Do you have to have a wedding to get married? No! There are lots of other fun ways to start your marriage

 

 

Listen now:

 

 

Don’t get us wrong – we LOVE weddings. (This is the American Weddings blog, after all.) 

 

But sometimes couples want to get married without a wedding ceremony!

 

Sometimes a couple wants to get married in secret or they feel spontaneous and want to elope. Sometimes they’re about to be deployed, can’t afford a ceremony, or they just don’t want one. 

 

Related: Planning a Secret Wedding (Is Easier Than You Think)

 

Whatever the reason, many couples find themselves asking the same question on the way to get their marriage license… 

 

“Can we get married without a wedding ceremony?”

 

The answer is… Yes! Sort of. But there are still some legal requirements.

 

 

Let’s explain: 

 

You definitely don’t have to have a traditional ceremony to get married, or even a non-traditional one! However...

 

However, you will need to:

 

• apply for a marriage license 

 

• exchange a declaration of intent to marry in front of an authorized officiant and any required witnesses

 

• have the officiant sign your license 

 

• return the completed license to the appropriate office

 

 

Many wedding officiants call this type of marriage service a 'just make it legal' ceremony, a 'sign & go' ceremony, or 'signing only' ceremony.  

 

Learn about the Sign & Go Marriage Ceremony 

 

The only exceptions to these requirements are if you marry in a state that allows couples to perform their own ceremonies (called self solemnizing), or if you marry in Alabama (where you’ll need to find a notary to complete your Marriage Certificate). 

 

 

• Learn more about self-solemnizing ceremonies
• Learn more about how to get married in Alabama

 

 

Got it? Great! 

 

As long as you meet the legal requirements for marriage, how you celebrate getting married and the wording you choose is up to you! 

 

That means you can skip a traditional ceremony and choose a quick sign-and-go ceremony instead. Just make sure you have a valid and completed marriage license!

 

Related: Are there legal wording requirements for a wedding ceremony? 

 

...

 

For more inspiration, read

 

 Our Favorite Ways to Get Married Without a Wedding Ceremony

 

 

5 ways to get married without a wedding ceremony: Whether you want to elope alone, invite a few guests, or skip straight to signing the marriage license, these ideas offer creative alternatives that feel just right!

 

READ NOW ! 

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Plan Your Entire Wedding at Target (For Less Money Than Your Last Vacation)
   
• Choosing a Wedding Officiant: What (or Who) Are Your Options?
   

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