Key Takeaways
- Return your signed marriage license promptly to the clerk's office to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
- Understand the specific requirements for your state or county, including deadlines for submitting your marriage license.
- Keep a photo of your signed marriage license for your records, even if it's not required.
In the days after you and your partner say "I do," you're likely basking in your new status as a married pair. Maybe you're preparing to head out on your honeymoon or spending time chatting about the big day with loved ones. However, before you embark on some much-needed relaxation, there's an important document you'll need to take care of: your marriage license. Prior to your ceremony, this piece of paper legally gives you permission to wed. After you tie the knot and return the license to your county or city clerk's office, you'll receive your marriage certificate, which certifies your status as a married duo. Yet in the days after your celebration, it can be easy to forget about this document. However, know that returning your marriage license promptly (and filled out properly!) is critical for ensuring your status as newlyweds is legally recognized.
"A missed blank space, an incorrect detail, or even a cross-out on the form can lead to city hall not accepting the license as a legal document, and it will get returned to the couple, making the license null and void," says Alex Perez, a wedding officiant and the owner of OfficiantNYC. "This can be a nightmare for a brand-new couple. Make sure your officiant is licensed by the state, able to send the license, and is a trusted and respected industry professional."
Below, Perez and other experts break down the step-by-step process for what to do with your license after your wedding.
What Should You Do With Your Marriage License After Your Wedding?
This will ultimately depend on where you tie the knot. "Each state has different requirements, and some city clerk offices require online applications and registrations while others prefer walk-in appointments," Perez says. For example, your county may only ask that you send a photo of the signed license—or require you to drop off a hard copy. Before heading to your clerk's office, make sure to bring any required documents with you. If the office gives you a marriage information packet, follow any directions it includes, says Cathy M. Garrett, the county clerk of Wayne County, Michigan.
Even if your city or county clerk's office asks you for a hard copy, make sure to take a photo of the signed document for your records.
Who Is Responsible for Delivering Your Marriage License to the Clerk's Office?
After your ceremony, your officiant will sign your license with your witnesses—and ensure it's completed accurately, says Rev. Roxanne Birchfield, a wedding officiant and the founder of Married by Rev. Roxy®. Your officiant may then drop your marriage license in the mail for you or offer to deliver it to the office themselves. However, this responsibility can ultimately be given to anyone, Garrett says. Remember: The person you tap for this task should be someone you trust. If the document isn't filed correctly, you could risk your marriage not being legally recognized.
Know that when you receive your marriage certificate will also depend on the county and city you live in. "For example, in New York City, the couple will receive their marriage certified in the mail within five to seven weeks, after the signed license is received," Perez says.
How Soon Do You Have to Return a Marriage License to the Clerk's Office?
All of the experts agree: Return your marriage license as soon as possible. "If a couple fails to return their marriage license to the clerk's office within the required time frame, the marriage may not be legally recognized until the license is properly filed," Birchfield says. "Each state has specific deadlines, which can range from a few days to several weeks, so it’s crucial to understand the local requirements." For example, in New York City, Perez says your officiant must returned your signed marriage license within five business days.
