Obtaining Copies of Marriage Licenses in Arkansas 

Copies of Marriage Licenses: Arkansas

The revised Arkansas code has specific instruction for obtaining a copy of marriage license.  Arkansas licenses are discussed within Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the annotated code, and several sections are discussed within this article.  Additionally, some helpful information about necessary items you’ll have to bring to obtain a copy of marriage license in Arkansas is also provided in this article.

Section 9-11-205 Notice of intention to wed—Noncompliance, penalties, and effect

This section of law on copies of marriage licenses in Arkansas provides procedures for both parties and the clerk.  The parts of this section are discussed below: 

(a) A marriage cannot be issued by the clerk of the court unless a notice of intention to wed has been signed by both applicants applying for the copy of marriage license in Arkansas and filed with the county clerk.  

(b) The notice of intention to wed needs to state the name, age, and address of both parties trying to wed in the state of AR.  

(c) The county clerk will verify the age of both parties and use birth certificates as prima facie proof of age in order to declare the marriage as legal. 

(d) The notice of intention to wed referred to in this section needs filed with the county clerk where the copies of marriage licenses in Arkansas are obtained.  

(e) The county clerk may destroy the notice of intention to wed 1 year after the date of issuance if the parties have not yet married.  

(f) If the county clerk or any of the parties trying to obtain a copy of marriage license in Arkansas fail to comply with the provisions of this section, each party can be fined up o $500 and be convicted of a misdemeanor.  

(g) No marriage can be declared as void for failure to comply with the provisions of this section. 

Other Important Sections of Law about Copies of Marriage Licenses: Arkansas

The following sections of state code provide more important provisions for copies of marriage licenses in Arkansas: 

Section 9-11-207

This section of code states that no clerk can issue a copy of marriage license in Arkansas to any person or persons if at any time during the contracting of the license either party is visibly under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  The parties must appear completely sober.  

Section 9-11-208

This section states that copies of marriage licenses will not be issued to parties of the same sex.  If another state recognized same sex marriages, the marriage will be declared as void within the state of Arkansas.  

Important Items to Bring when Obtaining Copies of Marriage Licenses in Arkansas

When applying for a copy of marriage license in Arkansas, make sure you bring proper identification, your birth certificate, and enough money for the filing of the application.  Fees will range in Arkansas, so you may want to contact the local circuit court before submitting the application.  To contact clerks around the state, visit the link below. 

Guide to Marriage Certificates in Kansas

Marriage Certificates in Kansas

In order to validate a marriage certificate in Kansas, two prospective spouses must follow a number of steps and make sure the marriage is valid under law.  This article will discuss steps two people should take to finalize their marriage certificate in Kansas after obtaining a marriage license, but qualifying factors to legally marry need explained first.  

Marriage Requirements in Kansas

In order to receive marriage certificates in Kansas, two future spouses cannot try to enter into a marriage that is otherwise void by law.  A marriage certificate in Kansas cannot be issued in any circumstances if the marriage would contain any of the following characteristics: 

• One or both of the parties were too young to legally marry within the state (under the age of 16)

• One or both of the parties were unable to mentally understand the consent of the marriage and the consequences involved

• One or both of the parties were incapable of entering to the marriage within the state because of physical causes

• The consent to marry was obtained through fraud

• Either party forced the other party to enter into marriage

• The relationship is incestuous 

• The marriage was declared as legal in another state between a same-gender couple

Step 2 Solemnization Requirements for Marriage Certificates in Kansas

If couples have qualified for a marriage certificate in Kansas, they will receive a copy of the marriage license along with a blank return for the person who has solemnized the marriage.  In order for a couple to legally receive a marriage certificate in Kansas, the marriage must be solemnized according to §23-104a. 

The statute provides that only the following qualified individuals can solemnize a marriage and validate marriage certificates in Kansas: 

• any ordained clergyman or religious authority or any denomination

• any licentiate of a denomination or any appointee of any bishop, if not prohibited by the church or denomination

• any judge or justice or the court of record

• any municipal judge of a city in the state

• any retired judge or justice of a court of record

• two parties themselves, by mutual declaration, may be married without an authorized officiating person (common-law marriage) 

If marriage certificates in Kansas are not signed by qualified individuals or are signed fraudulently, and parties and the officiator can receive strict penalties in Kansas. 

Step 3 Return Signed Marriage Certificates in Kansas to the District Clerk

A marriage certificate in Kansas must be signed by the person who legally solemnized the marriage (or signed mutually between the parties without an officiator in certain cases) and returned to the district court as soon as possible.  After the clerk has received the validated and completed marriage certificate in Kansas, they and the District court will be the full custodian of records relating to the marriage between the two parties.  

If any copies of the certificate are needed in the future, a party should call or visit the district court in which they submitted the original certificate.  For a listing of all district courts in Kansas.

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Oklahoma

When you are married, you may need a copy of your marriage certificate in OK in order to provide a government agency or your workplace with proof of your marriage for benefits or insurance purposes.  Because Oklahoma does not keep marriage records as part of the state's Department of Vital Records, it can be difficult to find your marriage certificate in Oklahoma.  This guide will teach you how to get your marriage certificate in OK or find a certificate for historical or genealogical research.

Who Can Get a Marriage Certificate in Oklahoma?

Some states restrict who can obtain a copy of a marriage certificate.  However, a marriage certificate in OK is considered a matter of public record, and you may obtain a copy of any marriage record in the state that interests you.  The only requirements for obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate in Oklahoma are that you know the names of the parties who married.

If you are getting your initial marriage certificate in OK, you will need to present proof of identification and age in order to marry.  You will not be required to have a blood test or wait through a waiting period in order to get married and obtain your marriage certificate in Oklahoma.  You may obtain your initial marriage certificate in OK from any county in the state, regardless of which county you choose to marry in.

Getting a Duplicate Marriage Certificate in Oklahoma

In order to get many government benefits or have your spouse covered by workplace health insurance, you may have to present a certified copy of your marriage certificate in OK.  Getting this type of copy is relatively inexpensive, but will require that you contact your county clerk's office.  A list of contact information for the county clerk in every county in Oklahoma is available here:   

Some county clerks may offer the ability to order a copy of your marriage certificate in Oklahoma over the phone or the internet.  In other cases, you may have to go to your county clerk's office in purpose to get your marriage certificate in OK, or mail a copy of your request.

Getting a Marriage Certificate in Oklahoma for Research

If you need a copy of a marriage certificate in OK County for any marriage that took place between 1889 and 1951, you may be able to find it at the official website for the Oklahoma Historical Society.  However, if you are searching for a marriage certificate in Oklahoma from another time or county, you may have to contact the county clerk in the county where the marriage took place.  These certificates for research purposes will generally cost the same as any duplicate marriage certificate in OK.

Some marriage records from the territorial period of Oklahoma history are relatively difficult to acquire or may never have been filed with any county or state government.  In some cases, a marriage certificate in Oklahoma may actually be filed with a county in an adjacent state.

Getting a Copy of Marriage License in Oklahoma

If you need to obtain a copy of marriage license in OK, you may not know where to begin.  This guide can help you get a copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma whether you're applying for an initial license to get married or need a duplicate copy.  You will also learn who is eligible to obtain a copy of a marriage license in OK.  If you need more information about getting a copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma, you may want to talk to your local county clerk.

Who Can Get a Copy of Marriage License in Oklahoma?

If you are trying to get an initial copy of marriage license in OK, you will be required to show proof of age.  People who are 16 or 17 years old must provide not only proof of age but also permission by a parent or guardian in order to obtain an initial copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma.

If you are seeking a duplicate copy of marriage license in OK, or a copy for research purposes, these documents are considered public records.  Any interested party may obtain this type of copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma, as long as they know the names of both parties and when the marriage occurred.

Obtaining an Initial Copy of Marriage License in Oklahoma

If you want to get a copy of marriage license in OK so that you can get married, you should appear in person at your county clerk's office.  The fee for this initial copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma is $50 for couples who have not completed premarital counseling, but is discounted to just $5 for couples who can show proof that they have completed counseling.

You will not be required to wait to marry after you get your copy of a marriage license in OK, provided both members of the couple are 18 or older.  Couples with a member under 18 are required to wait at least 72 hours to have a wedding ceremony after obtaining their copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma.

Obtaining a Duplicate Copy of Marriage License in Oklahoma

If you need a copy of marriage license in OK for identification purposes or in order to prove your marriage to a government agency, you will need to talk to the clerk of the county court where you received your license.  There is no state agency that keeps track of all marriage licenses in the state, so your copy will only be available from the court clerk and costs may vary.  

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage License in Oklahoma For Research

For researchers who need a copy of a marriage license, the procedure is usually the same as for those seeking duplicates of their own licenses.  However, if you need a copy of a marriage license in Oklahoma from the state's territorial period, you may have a difficult time: these marriage records are spotty and may not be available in all cases.  Some territorial marriage records are also kept in adjacent states rather than in Oklahoma counties.

Guide to Annulment of Marriage in Oklahoma

While most marriages end with either divorce or death, there is an alternative to divorce available for some spouses.  An annulment of marriage in OK differs from divorce in several key respects.  This guide will help you understand what an annulment is, and whether your marriage may qualify for an annulment of marriage in Oklahoma.  You'll also learn why a civil annulment of marriage in OK may not qualify under religious laws as a proper annulment.

Divorce vs. Annulment of Marriage in Oklahoma

When a couple divorces, the court system recognizes that their relationship existed and was valid, but does not exist any longer.  However, when a couple applies for an annulment of marriage in OK, they are in essence asking the court to decide that their marriage never existed legally.  An annulment of marriage in Oklahoma retroactively voids the entire marriage, making it as if the couple had never been married at all.

Grounds for Annulment of Marriage in Oklahoma

While divorce is available on a no-fault basis for all couples, getting an annulment of marriage in OK is more difficult.  You may only be awarded an annulment of marriage in Oklahoma by showing that in some way, the marriage contract itself was not valid.  While some states consider impotence or insanity grounds for an annulment, you may only get an annulment of marriage in OK by showing that your marital contract was void or voidable at the time when it was contracted.

For instance, if one member of a couple was incapable of consent due to his or her age or mental incapacity, an annulment of marriage in Oklahoma may be granted.  Additionally, if the marriage was due to one party being forced or defrauded, the contract is invalid and the court may grant an annulment of marriage in OK.

Alternatives to Annulment of Marriage in Oklahoma

If you want an annulment of marriage in OK but have no grounds for annulment, you will have to file for divorce instead.  In most cases, it may actually be easier to file for divorce than for an annulment of marriage in Oklahoma.  If you and your spouse can agree on how to divide your property, getting a no-fault divorce can be inexpensive and fast.

In most situations, there is essentially no legal difference between a divorce and an annulment of marriage in OK except for the fact that the latter means you have never been married.  In most situations, this distinction is meaningless, and even a couple who qualifies for an annulment of marriage in Oklahoma may choose to divorce instead.

Religious Annulment of Marriage in Oklahoma

While civil annulment of marriage in OK requires that you prove specific grounds for annulment, religious annulment has different guidelines.  In order to find out about religious annulment in your church, you will need to consult with your religious leader.  Typically, attorneys will not assist with religious annulment of marriage in Oklahoma, so you will need to seek your annulment on your own.  In some religious traditions, annulment is required in order for a second marriage to be recognized by the church.

How to obtain copies of marriage license in Alabama

To formally marry someone, you must obtain a license from the state. A copy of marriage license in Alabama will be issued for a fee by the county in which you are undertaking the ceremony. This certified copy will be necessary in order to have your marriage legally recognized. 

Once you have obtained copies of marriage license in Alabama, you must have the ceremony performed within 30 days. After this period has expired, you will not be able to undertake the ceremony. You will need to request another copy of marriage license in Alabama to perform the ceremony.

While it is possible for those aged 16 and 17 to get married, this cannot be done without parental consent. Obtaining the copies of marriage license in Alabama necessary for the ceremony means all parents must come in person to give their written consent. Those 18 and older will only need a government-issued driver's license for this document if they are American citizens. Legal aliens will need a copy of their visa as well their passport in order to obtain a copy of marriage license in Alabama. Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer required to undergo a blood test to obtain this document. 

Maintain this documentation for future reference. You will need copies of marriage license in Alabama if you file for divorce at a later date. Additionally, you may need this paperwork if your spouse dies and you are having difficulty receiving the portion of their estate set aside in their will. A copy of marriage license in Alabama may be necessary to prove you are legally entitled to part of their assets.

If you misplace this document, you may need to replace it at a later date. Obtaining copies of marriage license in Alabama must be done through the court in the county in which you were married. This may be done either in person or through the mail. The fee for each copy of marriage license in Alabama varies from county to county but will not exceed $5.

You must assemble a few facts before receiving this document. The court will need the following details to issue copies of marriage license in Alabama:

• The full name of both spouses

• The date on which the marriage occurred

• A phone number at which you can be contacted

If you are seeking a copy of marriage license in Alabama that dates back a long period of time, you may need to get in touch with the local public library, city archives or other facility. Generally speaking, any ceremony which occurred more than 30 years ago will not still be maintained by the court. However, every county has a different cut-off date for when it transfers copies of marriage license in Alabama from the court building to another facility. Find the website of the court in the county from which you need this document to determine which office can best help you.