My boyfriend is going into the air force and we want to get married but don't have enough money for a big wedding. I want to move with him soo we are going to get married. Do u have to have a ceremony to be considered married or can just get the license??
2007-05-10 06:44:55 · 25 answers · asked by Alicia F 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
you must be married by a judge for the marriage license to be valid. there is a minimal fee for the judge's services, and you must bring at least 2 witnesses.
the judge and witnesses sign the marriage liscense after the "vows" are taken, and you're legally married.
this is what we did, we didn't have money to throw a big "party' and then we went to a friends house for a small dinner party.
we threw a big "reception' about a year later, when we had the money to do it.
2007-05-10 06:51:05 · answer #1 · answered by who cares! 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, a ceremony is required by State Law, but it does not have to be a big ceremony. The officiant is required by law to ask you the questions in the ceremony before they can sign off on the license making it official.
Basically they have to ask each of you if you are wanting to take the other person as their spouse, if both say yes, he can sign off on it. Thats the bare minimum ceremony. I have performed that one in the parking lot of the Health Department where they receved ther license before. although the Health Department frowns upon it and I received a nasty warning letter from them for it. It seems they do not like you using their parking lot for weddings for some reason.
As far as I know, the only State that you do not need an officiant and can do it yourself is Colorado.
There is a cmplete listing of marriage laws and requirements listed on our website.
The marriage license allows the wedding to take place, it does not mean you are married. After the ceremony (can be a short one) the officiant signs the license, this is what makes it official. Then you are married.
2007-05-10 14:21:43 · answer #2 · answered by Paradise Weddings & Travel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have to have a ceremony if you wish to be LEGALLY married. The Bride and Groom must exchange vows or promises and the officiant must pronounce the couple "Husband and Wife." A judge can perform a ten minute ceremony if you want something "short and simple." The officiant will sign a Certificate of Marriage, and that is your legal document and proof that you are married. Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A wedding ceremony officiant
2007-05-10 19:30:53 · answer #3 · answered by Avis B 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have to have the license AND the ceremony - however, the "ceremony" may consist of simply going to the courthouse and being married by a JOP. Usually you make an appointment, pay a fee, and bring the necessary documents and two witnesses - voila, you're married. A big wedding is, of course, not necessary.
2007-05-10 15:08:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to have a wedding ceremony, but you have to have something. If you just go in and get the license, and then stick it in a drawer until you're ready for the wedding, you are not married and it will expire (it's only good for a few days, usually).
You need an officiant, whether that be a priest, reverand, judge, etc., to make the license an official legal document.
2007-05-10 16:12:54 · answer #5 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A license does not make you a married couple. You have to have a person authorized to marry people (an official) to pronounce you man and wife. You also have to have a license for the official to marry you. It can be short and sweet but it has to be done to be recognized by the state or country you live in. Ask at the courthouse, I'm sure they can direct you to the right person.
2007-05-10 14:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by starling 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not need to have a ceremony. In most states you can go purchase the license and marry right there. YES people you can do this! You can be your own witnesses (in the witness line you put 'ourselves').
If you happen to be in a state that does not allow this you can make an appt. with a judge or a person who is licensed to sign off on a marriage license (many lawyers are) and they can do this right in the office.
2007-05-10 13:51:12 · answer #7 · answered by ~~∞§arah T∞©~~ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have had a big wedding, it's a pain. I've also just went to the local JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. Some places have a certain number of days you have to wait once you get your license but you can ask the clerk if the waiting period can be waived since he's in the military. they should waive it. They did for me. If you get married by the JOP it shouldn't take but a day or 2
2007-05-10 13:57:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your county office that supplies and registers marriage licenses (usually found in the courthouse of your county seat). The good folks there will know more about it than we will.
Typically, the marriage license you receive from the county needs to be validated and witnessed before it can be registered, but who can and cannot validate and/or witness it is different from state to state.
Check here for state laws on who can "officiate" at your "wedding":
http://www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.html
It's possible that a friend could be ordained online for free and then sign it for you.
Good Luck!
2007-05-10 15:41:09 · answer #9 · answered by Kya Rose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You go to the courthouse to get the license and find out when a judge is available to perform the wedding vows. Get 2 witnesses or the judge's clerks can even witness the day you get your license and do it right then. Congrats
2007-05-10 15:37:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋