The concept of marriage to a young couple is stressful enough on its own, without the increased burden of worry about compliance with marriage licensing laws in the State of Mississippi. Luckily, the state government has had quite a while to make things easy, and Mississippi marriage laws are fairly concise and straightforward. Most couples desiring to marry in Mississippi will find the process pleasant and simple, that is, if they take the time to know what is required of them by the state.
Individuals hoping to marry in Mississippi need a picture identification like a driver’s license or Military identification card. It is also a good idea to take along a certified birth certificate or Social Security Card just in case. Applicants for a marriage license in Mississippi must know their parents addresses and their Mother’s maiden names. You do not need to be a resident of the State of Mississippi to be married in Mississippi.
Mississippi has a requirement that blood tests are necessary to prove that both applicants for a marriage license are free of Syphilis. This test can be obtained from any laboratory authorized by the state of Mississippi, and that is registered with the United States Federal Government. Mississippi has a 72 hour waiting period after the marriage license is issued before a wedding ceremony can be performed. This can be waived by a judge if both applicants are over the age of 21. Oddly enough, most Mississippi counties prefer the average license fee of be paid in cash.
If one of the applicants has been previously married, most Mississippi counties require they know the date the last marriage ended legally, and the applicant must sign an affidavit swearing to the truthfulness of the information. Covenant, proxy, cousin, or common law marriages are not legal in Mississippi, nor are same sex marriages. If an applicant for a marriage license in Mississippi is under 21 years of age, they need parental consent to marry. Males under 17 years of age or females under 15 years of age cannot be allowed a marriage license unless the parents petition a judge.
An officiant who can legally perform a marriage ceremony in Mississippi can be a judge, clergy, mayors or several other types of public officials. A marriage license is valid indefinitely in the State of Mississippi.
The ease of getting married in Mississippi makes it a great destination for those wishing to marry and honeymoon in the state. If this is your intent, it is a good idea to call the county clerk ahead of time, as marriage laws can change without notice.
Written by twconroy
