This one is for the couple with matching tattoos, the couple who is more than a little bit rock-n-roll, and the couple who appreciates the edgier side of romance. When Hé! Capture sent over this styled shoot, we knew it was the perfect alternative wedding in Paris inspiration. The bride’s pink wig and groom’s plaid pants are a unique but realistic option to take your wedding from ordinary to exceptional!
From a traditional church ceremony to a quick stop for ice cream to one of Fort Worth’s coolest venues, Elizabeth and Chris’ wedding had everything they dreamed of! Shaun Menary Photography captured all of the fun and understated elegance that made the celebration unforgettable.
We loved being surrounded by our closest friends and family for an entire evening and spent the whole night dancing away. We especially loved riding in the back of our friend Randy’s truck through the streets of Fort Worth after the reception – we got a lot of cheers and congratulations!
The Couple Recommends:
We loved Shaun and Shannon Menary – they were wonderful to work with and the pictures turned out fabulous. We also loved working with Abbie Oswalt of Abbie O Events – thanks to her our wedding day was completely stress-free and perfect. Limelight Band was a blast and so much fun. The food from Reata was fabulous and they were so easy to work with for catering.
Thanks to Elizabeth and Chris for sharing their modern Fort Worth wedding with Junebug! For more of Shaun Menary‘s fantastic photography, check out Laura and Ryan’s chic Wythe Hotel wedding in Brooklyn.
While planning the décor and style of your wedding is important, so is tying the knot legally. The requirements of a legal marriage vary from state to state, and some are downright weird. Did you know that in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, and Montana, you may be required to present a blood test and undergo a physical examination? Our guide today offers a general outline of what can be expected in most states. However, it is extremely important that you double check your state’s laws.
Like I mentioned earlier, all 50 states have different laws associated with marriage. Everything from minimum age requirements to who is allowed to officiate your marriage. Make sure to do your research when planning your wedding!
2. Get a Marriage License
A marriage license is the document you need to obtain prior to getting married. Depending on where you live, you can apply for your marriage license up to 30 days before your wedding. After 30 days (in most states) your license will expire and you will need to be issued a new one. There is a small fee associated with the cost of a marriage license application, but there are some loopholes in getting out of paying for this fee. For example, in some states you can take a marriage counseling course and forego paying the licensing fees. Head on over to your county clerk’s office to get the application process started.
3. Hire a Real Officiant
Not just anyone can marry you! Civil unions (non-religious) are officiated by a judge, court clerk, or justice of the peace. Religious ceremonies are officiated by a priest, minister, or rabbi. Don’t forget to check your state’s laws on this before you hire an officiant!
4. Bring Witnesses
Along with your officiant, you must have at least 2 witnesses. The officiant and witnesses will sign the marriage license.
*helpful tip: If you’re planning to elope, your photographer, makeup artist, or even a random stranger can act as witnesses!
5. Get a Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is a copy of your license that has been certified by the government, thus making your marriage legal. Sometimes your officiant can complete this step for you, but in some states you must be present (along with your officiant) in order to present your license to the county clerk.
You definitely do not have to do this if you don’t want to, and it isn’t a stipulation of being legally married. However, we thought we’d include some information on how to officially change your name once you have your marriage certificate in hand.
You’ll need your marriage license (the original!)
Complete a Social Security card application
Get a new driver’s license at your local DMV
Change your bank accounts
Set up a new email signature, change your social media names, and more
*helpful tip: do this in order, because you will need your social security card to apply for a new driver’s license and so forth
Next time on From Blogger to Bride, I’m sharing real advice from real brides! If you’re recently married, I’d love to have your input! Please give me advice on one (or all) of the following. Deadline to respond is Monday September 7th!
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