Preparing for a civil marriage may not be as complicated as preparing for a church wedding but it can still take a lot of time and effort on the part of the couple.  Couples cannot just get married without complying with the legal requirements set by the government.  It doesn’t matter whether it is a civil marriage or a church wedding; couples still need to go through the same legal procedures.  However, different churches may prescribe additional requirements to their members.

The marriage license is primary requirement for both civil marriage and church wedding.  To get a marriage license, both the bride and the groom must be single and of legal age.  The legal for marriage vary from state to state.  In some states, the age is requirement is at least 16 years old while other states require couples to be at least 18 years of age.  Is there any exception to the legal age requirement for marriage?  There are states that allow couples below the age of majority to get married provided that they have the legal consent of their parents or guardians.

To apply for marriage license, the couple should visit the office of the clerk or deputy clerk of court in their area.  The couple needs to fill up the forms provided by the court and then pay the licensing fees.  Some states require both the bride and the groom to personally appear at the office of the clerk or deputy clerk of court when applying for a license while some states accept online applications.  The marriage license application forms filled up and signed by the couple are considered as legal documents and forgery or falsification of these documents may lead to legal actions.  For verification purposes, the clerks of court may require documentary proof of age or proof of termination of previous marriage in the case of divorcees.

Once the couples are able to satisfy the requirements set by law for civil marriage, they may now be issued a marriage license.  As a general, the license is valid for the next 60 days.  The couple may use the license to get married within the territorial jurisdiction of the state when the license was issued.

Who can perform a civil marriage ceremony?  The courts have the power to appoint or deputize a person to perform a civil marriage rite.  The presence of the witnesses lends credence to the ceremony and made it legally binding.  Moreover, the couple, the witnesses and the solemnizing officer must sign the marriage register.  The said marriage register or contract will then be entered as official record of the state.