Getting married is a significant milestone in many people’s lives, but not everyone wants to have a traditional wedding ceremony. If you’re looking for a simpler and more straightforward way to tie the knot in Oklahoma, you’re in luck. The state offers a unique option for couples who want to get married without a ceremony. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony, so you can start your journey as a married couple.
Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License
The first step in getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony is to obtain a marriage license. Both you and your partner must appear in person at the county clerk’s office to apply for the license. You’ll need to bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and pay the required fee. The county clerk will provide you with the necessary forms to fill out, and you’ll need to provide information about yourselves, such as your full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
Step 2: Complete the Affidavit of Common Law Marriage
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you’ll need to complete the Affidavit of Common Law Marriage. This form is required for couples who want to get married without a ceremony in Oklahoma. The affidavit is a legal document that declares you and your partner as married under common law. You’ll need to sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public, who will then notarize the document. Make sure to bring your marriage license and identification with you when completing the affidavit.
Step 3: File the Affidavit with the County Clerk
After you have completed and notarized the Affidavit of Common Law Marriage, you’ll need to file it with the county clerk’s office. The county clerk will keep a copy of the affidavit for their records, and you’ll receive a certified copy of the document. This certified copy serves as proof of your marriage, and you may need it for various legal purposes, such as changing your last name or updating your marital status on official documents.
Step 4: Celebrate Your Marriage
Now that you have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to celebrate your marriage! While you may have chosen to forgo a traditional wedding ceremony, you can still celebrate your union in a way that feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s a small gathering with close friends and family or a romantic dinner for two, take the time to commemorate this special moment in your lives.
Getting married without a ceremony in Oklahoma is a simple and straightforward process. By following this step-by-step guide, you can legally marry your partner and start your journey as a married couple. Remember to check with your county clerk’s office for any additional requirements or regulations specific to your area. Congratulations on your marriage!
Step 1: Research the Legal Requirements
Before getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony, it is important to research and understand the legal requirements. This step will ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria and have the required documents to proceed with the process.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If either party is under 18, parental consent is required.
- Residency Requirement: There is no residency requirement to get married in Oklahoma. You can be a resident of any state or country.
- Waiting Period: There is no waiting period in Oklahoma. Once you obtain your marriage license, you can get married immediately.
- Marriage License Fee: There is a fee to obtain a marriage license in Oklahoma. The fee varies by county, so it is advisable to check with the County Clerk’s Office for the exact amount.
- Valid Identification: Both parties will need to present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate, to obtain a marriage license.
- Previous Marriages: If either party has been previously married, they will need to provide documentation of the dissolution of the previous marriage, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
It is important to note that these requirements may vary slightly from county to county in Oklahoma. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to get married to confirm the specific requirements and procedures.
By thoroughly researching the legal requirements, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process of getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony.
Determine the Eligibility
Before getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony, it is important to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements set by the state. These requirements include:
1. Age:
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If either party is 16 or 17 years old, they must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Individuals under the age of 16 cannot get married without a court order.
2. Relationship:
Oklahoma law prohibits marriage between close relatives, including siblings, half-siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and aunts or uncles and nieces or nephews. The couple must not be closely related by blood or adoption.
3. Marital Status:
Both parties must be unmarried at the time of the marriage. If either party was previously married, they must provide documentation of the divorce or death of their previous spouse.
4. Mental Capacity:
Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of marriage and the responsibilities it entails. If either party is deemed mentally incapacitated, they may not be eligible to get married without a court order.
5. Consent:
Both parties must freely and voluntarily consent to the marriage. Any indication of coercion or lack of consent may render the marriage invalid.
It is important to carefully review these eligibility requirements before proceeding with the process of getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the marriage being deemed invalid.
Gather the Necessary Documents
Before you can get married in Oklahoma without a ceremony, you will need to gather the necessary documents. These documents are required to prove your identity, age, and eligibility to marry. Here is a list of the documents you will need:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Identification | You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card. This document will be used to verify your identity. |
| Proof of Age | You will need to provide proof of your age, such as a birth certificate or a valid ID that shows your date of birth. This document is required to ensure that you are of legal age to marry. |
| Proof of Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable) | If you have been previously married, you will need to provide proof of divorce or the death certificate of your former spouse. This document is required to show that you are legally eligible to remarry. |
| Marriage License Application | You will need to fill out a marriage license application form. This form can usually be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office or downloaded from their website. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and completely. |
It is important to gather all the necessary documents before visiting the County Clerk’s Office to apply for your marriage license. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process. Make sure to double-check the requirements and bring all the required documents with you to avoid any delays or complications.
Step 2: Complete the Marriage License Application
Once you have researched the legal requirements and determined your eligibility to get married in Oklahoma without a ceremony, the next step is to complete the marriage license application. This application is a crucial part of the process, as it officially documents your intent to marry.
To complete the marriage license application, you will need to visit the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to get married. This office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and can provide you with all the necessary forms and information.
When you arrive at the County Clerk’s Office, you will need to fill out the marriage license application form. This form will ask for basic information about you and your partner, such as your names, addresses, and dates of birth. You may also be required to provide additional details, such as your social security numbers or previous marriage information.
It is important to fill out the application form accurately and completely. Any mistakes or missing information could delay the processing of your marriage license. Take your time and double-check all the details before submitting the application.
Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the required fee. The fee for a marriage license in Oklahoma varies by county, so be sure to check the specific amount with the County Clerk’s Office. Most offices accept cash, check, or credit/debit cards as payment.
After submitting the application and paying the fee, the County Clerk’s Office will review your application and process your marriage license. This process usually takes a few days, but it can vary depending on the county and time of year.
Once your marriage license is ready, you will need to return to the County Clerk’s Office to pick it up. Both you and your partner will need to be present and provide valid identification to receive the license. The County Clerk’s Office will also provide you with any additional instructions or requirements for obtaining your marriage license.
It is important to note that a marriage license in Oklahoma is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance. This means that you must have your ceremony and have the license signed by an authorized officiant within this timeframe. If you do not get married within the 10-day period, you will need to reapply for a new marriage license.
Completing the marriage license application is an essential step in getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony. By following the necessary steps and providing all the required information, you can ensure that your marriage license is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Visit the County Clerk’s Office
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the marriage license application, it is time to visit the County Clerk’s Office. This is where you will submit your application and pay the required fees.
Before heading to the County Clerk’s Office, make sure to check their operating hours. It is also a good idea to call ahead and confirm any additional requirements or documents that may be needed.
When you arrive at the County Clerk’s Office, approach the designated counter or window for marriage licenses. Present your completed application and all the required documents to the clerk. They will review your application and verify that everything is in order.
At this point, you will need to pay the marriage license fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the county, so be prepared to pay in cash or check. Some counties may also accept credit or debit cards.
Once you have paid the fee, the clerk will process your application. This may involve entering your information into their system, issuing the marriage license, and providing you with any additional instructions or documents.
Before leaving the County Clerk’s Office, double-check that all the information on the marriage license is correct. If there are any errors or discrepancies, notify the clerk immediately so that they can make the necessary corrections.
After receiving your marriage license, it is important to keep it in a safe place until your wedding day. The license is a legal document that you will need to present to the officiant who will be performing your ceremony.
Remember, the marriage license is only valid for a certain period of time, typically 30 days. Make sure to plan your wedding ceremony accordingly and ensure that it takes place within the validity period of the license.
Visiting the County Clerk’s Office is an essential step in getting married in Oklahoma without a ceremony. By following the necessary procedures and providing all the required documents, you will be one step closer to legally tying the knot.
Question-answer:
Can same-sex couples get married in Oklahoma without a ceremony?
Yes, same-sex couples can get married in Oklahoma without a ceremony. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license and completing the necessary paperwork are the same for all couples, regardless of gender.
