What is the Difference Between Marriage License and Marriage Certificate?

The main difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate lies in their purpose and issuance. Here are the key differences:

• Marriage License: A marriage license is a legal document that allows a couple to marry. It is obtained before the wedding ceremony and serves as a permit from the state or local government to have a legal wedding. Once the ceremony takes place, the officiant signs the license, and it is then submitted to the county for processing. Marriage licenses typically expire within 30 days to a year, depending on the issuing state.
• Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate is an official document proving that a couple is legally married. It is issued after the wedding ceremony and records the date, time, and place of the wedding. The marriage certificate is essential for sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for home loans/mortgages, proving identity, or traveling internationally. If you want to change your name to your spouse's, a marriage certificate is required.

In summary, a marriage license allows you to marry, while a marriage certificate proves that you are legally married.

Comparative Table: Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate

Here is a table highlighting the differences between a marriage license and a marriage certificate:

A marriage license is a legal document obtained by a couple before their wedding ceremony, allowing them to get married. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony and confirms that the couple is legally married. The marriage license is the permission to wed, while the marriage certificate is the proof that you are wed.