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SilverSeason120
Dedicated November 2017

Signing Marriage License DURING ceremony?

SilverSeason120, on June 4, 2017 at 6:17 PM

Posted in Etiquette and Advice 50

Our officiant mentioned something we could do in lieu of a standard sand or candle unity that caught my attention. She said we could always sign our marriage license during the ceremony, in front of everyone. Has anyone been to a wedding where this happened? Is anyone doing this? I've never been to...

Our officiant mentioned something we could do in lieu of a standard sand or candle unity that caught my attention. She said we could always sign our marriage license during the ceremony, in front of everyone. Has anyone been to a wedding where this happened? Is anyone doing this? I've never been to a wedding where it's happened, but it certainly sounds different.

50 Comments

  • A_Mart
    Super April 2025
    A_Mart ·
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    Same here, saw a couple do this in Canada and I really loved the idea!
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  • Jillian
    Just Said Yes February 2019
    Jillian ·
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    Oh my goodness!! Me too, would you mind sharing how you're going to write it in? I'm really struggling with the order of things.

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  • J
    Dedicated December 2018
    Jack ·
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    This is standard in Australia - I believe it's a legal requirement, in fact.

    Our styling company is providing the desk and decor, and we've picked out a couple signing songs. Three cheers for making legal paperwork fun!

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  • E
    Dedicated June 2019
    Erica ·
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    I think this could be a cool idea, just keep in mind that your photographer will be front and center trying to get those close up shots and everyone might not be able to see!

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  • K
    Beginner October 2020
    Kamah Asha ·
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    In South La. every African American wedding includes the signing.
    • Reply
  • KitandKaboodle
    Master November 2016
    KitandKaboodle ·
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    We did this during our reception in lieu of the bouquet/garter toss.
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  • Andrea
    Master January 2021
    Andrea ·
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    As far as I know (and I live in Ontario, Canada) it is customary to sign the marriage licence during the ceremony! Maybe in the States it's really different, or perhaps from state to state, it varies!!

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  • Kelsey
    Savvy September 2019
    Kelsey ·
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    I've never been to a wedding where this WASN'T done. It never even occurred to me that people don't have a signing table to fill out their marriage certificate. Maybe it's a cultural thing as I'm Canadian, but I've literally never not seen this happen at a wedding, and I've been to at least 6 or 7.

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  • Casey
    VIP December 2018
    Casey ·
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    In our state we actually sign our license when we go to apply / pick it up and then the officiant and witnesses just have to sign it on the big day. So this wouldn’t have worked for us. But I think I’ve seen it done before!
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  • Jessica
    Just Said Yes November 2025
    Jessica ·
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    That's a tradition in the UK which is where my fiance is from so we will be doing it! It will give us more alone time to talk and snack before the reception!

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