AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Check out these 183 articles tagged with Marriage Laws. The American Weddings Blog is your source for officiant tips, ceremony planning, and more.
183 "Marriage Laws" Category Articles Page 4
Changing Your Name After Marriage Isn’t Required: What to Know
Don't want to change your last name when you get married? Click to read the ins and outs of legal name change after marriage, including cost, requirements, options, and more.
Understanding Massachusetts One Day Marriage Designation vs Online Ordination for Officiants
Which is best, getting ordained online or a one day marriage designation (MA) for officiating a wedding? Let’s take a look at cost, wait time, & more!
Illinois Lawmakers Want to Expand ‘Self Uniting’ Marriage Laws
Learn about potential updates to Illinois self uniting marriage laws which would expand the option to more couples, proposed by IL HB3049 2025.
Can a Dog Officiate a Wedding? These States Allow Fido to Lead the Ceremony
Learn how your dog can serve as a ceremonial wedding officiant in states where couples can 'self-solemnize.' Your dog pretends to deliver the script as co-officiant, and you exchange vows and sign the marriage license. How sweet!
You’ll Want to Keep an Eye on This Marriage Legislation in 2025
US lawmakers want to overturn same-sex marriage equality, pass new child marriage bans & more ✔ Click to read proposed changes to state marriage laws in 2025
These States Will Feel it First if Obergefell is Overturned
Will Obergefell v. Hodges be overturned? Here’s what could happen in states that banned same sex marriage before the 2015 Supreme Court decision.
Asked to Officiate a Wedding?
Follow these simple steps to perform marriage for friends and family.
Proposed Law Would Let Officials Refuse to Marry Same-Sex Couples in South Carolina
Read about legislation that would allow elected officials in South Carolina to recuse themselves from performing same-sex marriages or issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of their religious beliefs. (Rep. Thomas Beach / HB 3121 2025-2026)
Missouri Lawmakers Consider Raising Marriage Age to 18 in 2025
Missouri lawmakers might raise the legal marriage age to 18, banning child marriage in the state. Click here to read more about the pre-filed legislation.
Syracuse Judge Refuses to Marry Same-Sex Couple in Courthouse Wedding
Syracuse City Court judge refused to marry a same-sex couple in a courthouse wedding. Click to read more & learn how to support marriage equality in your community
Good News! Voters in Three States Pass Marriage Equality Protections
Voters pass amendments to protect marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples in Hawaii, California, and Colorado. Good news for marriage rights this 2024 election week!
Same-Sex Marriage Bans On The Ballot In California & Hawaii
Statewide ballots in California and Hawaii would remove same-sex marriage bans from their state constitutions. (Prop 3 / marriage equality)
How Common is Child Marriage in California? A Count is Coming
California child marriage under scrutiny as lawmakers pass a bill to count the total number of underage marriages in the state. (SB-575)
Congress Takes a Closer Look at Child Marriage in the US
Congress considers a bill to study child marriage in US, may establish new state and federal policies & grants to assess, restrict or ban child marriage
Can Your Pet Be a Wedding Witness? Not Exactly…
Ask AMM: Can a dog's paw print be considered a witness signature? Can a pet be a witness on a marriage license? Get info on legal wedding witness requirements!
New Hampshire Child Marriage Ban in Effect in 2025
The New Hampshire child marriage law is in effect on Jan 1, 2025. What to know if you’re a wedding officiant or applying for a NH marriage license!