Getting married without a license?

Question

I'm a North Carolinian resident and plan on getting married, but because of financial problems, my fiancee and I can't afford to be defined by law as being married, and because we'll lose our reception site deposit if we change the date. We were hoping to go through the ceremony and reception like we normally would have and then go to a court to get the license a year later. Typically, people do it the other way by eloping and then celebrating and such, in which case they're already married by law -- I've been searching online a lot to try to find something for what we want to do, and I didn't think a "common law" marriage was what I wanted. Is there anything that works for what I want and is there a name for it??? Please help me!!!

Answer 1

No, common law marriage isn't what you're talking about... that is when you live together for a specific amount of time - 7 years, usually - and then you're considered in a common law marriage.

A marriage license in North Carolina is only $50! Why not tell 5 friends to just give you $10 cash as a shower gift! Shoot, my friends would probably crack up laughing if I told them I was in that dilemma... and I'm SURE they'd dole out the cash for me!

Or you could borrow the cash from somebody, and then at your reception, do a traditional "money dance," where people pin dollar bills to your wedding gown in exchange for a dance!

I doubt a real minister would "go through the motions" of a wedding ceremony that is not for real, so your other option is to find someone who could pass for a minister and do it... but do you really want to start off your life together in a lie?

Answer 2

I don't know what part of NC your in, but IMO I would go to TN pigeon forge is nice to elope.  You can get a license there pretty cheap (my sis went there a couple years ago got her license and married same day).  What is the point of going through it all for nothing, because by law you'll be nothing and a common law is living together for 10 yrs before it counts in some states.  If you can't afford to do it legally how can you afford to even play married?  what type of ceremony are you having?  I don't even think a priest will preform a ceremony without a license.  Why not just go up to Tn get married then come back and have a ceremony and reception and actually be married.  

To answer your question you can't be married without a license at least not legally.

Answer 3

Nothing legal no.

Answer 4

I guess it can be called a wedding, it just won't be recognized legally.

Edit: People, he is not talking about a marriage license being too expensive. He is saying that they cannot be legally recognized as man and wife for financial reasons (this is usually something to do with taxes, but not always).

Answer 5

Whatever your financial reasons for not being able to be "legally" married, a wedding is a wedding whether it's legal in the eyes of the state or not. You don't need a marriage license to have a wedding. I have a friend who had a "spiritual" wedding, then an actual wedding & reception at a later date and THEN she went and got legally married at the courthouse on another day. A bit unconventional but everyone has their reasons for doing things in their own way and there isn't anything wrong with that. Just make sure whoever officiates is aware of the situation and is ok with it. So you'll have 2 anniversaries, so what, 2 days to exchange gifts with your husband, it could be worse. Good luck!

Answer 6

You'll be nothing, not legally. There is no such thing as common law marriage in California. You'll be 2 people who had a big party and are living together.

Answer 7

How is it that you cannot afford a marriage license but have money for a reception site????  That sounds fishy to me.  I guess if you are desperate you beg, plead, and borrow to get a license.  Maybe you need a second job???  Or  a first job...  Or maybe you need to get your priorities straight!!!!  I'm sure you can change the date for your site...wait til you have money for the license!

Answer 8

I think you should let something else go thats not as important as your marriage license. Mine was only 95 dollars in tennessee. and its 35 dollars if you get marriage counseling.

Answer 9

in TN a marriage license costs $35. you can get your minister to sign it for free (if you belong to his church).  

Answer 10

If you dont have the license, then you not getting married your just putting on a really expensive "show" for everybody because it wont count. You have to have the license before hand to give to the pastor to sign after the ceremony is over to file to the court house to legally be married. Since your missing the main step, you will not be legally married until you obtain the license, but then after you get it you have to have a cereomony for the actual marriage. There are steps that need to be done in order to be legally married.  

Answer 11

I guess you could have some sort of promise ceremony but an Officiant will not marry you without a license.

Answer 12

maybe you guys can stand under the moon and stars and recite some home made vows....

or you can fork out a few bucks for a REAL marriage license and get married by the justice of the peace for a small donation.