Marriage license and marriage certificate are two distinct documents that serve different purposes in the process of getting married. Here's what you need to know about each of them:
Marriage License:
1. Legal Requirement: A marriage license is a legal document that you must obtain before you can legally marry your partner. It is a prerequisite for getting married in most jurisdictions.
2. Issuance: You usually obtain a marriage license from the local government office, such as the county clerk's office. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license may vary by location, so it's essential to check with your local authorities for specific details.
3. Requirements: To get a marriage license, you and your partner typically need to provide certain documents like proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport), proof of age, and sometimes proof of divorce or widowhood if applicable. You may also need to pay a fee.
4. Waiting Period: Some jurisdictions have a waiting period after you receive the marriage license before you can have the ceremony. The waiting period varies by location and may be as short as a few hours or as long as a few days.
5. Expiration: Marriage licenses usually have an expiration date, which means you must marry within a specified time frame after obtaining the license. If you don't marry within this period, you'll need to reapply.
Marriage Certificate:
1. Legal Record: A marriage certificate is a legal document that proves you are legally married. It is issued after you have a marriage ceremony and your officiant (e.g., a judge, minister, or priest) signs the marriage license to certify that the marriage took place.
2. Issuance: After the marriage ceremony, the officiant and witnesses, if required, sign the marriage license to create a marriage certificate. This certificate is then filed with the local government office.
3. Proof of Marriage: The marriage certificate serves as evidence of your marriage and is needed for various legal purposes, such as changing your name, updating your marital status on official documents, or claiming spousal benefits.
4. Copies: You can usually obtain copies of your marriage certificate from the same government office where you obtained the marriage license. These copies are often required when dealing with legal matters, such as applying for a name change, claiming insurance benefits, or handling estate matters.
In summary, a marriage license is the permission to get married, and it must be obtained before the wedding ceremony. The marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the legal record of your marriage, proving that the ceremony took place. Both documents are crucial for the legal recognition of your marriage, and it's essential to follow the specific requirements and procedures set by your local jurisdiction to ensure your marriage is legally valid.