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Need A Marriage License? 3 Things To Know

If you are planning your wedding, taking care of the marriage license is a step you cannot skip. After all, you want to make sure you can get married officially after all of your hard work. A marriage license is what you need to obtain before getting married. Once you and your partner sign the license, usually during or after the ceremony, you send it back to the county. You'll receive your marriage certificate soon after. Here's what to know about getting a marriage license. 

You Need To Visit Your County Clerk

The first thing to know about obtaining a marriage license is where to go and what documents are necessary. You will need to head to your county clerk's office to obtain a marriage license in most cases. The requirements to get a marriage license vary depending on the state, but typically you will need proof of your identity and to provide information on your parents. In addition, both you and your partner need to be present to obtain a marriage license, and you may need a witness. 

There Will Be A Fee

Another thing to know before you head to get a marriage license is that a fee will apply. How much a marriage license costs varies depending on where you get the certificate. Prices can differ depending on the county, city, or state. You may also get a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course. Marriage license fees range from as little as $10 to as much as $115. Knowing how much you will pay for your marriage license is something you should know before heading to the county clerk's office. 

Timing Matters

If you need a marriage license, it's important to note that it matters when you obtain the license. You don't want to get your marriage license too early, but you also don't want to wait until the last minute. Marriage licenses do expire, which is why you don't want to get them too early. However, putting it off until the very last minute can be disastrous if you don't have the correct paperwork on hand. Getting your marriage license a couple of weeks before your ceremony is a good idea. 

If you need a marriage license, here's what to know. First, you will likely need to head to the county clerk or similar government office to obtain this document. Second, marriage license fees will apply and vary depending on where you get your license. Finally, timing matters when it comes to obtaining your marriage license. 


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