Can you have 2 marriage licenses in 2 different states?

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Can you have 2 marriage licenses in 2 different states?

I plan on having a civil ceremony in one state because we are both going on military tours here. I then plan on having a ceremony in my home state; this would be our real wedding. Can I get a new license and certificate for the second wedding and it still have it be legal?

Asked on May 26, 2012 under Family Law, Washington

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

You cannot legally be married to the same person twice (at least not without divorcing them first and re-marrying them). There can only be one official license. You can either have a legal ceremony in the state in which you both now live or in your home state of residence. What many people do in such a situation, is to have the legal ceremony first, followed by a religious or like ceremony, which would not require a marriage license. (i.e. it would be an "unoffcial" ceremony).


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