What Purpose Does a Marriage License Serve?
Isn’t love sufficient proof that we intend to get married and stay married indefinitely? That’s one of the issues with contemporary society: you need a license for almost everything. It starts at a young age—you need a driver’s license to drive, and an international one if you plan on driving abroad for an extended period.
Even recreational activities require a license, which often detracts from the fun. You need a fishing license to catch trout or salmon, or a taxi driver’s license if you’re driving people around town. Want to start a business? You’ll need a franchise or export-import license. Sometimes, you need both.
If you want to practice your profession, you need yet another license. For example, a medical license if you’re caring for the sick, a dental practice license if you’re working with teeth, or a legal license if you’re practicing law.
Then, you fall in love and want to commit to someone special. That requires a license too. And if you change your mind about that person, you’ll probably need a license to sever ties.
That’s the beauty of an over-regulated society—all in the name of peace and order. Fair enough.
Marriage License Procedures
Speaking of marriage licenses, the process is generally the same, although each state or province may have slight variations. Let’s take a look at how it’s done in the U.S. and Canada.
Obtaining a Marriage License in Las Vegas
In Nevada, the requirements for a marriage license are the same whether you’re an American citizen or not. Non-U.S. citizens should check their own country’s laws to see if additional documents are needed.
To apply for a marriage license, you must be at least 18 years old, and you cannot be closely related to your spouse (no first cousins). Both applicants must not be married to anyone else at the time of application.
You’ll be asked for proof of age, and certain documents will not be accepted, such as a faxed copy of a birth certificate or a damaged ID.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number. For foreign citizens, this may be waived.
The marriage license fee is $55. You must appear in person to apply, and both the bride and groom must complete the application.
Accepted forms of ID in Nevada:
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Original or certified birth certificate (foreign birth certificates must be translated and notarized)
- Passport
- Military ID
- Resident alien card
There’s no blood test or waiting period required for a marriage license in Las Vegas. The license is valid for one year, so be sure to marry within that time. You can get married at a chapel, church, or even the Commissioner’s office.
If one spouse is divorced, they’ll need to provide the final divorce date and supporting documentation.
If you’re under 18 but still want to marry, you can apply with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. You’ll need to present an original or certified birth certificate with the names of the consenting parent(s) or guardian(s), along with proof of their guardianship.
If you lose your marriage license, you can request a copy by writing to:
Marriage Bureau
County Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 551603
Las Vegas, Nevada 89155-1603
Obtaining a Marriage License in Ontario
In Ontario, you can download a marriage license application here, or get a copy from your local municipal clerk’s office. Both applicants must be present when applying and bring acceptable identification such as a birth certificate, valid passport, or Canadian citizenship card.
The license is valid for three months, so make sure you use it within that time. After the ceremony, you’ll receive a Record of Solemnization of Marriage, which includes your names, the wedding date, and the names of your witnesses.
Once the marriage is registered, you can apply for a marriage certificate. Remember, the marriage license and certificate are separate documents.
Tall and Tan and Loooong!
Thinking of getting married in the rainforests of Brazil? You may need to take a six-month leave from work. It takes much longer to obtain a marriage license there because the state conducts an investigation into past marriages, divorce proceedings, and health status to ensure you’re healthy enough to have children.
So, if you meet a lovely girl from Ipanema, you might want to start the marriage license process before your first date—just in case she’s “the one.”
