How to Get Married at the Magistrate's/Justice of the Peace

it's so easy!

For brides-to-be, planning a wedding can be downright overwhelming. Hopefully, this article can save you from some unnecessary stress.

Why not tie the knot downtown at your local magistrate's office? Call and check the hours of operation; some are actually available to officiate weddings twenty-four hours a day.

Depending on what is going on at the jail that night, you might have to wait a little bit to be seen by the magistrate, but it is all a part of the adventure and excitement that will be YOUR WEDDING DAY!

Things You'll Need

• Someone to marry
• Valid Driver's License
• Two Witnesses
• OPTIONAL: Other Guests
• Marriage License
• Money for trips to courthouse, magistrate's
• OPTIONAL: Place to celebrate the occasion & guests with whom to share the memories

Instructions

1. Before doing anything, make sure you go to the courthouse with your intended and obtain the Marriage License. Do this no more than thirty days prior to when you will be getting married; that isn't my rule, that is the law.

   You both need to be present, and you have to know details about your parents' histories. There is a nominal fee for this service, so I recommend that you call to see how much it costs and what forms of payment are acceptable.

2. When you are ready to take the next step and actually get married, get two friends to be witnesses for you (if your friends can't make it, I am certain there will be others available to witness for you while they are waiting to be processed over at the magistrate's).

3. Next, be certain to take your valid driver's license along with you (I neglected to do this the first time, so it delayed the whole process)as well as the Marriage License you obtained from the courthouse.

4. Sign in, and let the magistrate know you are there to get married. You and your guests may be seated in the waiting area until he calls your name.

5. When it is your turn, you will go back to his work area. Don't be distracted by other co-workers, desks, and paperwork you might see; just try focusing on your spouse and the task at hand.

   Your witnesses (and maybe even your guests if you don't have too many with you) can stand there with you. The magistrate will ask you and your beloved your intentions for one another, and he has the authority to grant you husband and wife status.

   This will not be as long as a church ceremony, but it is still considered legal in the eyes of the law!

6. Following the ceremony, you, your spouse, and witnesses will all sign off on some legal documentation. Be prepared to pay a fee for this process as well, so please bring along some extra cash.

7. We opted to have our pictures taken at Wal*Mart to mark this special occasion, followed by a trip to Cracker Barrel with friends for fellowshipping.

   It's important to share memories with those you love. It's also better for your mental state of mind to keep things simple.

   Focusing on the two of you versus solely focusing on the ceremony itself will benefit you in the future. A wedding only lasts a day--but a marriage, if worked on together, should last a lifetime.

   To sum up, making the marriage a priority and the wedding secondary will almost guarantee a more fulfilling future together!

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to dress up or down to suit your lifestyle for the ceremony, as there are no written rules at the Magistrate's.

• If you want your children to serve as your witnesses, they have to be over 18 years of age