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Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, celebrations, and absolutely cherished moments. Amidst the chaos and joy, there’s one critical thing that often gets overlooked—the marriage license. YIKES! Yes, that seemingly simple piece of paper holds the key to your “happily ever after,” and neglecting it can lead to unexpected, frustrating hurdles. Fear not, though, because with a little foresight and planning, you can ensure that your marriage license journey is as smooth as the dance floor at your reception.

Assign a marriage license attendant

Assigning someone to be the guardian of your marriage license is a crucial step. Typically, your officiant takes on this responsibility, ensuring that the document is signed, sealed, and delivered to the appropriate authorities. However, if your officiant isn’t handling this task, perhaps because you have a family member or friend presiding over the ceremony, it’s essential to designate a reliable point person.

Before you delve into the wedding day madness, make sure that someone knows the whereabouts of the marriage license. Whether it’s your day-of coordinator, maid of honor, best man, or a trusted friend, entrust this responsibility to someone who can keep track of the document before and after it’s signed. This precaution becomes especially important if you or your witnesses are the ones signing the license.

While it might be tempting to hand the marriage license off to your wedding coordinator, be mindful that they may not always be present at the very end of the night. To avoid any last-minute panic, consider alternative options for safeguarding this precious document. A pro tip: invest in a “nicer” folder to keep the marriage license secure throughout the day. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures that it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of wedding day activities.

Plan for the marriage license’s return to the county

Now, onto the next crucial step—formulating a plan for what happens after the marriage license is signed. Decide in advance who will be responsible for returning it to the county to make your marriage officially recognized. This may involve coordination with your officiant, designated point person, or even a family member. Having a clear plan in place ensures that the legalities of your union are taken care of without any post-wedding stress. If you’re wondering about the logistics of getting and returning your marriage license, just contact your local county office (use Google!) and they’ll be able to help you.

Remember, your marriage license is more than just a piece of paper; it’s the legal embodiment of your commitment to each other. Treat it with the same care and attention that you lavish on every other aspect of your wedding day. By assigning a responsible guardian, investing in a secure folder, and planning for its safe return, you can eliminate the risk of overlooking this critical element and ensure that your journey into married life starts on the right note.

So, as you embark on the beautiful chaos of your wedding day, don’t let the marriage license slip through the cracks. Give it the attention it deserves, and rest assured that your path to “happily ever after” is well-paved and legally sound.

The Often Overlooked Wedding Day Detail: The Marriage License

January 18, 2024

Marriage License

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