First let me say I'm sorry for asking these questions. I have just started going back to church and I am curious about a few things. Why do people have to pay to get married other than the government getting pocket change? Wouldn't it be more realistic to be able to get married for free but then pay an enormous amount if you want to get divorced? I want to get married but I can't afford it. When God spoke of marriage, was he thinking that people should have to pay for it? I'm not talking about most of the things that go into a wedding, I'm talking about having to pay out $50 just to get a marriage lisence.
2006-11-24 10:51:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We already live together. We pay our bills. We are on a tight budget. His grandfather is a preacher. We're getting married once we get our income tax return anyways, I was just wondering the reasons behind the cost of marriage and I think I got my answer...lol
2006-11-24 11:03:44 · update #1
I suppose the fee is for the record keeping they do putting your names on file, etc. I didn't mind paying it and then I paid the judge to marry my husband and I. Money well spent. Save up $ over time if you want to marry.
2006-11-24 10:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The $50 you pay is not to the church but to the government for the license (which is really high! Where I live it's only $20).
But how are you going to do a church wedding if you can't afford even the license? You need to pay the minister, you need gifts for your bridesmaids as well as money to decorate the church, have a reception, etc.
If you cannot even afford the wedding, how will you set up housekeeping with a man? I think maybe you should rethink the marriage until more money is available.
2006-11-24 18:58:47 · answer #2 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Marriage is not just a "chruch" thing. It changes your legal status in myriad different ways. Paying $50 for a license is a small fee, considering that you are going to have to have your marriage registered with the state, plus have a certificate issued.
Recognize that from this point forward, for the cost of your marriage license, you will now be eligible for shared health insurance costs, shared tax liability, legal access to one anothers' bank accounts and assets, the ability to tell doctors what to do in case of a medical emergency, automatic inheritance rights, automatic widow's benefits from social security, plus other rights & responsibilities. That's quite a trick to pull off, all for the cost of a ticket to an off-Broadway show.
2006-11-24 19:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you care about LEGAL civil marriage then yes, you have to pay. You're asking the government to provide you with goods and services (a marriage license and a legal union) so you have to pay.
If you JUST want a religious ceremony then you don't have to pay (at least I don't think you do). I'm sure you could find a pastor or minister or some other spiritual officiate who could perform a symbolic marriage.
2006-11-24 18:54:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have to pay to drive a car too. There are legalities involved. That's why. You can't afford $50 for a marriage license? Hon....getting married may not be a good idea unless you have a stable job and life.
2006-11-24 18:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not a minister, not licensed by any church to preform weddings. But I could ask you to solemnly commit to each other in the name of the Lord our God. But like any licensed minister I would want to know I was joining two Christians that were committing to walk hand in hand with the Lord Jesus all their life. Have you come to a spiritual place in your life where you know that you will be with God when your life is over? Jim
2006-11-24 19:12:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they charge the $50 just to cover administration costs, but I don't think it hurts any, I mean, It might make someone rethink getting married to someone they're not confident about - so they can make sure they are making a good decision BEFORE they end up divorced later.
2006-11-24 18:54:42 · answer #7 · answered by Joy H 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot afford to pay for a license, you cannot afford to keep a household up. Forget the marriage.
2006-11-24 18:53:44 · answer #8 · answered by Shossi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your church about your problem . Mabye the'll let you have it for free or a lot less. I don't know mabye they want you to understand getting married is going to be hard to work but it can be done.
2006-11-24 18:56:25 · answer #9 · answered by Mare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont recall God speaking about marriage
but i dont think that kind of money is too much to show your commitment to each other ..
i would not like divorce to cost too much because then people would have to stay in bad relationships just because they cant afford to get out of it ...
my sister in law who was beat to a pulp many times by her husband , im sure would agree with me
2006-11-24 18:53:49 · answer #10 · answered by Peace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋