Tag Archives: marriage licenses

Proxy Marriages in California

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As we continued our research into marriage laws we talked about California Marriage Laws last month and I wanted to delve more into proxy marriages that are allowed in California as of September 10, 2004. SB 7 was passed as an urgency measure so when the Governor signed it on September 10, 2004 it took effect immediately. This law allowed proxy marriages under special circumstances – specifically for members of the armed forces who are stationed overseas or in war zones. The law allows a member of the armed forces to grant power of attorney to someone else to stand … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Nevada

Our series on marriage laws, angles northward to Nevada. The Silver State has been covered somewhat in the marriage blog as marriage laws were amended in Las Vegas (a favorite destination and impulse wedding location). So let’s take a look at Nevada marriage laws. Nevada Each county may have specific requirements, so you need to check with the county where you plan to apply for your marriage license. You don’t need to be a resident, but you do need to bring with you a valid for of identification as well as your social security number. (You don’t need the card … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Delaware & The Age of Consent

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As you know I’ve been writing a series on Marriage Laws in the 50 United States and I’ve discovered that the laws are changing all the time, even on pieces that I wrote just a couple of weeks ago. So what’s happening in Delaware? Because the state’s laws allowing under-age pregnant brides to marry without consent conflicts with laws governing statutory rape – a new law now requires all minors under the age of 18 to petition Family Court for permission to marry. Until recently, pregnancy offered minors an exclusion and reason to marry under the state’s laws, but no … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – New Mexico & Colorado

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Continuing our exploration of state marriage laws takes us to New Mexico and Colorado. The beauty in these two states makes them ideal for destination weddings (though truth be told, every state we’ve looked at so far seems to have a great reason to call themselves a destination wedding spot. So let’s take a look at New Mexico and Colorado. New Mexico When you think of New Mexico, do you think of a beautiful desert state? You wouldn’t be alone in that. It’s also a beautiful mountain state and a state with some fantastic ski resorts and much more. When … Continue reading →

What Are Secret Marriages?

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As you may know, I’ve been working on a series covering marriage laws throughout the 50 United States. Interestingly enough, as I was looking up laws in Michigan, I found out they have had a law on the books since 1897 governing secret marriages. So what is a secret marriage? So glad you asked, because I was curious and went to do some digging. Secret Marriages Secret marriages are just that – a marriage that occurs in secret. They are civil ceremonies that allow a couple to get married without there being an open record of the marriage. Prince Albert … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Michigan & Illinois

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Let’s take a swing north as we examine the Marriage Laws of the 50 states. Today, we’re pausing in Michigan and Illinois in the gorgeous areas around the Great Lakes and more. So, without further ado, let’s check out the marriage laws in Michigan and Illinois. Michigan Non-residents who apply for a marriage license in Michigan will pay a fee that is $10 higher. The fee for residents is about $20, so for non-residents the fee is about $30. Be sure to bring cash as most counties do not accept any other form of tender. Residents should apply in the … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Alabama & Mississippi

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Our East coast tour of marriage laws has finished off the East Coast and turned west. Let’s take a swing around the gulf coast to pay a call on the beautiful states in the heart of the south: Alabama and Mississippi. Alabama There is no residency requirement to get married in Alabama, but you do need to provide a valid form of ID as well as your social security number. If you were divorced within the six months prior to your wedding date, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. There is also a sixty-day waiting period after a … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws: Kentucky & Tennessee

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We’ve completed our trip down the Eastern seaboard and now we’re going to make our way across the country. Our first stops on our cross-country tour will be Kentucky and Tennessee. My brother’s other grandmother lived in Kentucky and we used to visit there frequently over the years. It’s been a long time since my last trip there, but I do have fond memories of both states. Kentucky Want to get married in Kentucky? You’ll need a driver’s license and social security card. You’ll also need to provide a certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate if you’ve … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws: Rhode Island & New York

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We’ve paid a call on Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine, now our journey down the Eastern seaboard exploring marriage laws brings us to the small, but lovely state of Rhode Island and the impressive and vast New York. Rhode Island There is no residency requirement for couples seeking to get married in Rhode Island. Both parties must show their birth certificates and provide their social security numbers when they apply for a license. If you are a resident of Rhode Island, you should apply for your marriage license in the town where one or both of you reside. As … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws: New Hampshire & Maine

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With the wedding season fast approaching, I wanted to spend this month talking about the marriage laws throughout the country. With fifty states, it should hardly surprise you that marriage laws are not identical from state to state. Today, we’re going to take a look at the states of New Hampshire and Maine. New Hampshire When it comes to getting married, there are a few legalities to get out of the way prior to the ceremony in order to have your marriage recognized legally by the state. You should probably plan to do that about a month before the wedding. … Continue reading →