Ask AMM: "Who is in charge of getting the marriage license?"

Who is responsible for the marriage license before and after a wedding? Here's what to know!

"Hi AMM! Who is in charge of getting the marriage license – the officiant (me), or the couple? And what is the difference between the license that is signed in front of witnesses, and the certificates you sell in your store?"

This are such great questions, and something every first-time wedding officiant should be curious about. We'll take each of these questions one at a time to help you understand your role better:

 

• What is a marriage license?

First and foremost: the marriage license is the official document and proof of marriage that is recognized by the government. This document allows two people to get legally married in the state (and/or county) where it was issued. This marriage license is the important document that a wedding officiant (that's you!) fills out after conducting the marriage ceremony to make things official. 

 

Learn more:  How To Fill Out A Marriage License As An Officiant

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• Who is responsible for getting the marriage license? 

 

The couple getting married is responsible for obtaining their own marriage license. This is done by visiting the local county clerk or marriage bureau in the state where they wish to get married, and applying for the license. In general, both people getting married need to be present to apply, and will need to show the clerk the proper documentation and identification before paying a small fee. 

 

Learn more: Who Files For The Marriage License?

 

 

• Who is responsible for the marriage license after the wedding ceremony? (Who returns the marriage license to the clerk?)
   

The answer to this question depends on where the wedding takes place, because each state has its own guidelines. Here's how to get it right: After the wedding is over, once the marriage license has been completed and signed by all the required persons (including the couple, officiant, witnesses, etc.), it must be returned and filed within a set amount of time. The license will have clear filing instructions on when, how, and where to return it; these directions are provided to the couple when the license is issued.

 

It is important to follow these instructions carefully and to pay close attention to any waiting periods and filing deadlines.

 

Learn more: Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return

 

 

Featured above: The AMM Signature Marriage Certificate

 

 

• What is the difference between a marriage license and the commemorative marriage certificates for sale in the AMM Store? 

 

A commemorative marriage certificate, on the other hand, is not an official document, and is solely meant for display and/or giving as a gift. These decorative keepsakes are also sometimes called 'wedding certificates.' Commemorative certificates should not be confused with the official government-issued marriage license. 

 

However, because official marriage licenses aren't aesthetically-pleasing documents (and get filed away with the state anyway), having a framed and stylized certificate of choice is a much prettier way to remember the joyous occasion.

 

Not only do commemorative certificates make lovely keepsakes, but signing them makes for additional photo opportunities on the wedding day. Gather your witnesses, grab some pretty pens, and make sure the photographer is there to capture those moments! (Playing of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered [I'm Yours]" while doing so is optional.)

 

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Give Your Newlyweds a Decorative Marriage Certificate as a Memory of the Wedding Day

 

If you'd like to gift your couples with a thoughtful keepsake, be sure to check out our selection of commemorative certificates in a variety of styles. We offer not only commemorative wedding certificates, but ones for Vow Renewals, too - available blank or personalized, and with free shipping!

 

"¡También contamos con una amplia variedad de Certificados de Matrimonio en Español, Certificados de Unión de Manos y Certificados de Renovación de Votos!"

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/store#certificates", "SHOP MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES" *|

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More Wedding Officiant Tips for a Stress-Free Ceremony

 

• First-Time Officiant FAQs
   
• Helpful Tips for the First-Time Wedding Officiant
   
• Right Before You Step on Stage: A Wedding Officiant’s (Very) Last Minute Checklist
   
• 10 Things a Wedding Officiant Should Never Do on the Wedding Day
   

 

Wedding officiants: Click the article linked above to read the most common wedding mistakes first-time officiants make -- and how to avoid them for a stress free ceremony! 

 

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