Some Benefits Derived by Couple who Get Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is the written proof of the marriage's validity. It contains the date and location where wedding vows were exchanged. The certificate also includes the couple's names and signatures, as well as the name and signature of the minister or other authorized authority that performed the marriage ceremony.

A married couple can get marriage certificate to have their marriage officially recognized. But before they get marriage certificate, the procedure asks that a marriage license should be obtained. This takes several days to several weeks, depending on where the couple is married.

Many states have a waiting period before the license is valid, and after the ceremony, it takes a number of business days for the county clerk's office to complete the paperwork filing process and produce a marriage certificate. Some couples are able to get marriage certificate within a week after their wedding; other couples may have to wait for two months or more. If the couple wishes to receive copies by mail, this can add to the time it takes to get marriage certificate. Nearly all of the requirements and time frames vary from state to state.

To get marriage certificate, both the bride and the groom have to apply in person to obtain the license. After giving the application form and showing the required documents, the couple is expected to pay a license fees. Most states have a waiting period before the marriage license will become officially valid. Sometimes the minister who had performed the marriage ceremony will complete this task or the couple takes it upon themselves to get marriage certificate. The clerk’s office then lists the marriage as officially part of the records and issues the couple a certificate of marriage.

When a couple get marriage certificate, all the privileges of marriage are conferred on the couple. The certificate can be shown as evidence where ever the proof of their marriage is needed. The marriage certificate will be required if the bride wishes to take on her husband’s last name.

There are numerous benefits when a couple get marriage certificate including having parental rights, adoption rights, tax credits, the extension of health-care and joint insurance to a spouse, and automatic inheritance in the absence of a will. Other legal rights conferred by a marriage certificate include crime victim’s recovery benefits, child support and estate gift tax benefits.

The county clerk's office may take several days or several weeks to issue the marriage certificate, depending on the district. The newlyweds can arrange to have copies mailed to them, or can pick up copies at the clerk's office. There is normally a small fee associated with obtaining copies. And once obtained the couple should keep the document in safe custody as it is a crucial one.