WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING MARRIED?
The legal requirements for a man and a woman to marry vary from state to state in the US. Although there are differences between the requirements in the various states, a marriage between a man and a woman performed in one state must be recognized by every other state under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. Some requirements set by state law can include: * a marriage license issued by the county clerk or clerk of the court (along with payment of a fee) * both man and woman are 18 or older, or have the consent of a parent or a judge if younger (discussed below) * proof of immunity or vaccination for certain diseases * proof of the termination of any prior marriages by death, judgment of dissolution (divorce) or annulment. * sufficient mental capacity (often this is determined as the ability to enter into a contract) * the couple are not close blood relatives * blood test for venereal disease * satisfaction of a waiting period from the time the marriage
