Official Documentation and Procedures of a Marriage

For many couples the anticipation of becoming united is almost unbearable. There is so much to think about, all kinds of plans to be made, budgets to keep and the lists upon list that seem to be growing rapidly in length. A wedding is a legal matter as well as a fun day full of family and friends. So to add to all the other details that need attending, they have to get a marriage license, but before that the soon to be bride will need to decide on her what her last name is going to be once they are married. Will she take her future husbands last name, hyphenate her last name with his or just keep her last name?

As minute of a decision as this may seem to some people, it is a rather important one. Lifestyles and traditions have changed, so what was once common is no longer. In recent times the woman would automatically take on the last name of her husband, however, this is no longer the case. Many women are choosing to keep their maiden names and not take on that of their husbands. This is a choice that is purely left up to the bride.

If you have decided to take your husbands last name as your own, the process for changing it is fairly simple. You will need documentation for your bank, credit card companies, the Registry of Motor Vehicles needs proof of the name change, your job will need to have proof so your paychecks and any other important documents can be updated and you will need to notify the Social Security Office in your area. The Social Security Office is the most important place to notify and should be the first one, they can help you in changing everything with any other local agency that need to be made aware of the name change.

You can usually begin changing your name a few weeks before your big day. When you do begin the name change process, you might want to begin filling out the change of address cards if necessary. That way when you get home form your honeymoon it is one less thing for you to have to do. If you plan to change your name before you leave for the honeymoon, you might want to make the travel arrangements and any reservations in your maiden name just incase the appropriate documents do not arrive in time for your departure, or you can make them in your husbands name.

As far as the marriage license, it is necessary for you to check with your local city or town hall to see the exact steps you need to take. Some states require blood tests and a witness to the wedding in order to get a marriage license. There is a fee associated with getting a marriage license, so expect to bring your wallet with you when you file for it. There may be other documents needed when you go to file for your marriage license, so call ahead and find out what is needed before you go in to get it.