How to Get Married

Whether you're dying for a big, formal wedding or just want to tie the knot without a lot of fanfare, here are the nuts and bolts details to getting married. See related eHows for information about planning the perfect wedding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• marriage license

1. Find Mr. or Ms. Right
2. Call one of the county clerk's offices in the state where you want to get married. (In some states, you must get your marriage license from the county clerk in the county where you will be getting married.)
3. Ask about what is needed to obtain a marriage license. Requirements may include personal identification documents, a blood test and proof of divorce, annulment or death of spouse if you have been previously married.
4. Ask how much the marriage license will cost.
5. Show up at the county clerk's office together to apply for the license.
6. Fill out the forms and pay the fee.
7. Wait the appropriate number of days to get married, if a waiting period is applicable in your state.
8. Choose a date to be married before the license expires (30 days to 1 year, depending on the state).
9. Decide where to be married, what to wear and all of those fun details. See related eHows for more information.
10. Decide who will marry you. Options include a clergy member, a judge, a justice of the peace, a court clerk or someone else with the legal authority to conduct marriages.
11. Sign the marriage certificate after the wedding.
12. Live happily ever after!

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Tips & Warnings

• Documents for identification may include one or more of the following: a driver's license, a valid passport, a military ID, a resident alien card, a certified birth certificate, or other documents as required.
• A marriage license in the U.S. typically costs between $20 and $60.
• Blood tests are not required in all states.
• If your marriage license expires before you actually tie the knot, simply apply for another one.
• The waiting period - if applicable - varies from one day to five days, depending on the state.
• Bear in mind that if you choose a popular venue or officiator, you may have to reserve months ahead.