What You Need To Get Your Marriage License

Pete had an appointment to go to, so I took a ride downtown with him. I had about an hour to kill, so I decided to open Pokemon Go and look for Pokestops (because, yes, I ran out of Pokeballs and catching Pokemon without them is impossible). I didn't catch any Pokemon without Pete because it just didn't feel right, but walking around, getting steps, and collecting Pokeballs so we could play after his appointment sounded okay with me.

As I was walking, I passed the register of deeds where we got our marriage license. I remembered that I didn't even think about picking it up until a handful of days before our wedding, and then I freaked out worrying that we had waited too long.

We got to the registrar of deeds in time ... but Pete didn't have his social security card on him so we had to go back home and come back.

A slight hiccup, but one that could have been easily avoided. And you can avoid that. I'm here to help.

What You Need To Get Your Marriage License

• A spouse-to-be. You can start the application online in some states, but you and your spouse-to-be will each need to show up in person together to finish your application for a marriage license. 
• Identification. In each state, the requirements are different. In North Carolina, we needed a valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and a social security card (or a form with our social security number, like a pay stub). If we got married in New York (where we're from), we would have just needed ID and proof of age. No social security card.
• Money. Yes, you have to pay for this. Each state charges a different amount. In North Carolina, we had to pay $60 -- half was for the fee and half went to North Carolina Domestic Violence programs.
• Time. Or not, actually. In New York, you have to wait 24 hours after your application is filed and your license is issued to get married. In Pennsylvania (where I used to live too), it was three days. In North Carolina, you can use it right away. So, you definitely want to look this up because you might not be able to apply and then turn around and get married. And if you wait until the last minute, you're in trouble. But, you're also in trouble if you go too soon. In many states, the license is only valid for 60 days. So if you go too early, you'll  have to start over (and pay again).
• Proof of a divorce/death, if you were married previously. Although, if we're being honest, if you were married before, you went through this before and you're probably not reading this list. But, just in case, if you've been married before and divorced or your spouse passed away, you need to bring proof of that.
• A reliable person to marry you. You'll have a priest marry you at a church, but you can go with an ordained minister if you choose to get married somewhere else. Choose who fits you best (and who is allowed by the state where you're getting married), but make sure they're reliable. That person usually will have witnesses sign your license, sign it after performing the ceremony, and then send it to the appropriate clerk so you can get your actual license in the mail. You need that, so make sure this person will send it off for you (or will give it to you to sign off).

BRIDAL BABBLE: Are you planning on taking the (what seems to be, anyway) obligatory photo with your marriage license?