{"id":18,"date":"2015-05-19T06:45:44","date_gmt":"2015-05-19T06:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/topic\/?p=18"},"modified":"2026-03-10T06:18:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T06:18:12","slug":"the-importance-of-a-marriage-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/license\/the-importance-of-a-marriage-license\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Marriage License and Why Is It So Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Importance<\/p>\n

There was once a time when marriage was a foundational part of our culture. However, since the 1960s, marriage has declined close to 72 percent, <\/span>according to the reports<\/span><\/a>. This means that only about half of America’s population are in a marital relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only that, but according to the <\/span>Pew Research Center<\/span><\/a>, 15 times the amount of couples now live together than they did in the 60s, and 40 percent of unmarried individuals believe that marriage does not hold the need or relevance that it once did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, for many, a<\/span> marriage license<\/b><\/a> is nothing more than a piece of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some might say that if that perspective was debated in a court of law, it’s interesting that a deed to a house or a title to a car is not seen as simply a “piece of paper,” and they would have a valid argument. Marriage is not just a relationship between two people who love each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is a marriage license?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

So what is a marriage license? What is the purpose of a marriage license? Does a marriage license mean you are married?<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a document procured by a couple that has been issued either by the church or a state authority which grants them authority to get married. <\/span><\/p>\n

Basically, a marriage license is essentially a legal permit that states you and your partner are legally allowed to marry. Also, it is a confirmation from the authority that there are no qualifications that would disqualify you from a legal marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marriage is also a legal contract and a binding agreement. And so, when two people<\/span> decide to become life partners<\/span><\/a> with the help of a marriage license and wedding ceremony, there are actually a lot of benefits that come with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out this video to learn about the difference between a marriage license, a marriage certificate & a certified marriage certificate:<\/em><\/p>\n