My fiance' is in the Air Force, and just found out he was being stationed in Italy. We had planned on getting married in two years, but instead we decided to go ahead and just get it done. We are applying for a wedding certificate, I would like a judge to do the ceremony, but I was wondering if that was at all necessary and if we are legally married with or without a ceremony!
2007-11-18 09:24:40 · 11 answers · asked by krazy k 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I think you are talking about "a Marriage License" not a Marriage Certificate.
A Marriage Certificate is the document given to the Bride and Groom AFTER the wedding ceremony.
The Marriage Certificate is the Bride and Groom's proof that they are legally married.
The Marriage Certificate must be signed AFTER the ceremony by the person who performed the ceremony (a judge or minister or rabbi or priest).
If someone does not perform a ceremony than you are NOT married.
Military personnel must prove they are legally married before any benefits are extended to their spouse.
Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant
2007-11-18 09:55:41 · answer #1 · answered by Avis B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are just applying for the license. Somebody has to perform the ceremony (a judge if you want who is ordained) and a witness also has to also sign this as well. Once you turn in the paper, you are then legally married. But nothing says you can't do a ceremony and reception again later with all of your family!
2007-11-18 10:01:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are married when the ceremony is performed. The judge or clergy will sign the certificate, indicating that you are actually married. You must have the ceremony and signature before filing the certificate back at the court house.
2007-11-18 09:31:54 · answer #3 · answered by Woods 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my state you are married when the marriage is consummated. i.e. at the moment of ejaculation, the assets transfer to community property. If the male is the holder of the assets, then the woman gains right to the assets (is "paid") at the moment she successfully performs sex. And the other way around too.
If you go through a ceremony but the marriage is never consummated, you are not married. Marriage is a legal contract of exchange so there needs to be a compensated exchange for the contract to be valid.
So you need to gain license and successfully consummate. But I'd check the laws of your state to make sure. In my state, if sex doesn't happen the marriage can be considered legally invalid and annulled.
2007-11-18 12:04:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You aren't married until the officant signs the certificate along with you and your witnesses and it's sent back to the courts.
I had a friend with severe social anxiety so they didn't have a regular church ceremony but you still need the officiant to sign.
2007-11-18 09:58:10 · answer #5 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You NEED the ceremony, you NEED the Officiant to sign the certificate, and it needs to be handed in!
So, you'll get the license, then get married, the Officiant, bride, groom, and two witnesses sign it, then it gets handed in and filed and THEN you'll be married.
2007-11-18 10:15:40 · answer #6 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a marriage certificate is basically them saying that both of you are of sound mind and not crazy and its ok to get married. plus i think you have to have whoever marry's the both of you sign it. just go to city hall, your in and out pretty quickly then when he gets back in a couple years you can have a realy wedding if you want to.
2007-11-18 09:33:23 · answer #7 · answered by *<3_Gizmo* 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. You are not married until someone witnesses it. That usually runs about $50, here in Vegas anyway.
2007-11-18 09:29:04 · answer #8 · answered by jessiekarma 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to take vows and have a ceremony. You'll need a license too.
2007-11-18 09:40:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope...not till the i do's are said and witnessed.........and done legal by Judge , Justice of Peace or Reverend........
2007-11-18 09:32:52 · answer #10 · answered by hghostinme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋