{"id":351893,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/getting-married-checklist.html"},"modified":"2023-06-13T14:57:07","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T19:57:07","slug":"getting-married-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/getting-married-checklist.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting Married: Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting Married: Checklist<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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There are many legal requirements couples need to fulfill before getting married. A checklist can help you stay organized so you don’t miss deadlines or marriage requirements. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

It helps to have a marriage checklist handy so you don’t miss anything. Some things you will need for the big day include the marriage license, the ring, and of course, your new spouse. But what else should you know before heading into marriage?
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1. Are You Ready for Marriage?<\/h2>\r\n

Most people believe they’re ready for marriage without thinking about the future. Some states now require premarital counseling or a waiting period before a wedding takes place. This lets a third party discuss things the future couple may not have considered, like bank accounts and children. Communication is key.<\/p>\r\n

Marital success hinges on how a couple discusses finances, children, and future plans. It is important that future spouses discuss these concerns before getting married. Take the "Are You Ready for Marriage" Test<\/a> for more insight.<\/p>\r\n

2. Legal Marriage Requirements and Documents You May Need<\/h2>\r\n

All states have legal requirements, such as residency, premarital counseling, and more. Be sure you have fulfilled all legal marriage requirements in your state before the big day. Some things states may need newlyweds to produce for a marriage license include:<\/p>\r\n