When you're planning on getting married, you've got a thousand details to manage. You've got to worry about everything from how the bridesmaid's dresses look to whether or not the caterer got that last-minute request to change the entrée from salmon to tuna. One thing that you probably don't think about, until someone reminds you, is getting your marriage license.
Getting your marriage license varies from state to state. Marriage licenses fall under local government, so the laws around getting your marriage license vary from state to state and even in different counties. Check with your local city hall or county office to determine the requirements for getting your marriage license. Things you are likely to need include: birth certificate, driver's license or other valid photo ID and your checkbook. Yes, getting your marriage license comes with a fee; typically ranging from $5-$45, depending on state.
In some states, you may be required to take a blood test, present witnesses when getting your marriage license, or provide proof of residency when you're getting your marriage license. Check first with your local city hall about requirements for getting your marriage license, as you may have to apply in the county where you live. If you've been married previously, you might need documentation proving that your prior marriage has been dissolved. In most cases, both the bride and groom must be present when getting a marriage license.
Getting your marriage license may require a waiting period. Most states require a waiting period, typically 3 days, from getting your marriage license to getting married. Make sure you check your local requirements before you put off getting your marriage license until the last minute, or you might have to reschedule your wedding! In some cases, you can apply to waive the waiting period, but don't rely on that possibility; check requirements for getting your marriage license ahead of time.
If you've been married before, you may have to wait to get your marriage license. Some states require a delay from the time your divorce is finalized prior to getting your marriage license. Typically, this delay is around 90 days. If you've been waiting on your divorce to be finalized before getting your marriage license, check with your local city hall or county office to see whether you face an additional waiting period. If you're newly divorced or waiting on a divorce and you're setting a wedding date, be certain to give yourself time to get through the waiting period before getting your marriage license and getting married!
Plan the date carefully when getting your marriage license. You can't wait too long when getting your marriage license, as some counties require a waiting period. However, you can't get your marriage license too early, either; most marriage licenses expire in 60-90 days, depending on county. Check with your local government when getting your marriage license to be sure you plan the date carefully and don't get your marriage license too early or too late!
 | Amid all the romantic wedding notions of sharing a new life together is the reality of a legal name change. For a bride who will be taking on her husband's name, the nitty-gritty of documents, notifications and registrations regarding a change of name can seem overwhelming. However, the process of a legal name change is quite streamlined with most agencies and companies. |
 | Crafting a prenuptial agreement is not only a safeguard for a marriage, but it can also allow two people to put all their financial cards on the table and come into a marriage without any lingering questions or trust issues. |
If you want to know how to change your name after you get married this guide will help. |
A prenuptial agreement - or prenup, as they are more commonly called - is a document that specifies certain requirements in different scenarios. Most address what happens to money, assets, children and investments in the event of death or divorce. |
For some people, prenuptial agreements are required before they can enter a marriage arrangement. The reason is usually because one person has children from a previous marriage, and want to financially protect their children. |
