A marriage certificate template is a legitimate document, containing a legal announcement or statement that two persons are now married. Mostly, it is issued by an official individual of the state department, once marriage is completed, and the statements of two witnesses are recorded. Whereas; a marriage certificate reflects a legal record, confirming the marriage ceremony between two people is held and registered. It is used even in those areas where the jurisdiction of a marriage license does not prevail. In other words, a marriage certificate is required for multiple purposes, to get permission to be married as well as used as an official record for applying for various facilities.
Marriage Certificate and Marriage License:
There is a slight dissimilarity as far as a marriage license and certificate is concerned. A marriage license is known as a legal application, signed by the bride and groom during or after the wedding ceremony. The biggest difference between a license and certificate is that a marriage license is used as an application, and after the wedding ceremony; the marriage certificate is issued. Moving further, there are certain steps which need to be completed in order to get a marriage certificate, which starts with marriage license. These common steps are as follows;
Setting Place and Time for Marriage Ceremony:
Setting a place is necessary as the application for a marriage license is filed in the corresponding country you are planning to get married to. Noteworthy, the marriage license expires. Hence, it is important to have a valid marriage license at the time of your wedding ceremony. If you are planning your wedding a year before, the marriage license application should be filed close to the time period when your wedding ceremony will take place.
Scheduling a Visit to the Official Department:
In order to obtain a marriage certificate, you will need to visit the official department. In this regard, you will need to have different documents as required by law. Therefore, you need to understand the legal requirements before submitting application for marriage certificate. Typically, the following things are required:
• Driver’s license, passport, or in some cases, birth certificate is additionally required.
• Two witnesses.
• Information about your parents, i.e., their name, birthdates, birthplace, or the dates of passing if applicable.
• If it’s your second marriage, you will need documents such as a divorce certificate or death certificate, respectively, as proof that you can remarry.
• You’ll need your parents for consent in case you are younger than 18 years.
• Depending upon your state or country, a fee is required for obtaining a marriage license.
After providing all the necessary documents, proving your identity, and paying the fee, a marriage license will be granted. It can be granted on the same day or can take a while, depending on your country’s rules.
Time for Getting The Signatures:
Some signatures are required after getting the license, which varies according to your location. Generally, you will need the signatures of the following person on the license:
• The couple
• The officiant
• Two witnesses
It is the officiant’s duty to return the marriage certificate to the county clerk after the wedding ceremony. You can obtain a copy of it either by visiting the official department or by mail.
Why It is Crucial to Possess a Copy of the Marriage Certificate?
The marriage certificate is needed in a variety of scenarios which include:
• To alter the marital status of any insurance, you possess.
• For credit cards, opening bank accounts, applying for visa, passport.
• The court may require it in the cases of divorce, child custody, legal separation, and alimony.
Templates for Marriage Certificate:
