On this week’s episode of 52 'Til I Do, we're diving into everything that happens when you’re really tying the knot. We’re breaking down the difference between a marriage license and certificate, plus walking through your ceremony must-knows: processional order, readings, ushers, and grand exits. We also touch on cultural traditions that can personalize your celebration, and what to consider if a prenup is part of your plan.
Yes, legal documents can feel intimidating - we get it! But the two main documents you’ll deal with when getting married are your marriage license and your marriage certificate. And no, they’re not the same thing!
A marriage license is the legal document you must obtain before your wedding day in order to be legally married. Most counties only allow you to apply within 60 days of your wedding, and you’ll usually need to go to a courthouse or other official office in the county where your ceremony will take place.
PLEASE check the website of the county you’re getting married in to confirm which documents you’ll need and any specific requirements - they can vary!
When you apply for your marriage license, you will leave with a physical document. It must be signed on your wedding day by your officiant and then returned to the courthouse within 10 days of your ceremony.
Pro tip: If you have a non-professional officiant, they will need to sign the legal document as the minister.
A marriage certificate is what you’ll receive from the courthouse after your completed marriage license has been submitted and processed. It’s essentially the official document that says, “Yay! You’re officially married!”
While none of us plan for divorce, a prenup can act like a safety net and an insurance policy for your future.
What even is a prenup?
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal contract between two people before they get married. It outlines how finances, assets, and property will be handled during the marriage and in the event of a divorce.
Another similar option is a postnuptial agreement (postnup), which serves the same purpose but is created after the couple is already married.
While there can sometimes be a negative connotation around these kinds of agreements, they are actually incredibly practical! They give couples the opportunity to have honest, open conversations about finances, expectations, and long-term goals before or during marriage. Taking the time to discuss these things can help ensure both partners are on the same page.
Myth Buster: Prenups are not only used in the case of divorce! In many cases, they are about alignment and being on the same page, helping couples clarify shared goals and build a stronger financial understanding together. It’s less about distrust or anticipating failure and more about planning, preparation, and protecting both partners in a fair and thoughtful way!
In phase three of the planning process, one of the most important tasks we recommend is working on your vows. We’ve heard plenty of horror stories about couples trying to write them the night before the wedding. Definitely not ideal!
Take time to talk with your partner about what you want your vows to look like: the general tone, the structure, and even the length so they feel balanced. If you’re choosing traditional “repeat after me” vows, reviewing them together ahead of time can also be helpful. In some religious settings you may not be able to make edits, but if you do have flexibility, sit down now and make any adjustments together.
This way, you’re not scrambling the day before your wedding and can fully enjoy the moment when it arrives!
Another thing you can work on at this stage in the planning process is the order of your processional. In some religious settings, you may need to follow a specific order, but if you have flexibility, make sure to talk it through with your partner.
Consider questions like: Who do you want to walk down the aisle, and who will be waiting at the front? Do you want to include additional family members, or even pets? What order makes the most sense based on how your guests will be seated or standing? Do any grandparents or VIPs need someone to escort them?
These details are all super unique to your families and your ceremony, so take some time together to decide what feels right for both of you!
Pro Tip: Use Ushers!
Ushers can be incredibly helpful - they can hand out programs, guide guests to their seats, and generally help the ceremony run more smoothly. They’re not required by any means, but if you’re feeling even a little worried about the flow of the day, having a few ushers can make a big difference.
While you’re thinking through what your ceremony will look like, this is also a great time to brainstorm your exit. This is one of those moments where you can get really creative (think rice, dried flowers, bubbles, confetti, or even doves!) There are so many fun ways to involve your guests in celebrating your first moments as a married couple.
The main questions to ask yourself are: Where do you want your exit to happen? Do you envision a grand exit outside the venue, or something right after you walk back down the aisle? Do you want all of your guests to participate? If they’ll be showering you with petals or blowing bubbles, where and how will they receive those items before the ceremony begins? This is a great time to begin to try and answer some of these questions with your partner.
Pro Tip: Always check with your venue first! As much as we love a good bubble moment, not every venue allows certain exit elements. Make sure whatever you’re planning is approved ahead of time so your exit goes off without a hitch.
Getting married involves more than just the ceremony itself. It’s also about understanding the key details that make the day run smoothly. From your marriage license and certificate, to planning vows, the processional, and even your exit, each piece helps shape the overall experience!
The most important thing is to communicate and plan ahead. Talk through the details with your partner, stay organized, and make choices that reflect what feels right for both of you. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping the day calm, clear, and enjoyable!
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more questions about your marriage license, ceremony logistics, or planning your wedding day flow? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!
Photo Credit to JNA Visuals
Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
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