Source
r/weddingplanning•
FutureMrsEngineer

PSA from a former bride!

This might not be the case in every state BUT it turns out you have to request a copy of your marriage certificate! My husband and I waited over a month expecting something in the mail. I was anxious to go change my name! We reached out to our officiant to confirm he sent everything in and that was all good, so we waited a little longer... Finally, we called the county clerk (where we applied for our marriage license) and turns out, you have to both request and PAY for a marriage certificate. I feel stupid now for not knowing this, but figured I'd pass along the info! It wasn't made clear to us when we got our license. It might be different in each state (we were married in Michigan), but definitely worth checking into!

Good luck to everyone on your weddings! Married life is swell :)

Ps. I have a recap all typed up that I'm excited to share! Just waiting on professional photos that should come in the next few weeks. I miss this wonderful group of people and still lurk this sub often :)

Posted Oct 25, 2017, 3:40 AM UTC

5117
NguoiYeu11.11.17 - Chicago, IL•

Adding to this PSA: Order several. Like a dozen. You need them for everything, but keep a few spare for years down the roads you’ll need them again. I’ve been told the extra copies are cheaper than the first.

27
omgitskedwardsAugust 20, 2017 | Boston, MA•

I think the cost varies by state. I had to pay $10 for each copy, including the first. It’s a bummer hahah!

7
NguoiYeu11.11.17 - Chicago, IL•

Fair enough. I haven't actually done it.yet, but I have had 3 different people involved with the wedding to tell me to do it. ;)

3
GiantCuddle17.12.2017•

Yeah I never would have known either, but the registry office lady told us when we applied for our license. Here you even need separate certificates requested to change passport & drivers license. Don't know why it has to be so complicated.

8
livgustMarried! 9/23/17 | Ithaca, NY•

Definitely check for the state you're in! NY will mail you your certificate for free, automatically. I live in MA and was able to change my SS card and driver's license by providing the original copy of our certificate and going to the offices in person (instead of mailing). So I didn't need to order any copies.

5
Waffles-McGeeMarried! Toronto July 2017•

it's the same in Ontario. AND it takes 10 WEEKS to come. Im changing my name and it was so annoying to have to wait SO long to start the process

5
itsbecomingathingSept 23, 2017 | Married!•

Um....THANK YOU. I thought something was going to come in the mail because we actually received a "MARRIAGE REJECT" letter because we forgot to add our SSNs to the back! So once I mailed it back, I thought we'd receive an awesome certificate.

I did check online with our county registrar and our marriage was recorded 10/10 so it's official, but we will need to request copies to change my name.

4
ModfpDC/MD/VA Photographer | Married! 9-6-14•

Ya! And fly some reason lots of companies these days are requesting it as proof of you want to add the other to your benefits!

3
fatchancefatpants7/14/18•

My honeymoon package place requires one. Not sure how that's going to work since we're leaving right away

3
ModfpDC/MD/VA Photographer | Married! 9-6-14•

Wowwwww - Now THAT is effed up! Maybe show them a cell phone pic from the night before of the two of you in wedding attire? Also, I left the next day at 7am fro my honeymoon. I did not drink like that was the case though. I recommend pumping the brakes (especially at the after party) on drinking if you plan on leaving immediately. lol! Enjoy :)

Oh and maybe take a photo of that certificate you will likely sign on your wedding day?

4
fatchancefatpants7/14/18•

Well our wedding is on a Saturday and we leave on Monday, so at least we have a day to be hungover Lol! But yes, I will be taking photos of the license and probably an invitation that shows the date. I'm not sure what else to do!

2
ModfpDC/MD/VA Photographer | Married! 9-6-14•

You should be fine. Hotels TEND to be one of the last bastions of customer service, they should allow it. And good! Leaving the next day is actually a terrible idea, I didn't want to flat out say that in case you were. I was hungover as hell and hated flying (11 hours!!!) in that state. lol. Also, United didn't upgrade us, or give us anything complimentary because we were on our honeymoon (big surprise)... but I have heard of lots of people getting champagne or something fun! I'm not bitter about it though. We did get to sit next to a guy with the worst breath in the world though!

2
what__year_is__this•

Can you show them the decorative one from the day of?

1
262run11.4.17 | PDX | Church then Brewery•

When we picked up our license, the clerk talked about the pricing. Definitely less expensive to order many.

1
[deleted]•

Here in Arizona you have the option of pre-requesting one when you apply and it will come in the mail. It costs an extra $35 per copy.

1
SlinkiestSeptember 2017•

Lol, same thing happened to us! Date twins, too. :) Were waiting for the certificate to come in the mail, but nope. Who would've thought!

1
ManderPantsMarried | 10.06.17 | MA•

Yup. I ordered 3 last days of honeymoon so I could start my name change ASAP when I got back. I got one and waited a few more days thinking "oh this must be the free copy" but when nothing else showed I called and they just forgot to put two more in the envelope! No free copy here in MA (ridiculous!)

I brought it in person to SS and RMV, and one of my banks. I spent my lunch break calling my Banks, cards, and utilities. Only one credit card needs it faxed, all others I did it over the phone with nothing else needed.

1