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.
Learn about potential changes to marriage laws in your state in 2024, including proposed legislation in New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, Missouri, Virginia, Utah, West Virginia, California, and other states, and how these changes could affect AMM Ministers and other officiants who officiate weddings there.
Learn about renewed efforts by Missouri legislators to create legal provisions for covenant marriages in 2024, plus a brief look at what covenant marriage is, why some people support or oppose these unique religious marriages, which US states have existing provisions, and how many couples choose to apply for covenant marriage licenses.
Learn about efforts in Ohio to repeal an outdated same-sex marriage ban and codify protections for interracial marriage at the state level, ensuring continuing marriage equality for the state’s LGBTQ+ and interracial families. (2023 House Bill 332; HB332; House of Representatives; Reps Jessica Miranda and Tavia Galonski)
A quick intro to marriage customs between cousins. Curious if you can marry your first or second cousin, how common this practice is in the US or around the world, or why some see it as controversial while others don’t? This short article looks at the history, culture, practice, and prevalence of cousin marriage – also known as consanguineous marriage.
La gobernadora Kathy Hochul acaba de firmar una ley para aprobar la designación de oficiantes matrimoniales para un día en el estado de Nueva York. Lea acerca de la nueva licencia de oficiante de un día, cómo solicitar la designación en la oficina del secretario de la ciudad o pueblo, cuánto tiempo se tarda en ser aprobado para oficiar, y cómo la autorización de un día se compara con la ordenación en línea a través de con American Marriage Ministries al oficiar legalmente una boda en el estado de Nueva York, incluyendo la ciudad de Nueva York.
You must be 18 years old to get married in Michigan. This week, Gov Whitmer signed legislation to ban the marriage of minors in the state, without exception. Michigan becomes the 10th state to fully ban child marriage. Learn more about the updated law, and how this change may impact AMM Ministers and other wedding officiants in the state. ( HB4294 , HB4295 , HB4296 , SB0212 , SB0209 2023 / Act 121, Act 122, Act 123)
Follow these simple steps to perform marriage for friends and family.
Good news! Ex-county clerk Kim Davis has been ordered to pay $100,000 in damages for refusing to issue a marriage license to same-sex partners David Ermold and David Moore in Kentucky in 2015. Davis was previously found guilty of violating the couple's constitutional right to marry, following the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling in Obergefell v Hodges.
The City of Boston just removed gender markers from marriage licenses and applications! Beginning this week, applicants are no longer required to register their sex or gender identity when applying to marry, and this information will no longer appear on their license. Officials hope the change will make the city more inclusive of gender diverse residents and more welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
Learn about current and ongoing efforts to repeal the 2005 Diné Marriage Act, which bans same-sex marriage within the Navajo Nation. Legislation No. 0139-23 would legalize LGBTQ+ marriages in the Navajo Nation and provide legal recognition for marriages solemnized elsewhere. The bill was introduced by Council Delegate Seth Damon in June and is being reviewed by the 25th Navajo Nation Council Budget and Finance Committee.
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, that ensures all New Jersey marriage laws be read with race neutral intent. Effective immediately, the amended law provides strong protections for interracial marriages in the state. Learn more about the passage of Assembly Bill 4939. (NJ A4939; 37:1-1; Rep. John McKeon)
Learn about the new accommodations offered by town and city clerks in New Hampshire for individuals and couples who are unable to appear in person for a marriage license appointment because of a documented medical reason. This mobile marriage license service will become available in some locations beginning in late September, when the revised marriage law becomes effective. (NH Senate Bill 89 / Chapter 159)
Colorado legislators extend provisions for online marriage license appointments, will allow couples to meet with county clerk or recorder online via audio-video technology indefinitely. Updated law also includes guidelines for training of county staff by the human trafficking council every year. (House Bill 1278 / HB23-1278)
Learn more about H.R. 4602, and how this legislation would help to protect marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples at the federal level. The ‘Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act of 2023,' would remove gendered words like 'wife' and 'husband' from multiple federal marriage laws. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-California.
Learn about amendments to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act that strengthen protections for marriage equality in the state. Three laws have been repealed, which previously prevented out-of-state interracial and same-sex couples from traveling to Illinois to marry there, ensuring the state remains a safe haven for interracial and LGBTQ+ couples. (HB 1591 / 2023)
A step-by-step guide to help you plan a wedding and get married in Virginia - including how to find a wedding officiant, choose the best wedding venue, plan your ceremony, and how to apply for and return your Virginia marriage license.
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