State Marriage Law

State marriage law is different from state to state. The main differences between state marriage law is often the age at which a person can legally get married. The state marriage law is what governs marriage in a particular state.

The laws for marriage often have many commonalities between different states. State marriage law dictates how, when and in what manner a legal union may take place. The state marriage law does not have any connection to religious marriage ceremonies. A couple may decide to get married at a civil ceremony, which is performed by a presiding justice of the peace or judge of the state or county.

The state marriage law requires that both the man and woman be a certain age in order to marry. The age may vary from state to state. In many states the legal age is 18. Some states allow marriage at younger ages with parental consent. The couple must also have a valid marriage license. The marriage license ensures that the couple can legally be married and that neither one are still married to someone else. Proof of divorce must usually be shown.

Many states have a waiting period between when the couple obtains the marriage license and when they wed. Typically this state marriage law provides for a 3-day waiting period. Some states do not have this waiting period. For example, Las Vegas is a state that allows immediate marriage without waiting period, which is one of the reasons many people get married there.

The state marriage law usually requires two witnesses to the marriage to make it legal. The marriage certificate is sent to the state clerk's office to be recorded. When you are considering marriage you should check with your state to find out your specific state marriage law information.