Sign your marriage license during the wedding: Less stress, a seamless exit, and a unique twist on the unity ceremony

 

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In the movies, newlyweds leave their wedding ceremony in a rush of cheers and confetti, waving goodbye as they burst through the church doors and skip down the steps together.

 

Leer en Español: Firmando una Licencia de Matrimonio Durante la Ceremonia de Boda- Consejos para Oficiantes y Parejas

 

But in the real world, a quick and seamless exit can be much harder to pull off, because the wedding officiant (and any required witnesses) must sign the marriage license after the ceremony to make things legal. This extra step can create unnecessary delays between the ceremony and the reception, adding to a couple’s stress as they try to round up the necessary people.

 

That’s why including the license signing during the wedding itself is such a popular and practical option! 

 

If the license has already been signed as part of the ceremony, the couple can head straight to the reception without worrying about legal details, and the officiant is free to leave at any point once the ceremony is over. 

 

Quick, seamless, and stress-free!

 

 

Photo: SolStock / iStock

 

Unique unity ceremony idea

 

Signing the license during the wedding is also a great alternative to traditional unity ceremony choices, like a candle lighting or sand pouring ceremony. 

 

It allows friends and relatives to witness this special moment as a community, and makes the activity feel like a highlight of the day, instead of like an afterthought or unromantic technicality. 

 

And if witness signatures are required, couples can ask a friend, parent, or close relative to stand up front with them to complete the signing – creating a new opportunity to involve loved ones in the wedding ceremony.

 

Then, follow the signing ceremony with a kiss or a wine toast! This is sure to be met with happy cheers and clapping, and makes for a great photo, too.

 

Sounds delightful, right? 

 

 

Tips for signing a marriage license during the wedding

 

• Place a small table off to the side of the ceremony space that you can use to sign the paperwork, and make sure that your guests will have a good view of the action! 

 

• Decorate the table with special objects that symbolize your love. You might add framed photos of ancestors, trinkets from your favorite vacations together, flowers and crystals, or glasses of bubbly for a toast.

 

• Bring a black ink pen and the marriage license

 

Related: Don’t get the minister blues… bet on black (ink)

 

• Officiants, be prepared to write down your official title and other important information. We cover what to expect here: How To Fill Out a Marriage License: Officiant Training

 

• Don’t forget your witnesses! Each state has its own guidelines for witness signatures, including how many you’ll need and who can sign. Check the requirements in your state here.

 

• Know who’s in charge of returning and filing the license after it’s signed, and the deadline for returning it (called the ‘return period’). In some states, this will be the couple; in other states, it will be the officiant. Ask the clerk who issues your license for this important information.

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Unity Ceremonies
   
• How to Perform a Unity Candle Ceremony (for Wedding Officiants)
   
• 5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding
   

 

You've already met the perfect officiant - ask a friend to officiate! Read the full article here. 

 

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