What exactly is involved in a Civil Marriage

[journeyman 0]

Can someone with experience or who knows more about marriages tell us what exactly is involved in a civil marriage or a civil ceremony ?

I'm myself am a Naturalized US Citizen and do not know much about the civil marriages in the US. I know they could vary by state, but just would like to know the concept.

Here's what I know about civil marriages in the US based upon my online reading.

"A civil marriage is only an official marriage where the bride and groom has to be present in a government office like a CourtHouse and then an official will pronounce the couple married after asking some basic questions. Probably 2 witnesses are required. Then sign the documents and leave the government office."

I'm also trying to find out much about the civil marriages in the state of WA, can't find much on official websites, other than the following link

http://www.metrokc.gov/lars/marriage/index.htm

which only talks about marriage license and nothing about civil marriage.

Any input/comments is really appreciated.

Thanks.

[TracyTN 237]

I guess I think of a 'civil marriage' as a distiction in the ceremony itself - whether or not the vows are religious in nature.

I'd call your local county clerk and ask them. Often, they have someone in their office (jp) who can perform the ceremony - which may be the type of thing you described above. Or they should be able to tell you who to call if you prefer a judge to do it and make it into something a little more formal.

We know a few judges in our town so we picked the one I've known the longest and arranged it with him. Made it a bit more personal for us.

The only thing we had to do (outside of showing up at his courtroom that day!)was get the marriage license. He also asked us if we had certain vows in mind - we chose from one of his but I'm sure you can find some on the internet that are more to your liking (or write them yourselves).

Edited August 28, 2007 by TracyTN

[YuAndDan 153]

That is correct, the couple apply for a marriage license, and then are married usually by a Judge in the courthouse, and 2 whitenesses are required. The Judge or official who performed the ceremony usually sends the executed license to the county clerk, or town clerks office to be filed, and a marriage certificate is generated and sent to the couple.