ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

Marriage

Requirements for Getting Married

Is a particular type of marriage ceremony required?

No, there is broad latitude regarding the type of ceremony required. A marriage ceremony may be religious or civil. The person or persons conducting the ceremony should indicate that the man and woman agree to be married. A religious ceremony should be conducted under the customs of the religion, or, in the case of a Native American group, the tribe. Most states require one or two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate.