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Step 1
Keep in mind that the success and/or failure of a marriage may depend on how well the couple deals with issues such as finances, communication, conflict, parenting virtues, religion and expectations from one another. It is important that future spouses consider and fully discuss these issues before getting married. Another way to assure that you will be ready for marriage is to date the person a long time (maybe 3 to 5 years or more) before deciding to get married.
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Step 2
Fulfill all marriage requirements in your respective state before your big day arrives. Each state, province and/or jurisdiction has its own requirements for couples wishing to be wed. These include marriage licenses, blood tests, residency requirements, and much more.
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Step 3
Consult a family law attorney concerning the legal requirements of your state relating to the wedding itself. This includes but is not limited to who may perform the wedding (such as a justice of the peace or a reverend) and whether witnesses to the wedding are required.
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Step 4
Consider whether you will want a prenuptial or pre-marital agreement. This can help decide property and financial rights and obligations of marrying spouses, including what will happen and who gets what ,if anything, if the relationship were to end. Be aware of legal rules and regulations (respectful to each state/province) that must be met in order for the agreement to be considered valid and enforceable. Consult with your family lawyer about the engaging details of a prenup. While this is not a pleasant issue to talk about, be advised. If one or both of you are rich and have a lot of assets you need to consider this agreement because if you don't and the relationship fails, you could be stuck giving half, or mostly all, of your assets to your estranged spouse.
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Step 5
Decide whether you will take your spouse's last name. After marriage, spouses are not legally required to take the other spouse's last name, but many choose to do so for traditional and very symbolic reasons, such as, when you marry someone you are not two, but rather a unit. There are a number of steps you can take to make a name change quickly and effectively. Consult with family counsel for more on name change laws in your state. Many common questions do arise concerning name change such as: Does the woman have to take her husband's name? Answer: No. Can you hyphenate your name? Answer: Yes.
