It’s the kind of drama we usually see on our TV screens: a couple, after many years of wedded bliss, discover that they were never legally married at all. Maybe the city never received their marriage license; maybe the license contained a clerical error or a missing signature. But whatever the reason, the result is the same?our lovebirds aren’t really husband and wife.
On TV, this discovery usually yields plenty of fun, hilarious hijinks (not to mention a wedding episode by the end of the season). But in real life, finding out your marriage isn’t legal is a huge pain in the butt. After all, you’ve spent loads of time, money, and energy planning the perfect wedding?what’s it all for if you’re not married when it’s over" If you and your partner want to save yourselves a lot of hassle, headache, and cost, it’s best to make sure your marriage is legal the first time around. But how can you be sure" Here are a few steps you should take to ensure your ceremony is by the book.
Have a Legal Officiant Perform the Ceremony

Whether you have a traditional church wedding, an intimate party at home, or an elopement in Vegas, you’re always going to need an officiant. These days, it’s pretty easy to find someone to preside over your wedding. If you’re part of a religious institution, you can simply ask your local pastor (priest, rabbi, etc.) to perform the ceremony, but secular couples can just as easily hire an ...