Can you get married without papers in the US?

Asked by: Kade Kirlin  |  Last update: November 11, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (22 votes)

State law generally lets undocumented people get married. But, US marriage licenses are issued by counties. Most counties require that at least one person show legal identification, and this can be hard for an undocumented person to provide.

What happens if you get married without a license USA?

The answer is the couple cannot be legally married without a marriage license present. If the Officiant performs the wedding ceremony without a valid marriage license they have committed a misdemeanor. So what can be done? The couple will have to have a commitment ceremony in this case.

Can a non-U.S. citizen get married in the USA?

Yes, non-citizens can marry within the U.S. Keep in mind that marriage does not change your immigration status and the marriage may not be recognized in your home country. To get married in the U.S., you simply need the proper identification to apply for a marriage license in the county in which you are to be married.

Can you have a wedding without it being official?

Yes you can get legally married without a ceremony. However, you are required, by law to say certain basic vows at the time. They just involve saying the full legal name of the person you are marrying and stating that they will be your legal spouse.

Can you get married in the U.S. without a Social Security number?

Note: Your Social Security card or W-2 form AND a current ID with your name and date of birth is required to get a marriage license. See Age Requirements. Applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security number may obtain a marriage license by signing an affidavit attesting to this fact.

How To Get Married Without Involving The State Or Government

21 related questions found

Can I file married if my wife doesn't have SSN?

But how do you file taxes if your spouse doesn't have a SSN, or isn't eligible for one? In that case your spouse will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, from the IRS.

Can a non citizen get a marriage license?

Any valid government ID with a photo should be acceptable. Citizenship or immigration status does not hinder the ability to marry. However, it's essential to note that each state has varying laws, some may require a minimum age, blood tests, and waiting periods.

Can I get married without my confirmation?

In the Introduction to the Rite of Marriage, the Church teaches that “Catholics who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation are to receive it to complete their Christian initiation before they are admitted to marriage” (no. 18).

What is eloping marriage?

Eloping means that you forego a formal wedding and instead, choose to elope for the ceremony. It doesn't necessarily mean that you secretly run away with your partner without telling anyone. This is the notion some people still have when they hear about elopements.

Are unofficial marriages legal?

Although these interpersonal relationships are often called "common-law marriage", they differ from its original meaning in that they are not legally recognized as "marriages", but may be a parallel interpersonal status such as a "domestic partnership", "registered partnership", "common law partner" "conjugal union", ...

What happens if an illegal immigrant marries a U.S. citizen?

Actually, what often happens is if an undocumented person marries an American, in order to apply for that green card, they have to leave the country and ask for a pardon, and they can be separated from their family for years.

Which state is easiest to get married in?

Painless logistics with stunning backdrops… what more could you ask for? Here are the five easiest states to get married in.
  • The Easiest States to Get Married In #1: Colorado. ...
  • The Easiest States to Get Married In #2: Idaho. ...
  • The Easiest States to Get Married In #3: Wyoming. ...
  • The Easiest States to Get Married In #4: Utah.

What is the 90 day marriage rule?

Under the 90-day marriage rule, if a foreign national enters the U.S. and marries a U.S. citizen or permanent resident within the first 90 days of being in the country, USCIS will presume the marriage to be a fraud and will deny a Green Card, claiming the applicant misrepresented his or her intentions in coming to the ...

Can you be married without papers?

The short answers are: yes, elopements are very, very real and no, you cannot legally get married without a marriage license. But (yes, there's a but!)

What happens to a marriage that is not registered?

In most cases, you are still considered married without registering the license. For example, California law requires the officiant to return the marriage license to the county clerk or recorder within 10 days of the ceremony. If, for some reason, this does not happen, you are still married.

How to get married unofficially?

During commitment ceremonies, the couple will typically exchange vows, they may choose to have an officiant present, and they may even incorporate aspects of their culture or religion. But commitment ceremonies are not legally binding, so you're technically not married in the eyes of the law.

What is it called to get married without a wedding?

Background. Today the term "elopement" is colloquially used for any marriage performed in haste, with a limited public engagement period or without a public engagement period. Some couples elope because they wish to avoid parental or religious objections.

Can you get married just you and your partner?

You can elope with just you and your partner or you can add a few friends and family into the mix. If you choose to invite other people you can ask them to also be your witnesses for your marriage license which is a bonus.

What is a secret marriage called?

A clandestine marriage is when two people get married in secret, without following all the legal requirements. This can happen if they don't want anyone to know they got married or if they can't legally get married for some reason.

How to get confirmed as an adult?

Those Catholic adults (18 years or older) who have been baptized and have received First Eucharist, but did not receive Confirmation as a teen, may prepare to be confirmed by attending sessions with those adults preparing to become Catholics through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

Can you get married if you haven't done your First Communion?

It is a requirement for baptized Catholics wishing to be married in the Church to receive the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation prior to marriage. HOWEVER, non-Catholics engaged to marry Catholics are NOT required to be become Catholic in order to be married to a Catholic within the Church.

Can you get married by church and not civil?

It would not be considered a legal marriage.

How can a non US citizen get married?

First, you and your immigrant spouse will need to get married and register your marriage with the state or county officials where your wedding took place. Then you will file Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative to start the process of obtaining your noncitizen spouse a green card.

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen?

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen? Often yes (unless prior marriage fraud) after an immigrant petition approved and waiver(s) granted.

Can you get married in the U.S. without a license?

All states require a marriage license just like with a traditional wedding ceremony unless you are having a commitment ceremony. People who get married without a license in such states will not have their union recognized in any other municipality. In some states, common-law marriage is still prevalent.