Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ

Questions:

• 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?

Answer:

Who can perform a marriage ceremony?

Non-religious ceremonies -- called civil ceremonies -- must be performed by a judge, justice of the peace, or court clerk who has legal authority to perform marriages, or by a person given temporary authority by a judge or court clerk to conduct a marriage ceremony. Religious ceremonies must be conducted by a clergy member (priest, minister, or rabbi). Native American weddings may be performed by a tribal chief or by another official, as designated by the tribe.