A marriage licence (spelled license in American English) is a document issued, either by a church or state authority, authorizing a couple to marry. The procedure for obtaining a licence varies between countries and has changed over time. Marriage licences began to be issued in the Middle Ages, to permit a marriage which would otherwise be illegal (for instance, if the necessary period of notice for the marriage had not been given).
Today, they a...
more
A marriage licence (spelled license in American English) is a document issued, either by a church or state authority, authorizing a couple to marry. The procedure for obtaining a licence varies between countries and has changed over time. Marriage licences began to be issued in the Middle Ages, to permit a marriage which would otherwise be illegal (for instance, if the necessary period of notice for the marriage had not been given).
Today, they are a legal requirement in some jurisdictions and may also serve as the record of the marriage itself, if signed by the couple and witnessed.
In other jurisdictions, a licence is not required. In some jurisdictions, a "pardon" can be obtained, for marrying without a licence and in some jurisdictions, common-law marriages and marriage by cohabitation and representation are also recognised. These do not require a marriage licence.
Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any...
less
