Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ
Information on marriage laws and procedures.
Can anyone get married to anyone?
» Does any state recognize same-sex marriages?
What's the difference between a "marriage license" and a "marriage certificate"?
Where can we get a marriage license?
Are blood tests still required before marriage?
Who can perform a marriage ceremony?
Are there requirements about what the ceremony must include?
Does any state recognize same-sex marriages?
Yes. In May 2004, Massachusetts began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples who live in the state, and in June 2008 California began allowing same-sex marriages. These are the only two states that permit same-sex marriage. In fact, many states have passed laws specifically barring same-sex marriages, and the number of states with such laws is increasing. However, there are states that allow same-sex unions that are similar to marriage.
In California, domestic partnership still creates a marriage-like relationship in which same-sex partners have nearly all the rights and responsibilities of spouses (and domestic partnership remains an alternative or supplement to marriage in California). Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont offer civil union registration for same-sex couples, who can register their partnership and receive all the benefits of state laws that apply to married couples. New Jersey and Oregon have domestic partnership that also is equivalent to marriage. Hawaii, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Washington State all have some form of registration for same-sex couples, with varying levels of benefits--but none are marriage equivalents.
For more information, see Same-Sex Marriage: Developments in the Law.
Back to top
|
