Marriage Laws

Some Essential Marriage Laws to Guide You

Executive summary about marriage laws by Francis K Githinji

In the United States, marriage laws differ from state to state. The following are some of the requirements of state laws in regard to marriage. A marriage license is issued by the clerk of the court or the county clerk. Many marriage laws in the United States have this provision. The laws state that the couple must be in stable or healthy mental state. Many people have entered into marriages without their consent. In almost 20 states, couples will have to wait for a few days for the license after applying it. In the state of Connecticut, couples will wait for 4 days. The laws state that for a marriage to occur, there must be witnesses as well as a person recognized by the state, to oversee the marriage union. Consummation of a marriage in many states is vital although not a requirement. If the marriage was never consummated, it is deemed as incomplete and an annulment will be possible in many states. For marriage to be recognized as legal, the laws state that it must be performed in a relevant legal jurisdiction. 

Marriage License Laws Vary From Place To Place

Executive summary about marriage laws by John Zhang

Marriage license laws vary from state to state and country to country so it is always advisable to find out in advance what the marriage license law as and requirements are in the country where you plan to marry.

Time Frame

Some states require a 24 hr or longer waiting period while others as notorious as Nevada is for drive thru weddings, have no waiting period

Documents

Some states are happy with the basic identification requirements like a driver's license and social security card but if these are not available, then a passport or translated birth certificate may be able to suffice too. Payment

Don't expect the marriage license office to accept Discover so keep cash handy when you go in for your marriage license.

Requirements

Again, these marriage license laws vary from location to location but first cousins for instance cannot get married in several states whereas in others they can as long as they are over an age limit or cannot have children. Second cousins are allowed to get marriage laws in all states.