Licensed to Thrill

In the flurry of activity leading up to the big day, its more common than you might think to overlook that one essential item more important than the cake, dress, and wedding favors put together. This, of course, is the marriage license. Every state in the union calls for that singular piece of paper, and the requirements for obtaining one can vary not only from one state to the next, but even from county to county.

Contact your county clerks office at least three months before your wedding date to get the paperwork started. Be sure to discuss:

• Eligibility
• Who applies, who signs
• Waiting period
• Residency requirements
• Fee
• Medical tests or affidavits
• How long the license is valid
• Where it is valid
• What documents are required
• Whether you need a witness

Be prepared to complete the requirements post-haste: blood tests, obtaining copies of divorce papers, perusing any required reading material. If youre heading off to a faraway destination for your nuptials, you should look into licensing four to five months in advance to ensure you meet the requirements of that country. If youre working with a wedding coordinator located in your destination city or town, theyll typically be on top of the process already. Make sure they are: after all, you want your wedding to memorable, thrilling–and legal.

– Lisa Costantino, Amazon.com Wedding Expert

Tags: Dresses, Wedding, Wedding Coordinator, Wedding Favors