is crucial to note that there may be waiting periods between obtaining a license and using it for the wedding ceremony. These waiting periods exist to allow for any objections or corrections that may need addressing before finalizing the union officially.

Legal Implications of Your Marriage License

Your signed and stamped marriage certificate has legal implications beyond simply proving that you are married. One of the most significant implications is that it serves as a legal document for name changes. If either spouse intends to change their last name after the wedding, they can do so by showing their marriage certificate as proof.

Moreover, couples may also use their marriage license to demonstrate their relationship and acquire benefits when applying for joint bank accounts, insurance policies, tax benefits, etc.

Additionally, in case of a divorce or death of one spouse, the marriage license helps determine the division of assets and property and serve as proof of inheritance rights. It is essential to keep your marriage license in a safe place as you may need it for legal purposes in the future.

Keeping Your Marriage License Safe

Now that we have established the importance of your marriage license let’s discuss what you need to do with it after your wedding ceremony. The first thing you need to do is keep it safe. After all, it is a legal document with vital personal information that you wouldn’t want falling into the wrong hands.

To ensure its safety, store your marriage license in a place that is easily accessible but still secure. Make sure it is protected from damage or loss due to fire, water damage or theft. You can choose to store it with other important documents such as birth certificates and passports or invest in a fireproof/waterproof safe.

Registered vs Non-Registered License

Different states have varying laws regarding marriage licenses which include registration requirements. Some states require you to register your signed and stamped marriage license at the county clerk’s office or town hall within a specified period after the wedding ceremony. On the other hand, some jurisdictions automatically register your license without requiring additional steps from you.

If you get married out of state or country, make sure you follow up with the appropriate government offices to confirm if there are any additional registration requirements.

Requesting Additional Copies

Aside from the original marriage certificate, you may need additional copies of your marriage license for various reasons. For instance, when applying for a passport with a new last name or updating your vehicle title and registration, you may be required to provide a copy of your marriage license.

It is always a good idea to have a few extra copies of your marriage license ready. You can either request them from the county clerk’s office or town hall where you applied for the initial license, or nowadays, many states allow for online requests.

In conclusion, the marriage license is not just another document that you can forget about after the wedding. It holds immense significance in your married life and has legal implications that should not be ignored. We hope this article has given you enough reasons to take care of your marriage license even after saying “I do.” Remember to keep it safe and register it if necessary. Lastly, make sure to obtain additional copies for future use. Congratulations on your marriage!

Q: What do I do with the marriage license after the wedding?
A: After your wedding ceremony, you must sign the marriage license and return it to the county clerk’s office where it was issued.

Q: Is there a time limit for returning the marriage license?
A: Yes, there is usually a specific timeframe for returning the marriage license, which varies by state. It is important to check with your county clerk’s office for their specific guidelines.

Q: Can someone else return the marriage license on our behalf?
A: No, only the couple who applied for the marriage license can return it to the county clerk’s office.

Q: Do we need to bring any documents when returning the marriage license?
A: You should bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, just in case it is needed for verification purposes.

Q: What happens if we forget to return the marriage license?
A: If you do not return your signed marriage license within the designated timeframe, your marriage may not be legally recognized. It is important to remember to return it as soon as possible after your wedding.

Q: Can we keep a copy of our marriage license for our personal records?
A: Yes, you are entitled to receive a certified copy of your signed marriage license from the county clerk’s office. This can serve as an official record of your marriage.

In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license is an essential part of the wedding process, but what comes after the wedding? It is important to understand and follow the proper procedures for handling and securing the marriage license in order to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized. Throughout this discussion, we have explored the steps involved in obtaining a marriage license and what to do with it after the wedding. We have also highlighted the potential consequences of not properly handling the marriage license and how to avoid them.

Firstly, it is crucial to obtain a marriage license from the relevant government authority before your wedding. This involves fulfilling certain requirements such as providing valid identification and paying any necessary fees. Failure to obtain a marriage license can result in legal complications down the line.

Once you have obtained your marriage license, it should be kept safe and secure until it is time to sign it during the ceremony. The officiant or person marrying you will be responsible for signing and returning the completed license to the issuing authority within a specific timeframe. It is important to follow up with them if there are any delays in receiving your signed license.

After your wedding, you will receive a certified copy of your signed marriage license. This document serves as proof of your legal union and may be required for various purposes, such as changing your

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Kelsey Garrison

Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.