Legal Definitions - certificate of marriage

Definition: A certificate of marriage is a legal document that serves as evidence of a marriage. It is executed by a religious or civil official who presides over the marriage ceremony and is filed with a public authority, usually the county clerk.

Example: John and Jane got married in a church, and the priest who officiated their wedding signed a certificate of marriage. The certificate was then filed with the county clerk's office as proof of their marriage.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a certificate of marriage is created and used. The certificate is signed by the person who presides over the wedding and is then filed with a public authority. This document serves as legal proof of the marriage and is often required for various legal purposes, such as changing one's name or applying for spousal benefits.

Related Terms:Marriage Certificate, Marriage License, Marriage Contract