Everything You Need to Know Before the Big Day
You’ve picked out the perfect venue, the dress is being tailored, and the guest list is finally under control (hopefully). But there’s one not-so-glamorous task that needs your attention before you can say “I do”—the marriage license. It might not be as exciting as cake tastings or picking out your flowers, but trust me, it’s just as essential.
So let’s talk about what you need to know to make sure the paperwork doesn’t throw a wrench in your wedding plans.
What Is a Marriage License, Anyway?
A marriage license is essentially your golden ticket to legally getting hitched. It’s the document that gives you permission to marry, and without it, you’re not married in the eyes of the law, no matter how great your vows were or how epic the dance floor was at your reception.
Think of it like this: The marriage license is to a wedding what a driver’s license is to driving. You need one to be official!
When Should You Get a Marriage License?
Timing is everything, right? The same goes for your marriage license. You don’t want to get it too early, but you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute either. The tricky part is that every state has its own rules on how long a marriage license is valid, so you’ve got to plan accordingly.
In Alabama, for example, there’s no waiting period, but the marriage license is only valid for 30 days. So you can get it pretty close to your wedding day, but if you get it too far ahead, you risk it expiring before you walk down the aisle. Georgia offers a little more leeway with a license that’s valid for up to six months. But in Florida, you’ve got to wait three days if you’re a resident, or you can avoid the wait if you’re coming from out of state.
Moral of the story? Check your state’s rules and get your timing right. Generally, getting the license a month or so before the wedding should give you plenty of time without risking it expiring.
Where Do You Get a Marriage License?
This one’s a bit simpler. You usually head to your county clerk’s office or probate court to apply for your marriage license. Most counties allow you to apply in person, but some states are starting to accept online applications (thank you, technology!).
In Alabama, couples file a certificate of marriage rather than applying for a traditional license, which you’ll need to get notarized after your ceremony. Tennessee, on the other hand, requires an in-person trip to the clerk’s office, but good news: you can apply in any county and still get married in another.
Wherever you’re planning to tie the knot, be sure to look up the local requirements, especially if you’re coming from out of state or having a destination wedding. Some counties may also have specific business hours, so it’s worth checking ahead to avoid any last-minute surprises.
What Documents Will You Need?
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This is where it gets detailed, but don’t worry—I’m here to make sure you have everything you need when you walk into that clerk’s office.
Identification
The first thing you’ll need is a valid form of identification. Usually, that means a government-issued ID like a driver’s license or passport. In some cases, you might be asked to bring a birth certificate as well, especially if you’re under 21 or don’t have a valid photo ID.
Pro tip: Some states, like Mississippi, also require proof of residency if at least one of you is a local resident. Double-check the local requirements so you’re not scrambling for documents on your way to the courthouse.
Social Security Number
You’ll also need to provide your Social Security numbers. You don’t need to bring the actual card, but having the number ready is a must.
Previous Marriage Documentation
If one or both of you were previously married, be prepared to provide documentation of the divorce or death certificate of the previous spouse. Some states, like Louisiana, require a certain amount of time to pass after a divorce before you can remarry, so be sure all legal documents are squared away before applying.
Do You Need Blood Tests?
Believe it or not, some states used to require blood tests before issuing a marriage license. While this is mostly a thing of the past, it’s still required in a couple of places. In Mississippi, for example, you’ll need to provide a certified medical certificate that shows both of you are free of any communicable diseases. Sounds like something out of the 1800s, right? But better safe than sorry.
Most other states, including Alabama and Tennessee, have nixed the blood test requirement, so you can skip that extra step unless you’re in one of the rare states that still has it.
Common Mistakes Couples Make When Getting a Marriage License
Now, let’s talk about a few “oops” moments that can happen when you’re navigating this marriage license process.
- Forgetting the waiting period. Some states have a waiting period before your license becomes valid, and couples often forget this step. It’s not fun realizing you can’t get married on the day you planned because you didn’t account for the waiting period.
- Not planning around office hours. County clerks’ offices don’t always have the most convenient hours. If you’re both working 9-5, it might take some coordinating to get there on time, so plan ahead!
- Missing documents. This one’s a biggie. Not bringing the right documents is a common mistake, and it’s such a pain to have to make a second trip to the office. Double-check what you need!
Fun Fact: Your Officiant Doesn’t Always Have to File Your License
In most states, your officiant is responsible for filing your signed marriage license with the county after the ceremony. However, in Alabama, the couple handles this task themselves. Once the officiant signs the document, you’re responsible for mailing it in or dropping it off at the courthouse.
So if you’re getting married in Alabama or a similar state, don’t forget to follow up on this crucial step. It would be a bummer to find out weeks later that your marriage isn’t officially on the books because the paperwork wasn’t filed!
Timing Your Marriage License: Why It Matters
Here’s something you might not think about: If you’re having a destination wedding, make sure you understand how your marriage license timing works. Some states allow you to get the license from another state if you’re just having a ceremony elsewhere. However, other locations might require a local license.
For example, if you’re planning a wedding in Georgia, you can get your license in any county, but if you’re planning a wedding in Florida, you’ll need to follow their specific rules about when and where to file. Keeping these little details in mind ensures your wedding day goes off without a hitch (pun intended).
Your Marriage License Checklist
To make things even easier, here’s a handy checklist you can use when applying for your marriage license. Just make sure to add any state-specific requirements that apply to your situation.
Marriage License Checklist:
☐ Valid, government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport)
☐ Social Security numbers (you don’t need the card, just the number)
☐ Birth certificate (if required)
☐ Proof of residency (if required in your state)
☐ Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
☐ Certified medical certificate (if your state requires a blood test)
☐ Cash or credit card to pay for the application fee (fees range from $20 to $100+ depending on the state)
☐ Make sure to meet the age requirements (usually 18+ without parental consent)
☐ Appointment scheduled (if your state requires it)
☐ A little bit of patience!
Wrapping It All Up: Be Ready for the Big Day
Getting your marriage license might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it’s essential for making your union legal. By staying organized and knowing what documents and timelines you need to keep track of, you can check this off your to-do list and focus on the fun stuff (like cake tastings, am I right?).
So whether you’re getting married in Alabama, Georgia, or another beautiful southern state, make sure you’ve got your license squared away. And hey, while you’re taking care of the legal side of things, don’t forget about capturing your big day on video. After all, you’ll want to relive the magic, right?
Ready to Capture Your Wedding Day?
Now that you’ve got the legal stuff in order, let’s talk about capturing those memories. Wedding videography does more than document the day—it brings your vows, speeches, and all the special moments to life. Interested in learning more? Let’s chat about how we can create a video that you’ll treasure forever.