Getting Marriage Licence

[Keigwyn 1]

Well its nearly time to leave the UK for the USA and start my new life there. I was only going to arrive a matter of days before we get married. So we are now wondering if I need to be there in order to get the marriage licence or can my fiancee just obtain one if she has my birth certificate?

It says you only need about three days after obtaining the licence to get married but it recommends a month...any reasons for this?

Is there anything else that is needed as well as proof of residency for the USC and the $30 for the fee?

[zyggy 9]

Well its nearly time to leave the UK for the USA and start my new life there. I was only going to arrive a matter of days before we get married. So we are now wondering if I need to be there in order to get the marriage licence or can my fiancee just obtain one if she has my birth certificate?

It says you only need about three days after obtaining the licence to get married but it recommends a month...any reasons for this?

Is there anything else that is needed as well as proof of residency for the USC and the $30 for the fee?

Yes... Typically the marriage license has to be applied for with both parties present... If the state requires an SSN to get the license, you very likely will need to be present to sign an affidavit that you do not have a SSN since you are not eligible for one.

Some states have waiting periods between the date that you apply and the date that the license is valid. I haven't heard of a waiting period of more than 7 days.

Most County Clerks will require a birth certificate for each party (with translation if required). As well as a picture ID for the USC and the passport for the foreign applicant.

If you say where you're from, we could maybe get you a better answer.

Edited May 19, 2006 by zyggy

[arwensun1965 0]

No you do not need to be there in person, all your fiancee needs is your birth certificate, and yes all you need to wait is for the three days to end. It is pretty simple. Are you getting married at the local Justice centre? If you do then it can be quite an experience lol.

Janice

Edited May 19, 2006 by arwensun1965

[zyggy 9]

No you do not need to be there in person, all your fiancee needs is your birth certificate, and yes all you need to wait is for the three days to end. It is pretty simple. Are you getting married at the local Justice centre? If you do then it can be quite an experience lol.

Janice

Actually that depends on the state and what may be required of the foreign applicant... Some states put up a lot of hoops that are hard to overcome if the foreign applicant is not present...

Edited May 19, 2006 by zyggy

[arwensun1965 0]

Actually that depends on the state and what may be required of the foreign applicant... Some states put up a lot of hoops that are hard to overcome if the foreign applicant is not present...

You are probably right, here in Washington State we hardly had to do anything, maybe the best course of action would be to phone the local department and find out what they should do.

Janice

[TracyTN 237]

Yes, I belive it varies by state. In Tennessee, both parties have to be there.

Google it for your fiancee's state, see what you come up with!

[rob&ana 0]

In PA both parties have to present, in the end, they ask you if you're under the influence of any drugs, alcohol, etc. And if you are being forced into this marriage. I thought it was hillarious.

Best thing to do is Google it for your State.

[Keigwyn 1]

Thanks for the replies. We will be getting married in Michigan (Upper). I will have another look through Google. I got the three days bit from there, but could nt work out if both of us had to to present.

[Vinay 1]

In NJ both parties have to be present along with one witness. The license is available for pickup after 72 hours.

The following link has some info on marriage licenses in michigan along with county clerk phone numbers at the bottom. Good luck.

http://www.wedalert.com/content/articles/G...an.asp#counties

[camaleon 0]

Here in Rhode Island need to be present both...

[TracyTN 237]

Thanks for the replies. We will be getting married in Michigan (Upper). I will have another look through Google. I got the three days bit from there, but could nt work out if both of us had to to present.

I agree, what I found on Google for Michigan wasn't overly specific.

Have your fiance call the place that you will be going to get it and ask them.

What part of the UP? I have a friend who is from Menominee, which I have visited. Really nice area!

[den_y2005 0]

they want to see the couple in person

[zyggy 9]

Thanks for the replies. We will be getting married in Michigan (Upper). I will have another look through Google. I got the three days bit from there, but could nt work out if both of us had to to present.

I'm from Michigan.. you both have to be there because the alien has to sign an affidavit stating that you do not have a SSN... The waiting period is 3 days. You can get married any time after the 3 day waiting period. The marriage license is valid for 33 days after the date of application or 30 days of validity. So if you have waitied the month, the license wouldn't have been valid..

[Keigwyn 1]

Thanks for all the replies. We rang the local office and we both need to attend. I need birth certificate and photo Id and we need to turn up 3 days or greater beforehand as Zyggy said.

The nearest big town to us will be Escanaba.

[motu 5]

Why are you in such a big hurry to get married? Come here, get used to the area and people and in the meantime apply for the SSN and then the marriage license. This all won't take more than a few weeks at best.

You are jumping too fast into this but its your choice. If all else fails, you can fly to Vegas and get married there - they probably have the loosest slot machines and marriage requirements! Good Luck