Why Do You Need Permission to Get Married?

It seems there is some confusion about the necessary permissions for getting married. Let's explore the truth behind this myth and the reality of the legal requirements for a marriage in the United States.

The Myth of Permission

Many believe that obtaining permission to marry is a prerequisite for getting legally married. Interestingly, in most countries, including the United States, the legal age to marry is 18, as long as you are capable of giving informed consent. However, there is often advice to involve your families in the process, but this is not always necessary or even possible.

Legal Marriage Requirements in the US

In the United States, you must obtain a marriage license before you can have a legal marriage ceremony. This is primarily to allow the county where the license is purchased to generate additional revenue for its county officials. The marriage license is filled out by the officiant and submitted to the issuing county, after which a Certificate of Marriage is issued.

This requirement ensures that the marriage is a matter of legal record. Here is a typical process for getting a marriage license:

Both partners must be at least 18 years old or older, or, in some states, younger if a blood test or parental consent is required. Proof of identity and age like a passport or birth certificate is needed to apply for the license. A marriage license is valid for a certain period, often 30 days from the date of issue. The certificate of marriage is issued after the marriage ceremony and serves as proof of the legal union.

The Role of Family in Marriage

While it is often beneficial to involve your family in the marriage process, it is not a legal requirement. Some individuals may not have solid family structures due to various reasons such as death, divorce, or estrangement. In such cases, the absence of familial involvement does not automatically disqualify you from marrying.

Traditionally, in many cultures, the father is expected to play a role in guiding his daughter towards a good and honorable path. This involves ensuring that a potential suitor is worthy and that the daughter trusts his judgment. This relationship can also benefit the couple's future relationship and family bonds.

Marriage and Mixed Religions

Another common issue is the need for permission when there is a mixed religious background, such as from a Catholic to an Anglican partner. In such cases, certain procedures may be necessary. For instance, if the couple involves a priest from different denominations, they might have to request approval from the relevant religious authority.

For example, if one partner is Catholic and the other is Anglican, the marriage may require special permissions. This is because the Catholic Church may need to provide permission, which can be a formality in many cases.

Conclusion

The necessity for permission to marry is a matter of personal and cultural belief rather than a legal requirement in most parts of the world. The marriage process in the United States involves getting a marriage license and providing some basic information. Legal age and consent are often sufficient for obtaining a license. However, involving families can provide important social and emotional benefits, especially in cultures that place a high value on familial ties.

Ultimately, if you are legally and mentally mature, you don't need any additional permissions to marry. Make sure to check the specific laws and requirements in your country or region to ensure a smooth and legally valid marriage.