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A marriage certificate is a legal document given to the couple after they get married and the marriage license is returned to the county clerk with the appropriate signatures. In some jurisdictions, it acts as both documents, allowing the couple to marry and also recording the marriage. The marriage certificate is the document that most institutions will require to demonstrate that you are married (if for instance you want to change your name).

Generally the marriage certificate is mailed to the bride and groom a few weeks after the ceremony has been performed. It is usually the responsibility of the officiant to submit the marriage license to the county clerk's office (or appropriate place). In some jurisdictions it is necessary to specifically request a copy of the marriage certificate; they do not always send it automatically.

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