Understand the roles of both and get started with your marriage license online today.
The distinction between a marriage license vs marriage certificate is important. Our marriage paperwork guide explains each type.
Vows and Beyond makes tying the knot online the perfect alternative to a traditional wedding. It is 100% legal and recognized in all fifty states as well as internationally.
Save time, eliminate the significant expense of a traditional wedding, and do it your way with custom vows, virtual guests, and flexible dates.
Marriage license definition: A marriage license is a legal document issued by a government agency that grants a couple permission to marry. It is obtained before the wedding takes place.
After you wed, the license is signed by both couples and the officiant, then it is returned to the issuing agency, where it is recorded and becomes the marriage certificate, which validates your marriage.
The marriage license is proof you are legally permitted to marry and serves as documentation for the marriage to be recorded legally.
County clerks typically issue marriage licenses, and in the case of a virtual wedding, Vows and Beyond handles the entire process with an easy-to-use online form.
A valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license showing your full legal name, date of birth, a clear picture, and proof of divorce or death if you were previously married
Marriage certificate meaning explained: After applying for a marriage license, the marriage certificate is a legal document that acts as proof that the couple is legally married.
This document is issued after the wedding takes place. It serves as official documentation that your marriage ceremony has been performed.
Your marriage certificate is the official document that proves your legal marriage. It is issued after the wedding by the same agency that issued your marriage license. The completed document usually lists the date, location, names of the couple, and the name of the officiant. Being an official government-issued document, it often bears an official seal or stamp.
In a traditional wedding, couples usually need to request a certified copy of their marriage certificate from the issuing office, but in the case of Vows and Beyond, you will receive an online version immediately after the ceremony and a hard copy within 3-10 business days after your wedding.
Yes, the license permits the marriage, and the certificate validates it.
Your marriage license is obtained before the ceremony to authorize the marriage. After the ceremony takes place, the marriage certificate is issued as proof of your legal union through marriage.
At Vows and Beyond, the process is simple: pull up our online calendar, pick a date and time for your wedding, and then you’ll receive a simple application to fill out for your marriage license.
It can be done from anywhere, then we complete the necessary steps to ensure it is submitted correctly to the state of Utah.
After your online wedding, your legal marriage certificate is issued instantly and securely. A paper copy is then mailed to you within 3-10 business days.
A virtual wedding with Vows and Beyond makes it simple. A legal marriage certificate is issued virtually immediately following the wedding, with a hard copy of the certificate sent within 3-10 business days.
In a traditional wedding, the couple typically needs to request a certified copy of their marriage certificate from the issuing office.
When you book your virtual wedding with Vows and Beyond, everything is done online. The process is easy and can be completed anywhere with an internet connection.
– Pull up our calendar and choose the date and time of your wedding.
– After booking, you’ll receive a simple application to complete, which typically takes 10-20 minutes to fill out.
– We then take care of the legal paperwork to ensure it is submitted correctly to the state of Utah.
– On your wedding day, log into your virtual ceremony via Zoom or any video platform, and your professional officiant will guide you through the ceremony.
– Immediately following your ceremony, a legal marriage certificate will be issued instantly.
– Within 3-10 days, you will also automatically receive a paper copy of your marriage certificate in addition to the electronic one you received immediately following your ceremony.
In the case of a traditional wedding, some states allow you to initiate the application process online; however, you must both appear in person at the county office issuing the marriage license and certificate to complete it.
No problem, you can print another copy because your first marriage certificate was delivered virtually, with a paper copy mailed within 3-10 business days.
Also, an official copy is registered with the state of Utah by your officiant.
You can, but it isn’t considered a legal marriage in the United States unless you have a valid marriage license.
Yes.
Contact the county clerk’s office or local registrar where the marriage license was issued and confirm that the certificate has been officially recorded in their system.
You can also request a copy from them as proof of filing.
No. It is valid for the duration of the marriage.
Yes, it is the most important document when applying for a green card through marriage. It proves the legality of your marriage.
Still have questions?
Skip the confusion between licenses and certificates — we handle everything online for you. Book today and get legally married with instant proof and a paper certificate delivered to your door.
