when do you actually sign the marriage license?

I think in most places (if not everywhere) the bride and groom themselves don't actually sign it, the MOH and BM do.

We completely forgot about this and had to round all of the necessary people up in the middle of our reception to do it lol

We are including this in the ceremony.

My husband and I signed it when we got our marriage license, the clerk made us swear the information was correct and then sign it. We had already decided that my dad and myFIL were going to be the ones to sign it so after the ceremony the officiant met us and quickly went over what would happen after it was signed. My dad was easy to locate, however, my FIL was no where to be found and we spent a good 15 minutes trying to find him. Whoever you decide to sign your license as your witness/witnesses make sure they know to stick around.

Edit: I live in California

I was the MOH for my sister's wedding and she just found us after dinner to sign it. The officiant was still there cuz he had dinner with everyone. It took just a minute and was pretty anti climactic. I'd just make sure you do it before your officiant leaves.

In my state we apply online within 30days of the wedding day and then appear in front of an agent together in those days before the wedding day. The agent gives you the paper you need to give the officiant and you sign it right after the ceremony, or during.

In Massachusetts, you don't sign the actual marriage license, only the officiant does. I'm not sure about other states.

Right, we will already have signed it, and the officiant isn't a big deal, it's that my family and BP will all be coming with me for pics. I sort of want to be there when it is signed though. I'm afraid of other people being responsible for it and then all of the sudden at the end of the night nobody knows where it is. My SIL just said she got hers done at the rehearsal, is that normal?

Your officiant should be able to advise you on the options. Signing the license varies by state. (We cover 3 states and in CO the couple must sign at the wedding, CA the couple signs only when they apply but witness must sign on day of wedding. In OR, couple signs when they apply and witness names need only be printed on the license.)

Some of our couples prefer to sign just before the ceremony. (The officiant always signs AFTER the ceremony, so the legal "I do's" are all in place!) You can also incorporate the signing into the ceremony. If you do it after, then I suggest you do it RIGHT after--as in go to a place (the couple, the witnesses, the officiant and your photographer) where you'll have 2 minutes without being mobbed by guests. Then you can sign, get some photos, etc. before joining the party.

If you wait, then you can expect your officiant will be stalking you with pen in hand until you do sign it and that's no fun!

In PA, you don't, you sign the application at the courthouse when you go to apply. The officiant is the only one who signs the actual license.

In NJ, the couple signs the license application when they pick it up; they do not sign on the day. I do it as close to the ceremony as possible; it takes five minutes.

In NJ, the couple signs the license application when they pick it up; they do not sign on the day. I do it as close to the ceremony as possible; it takes five minutes.

In VA, you sign it when you get it. You don't have to do anything the day of, the officiant takes care of everything. You don't need witnesses to sign, either.

It will vary depending on where you live. I'm getting married in CT where you no longer need a witness. FH, the justice if the peace and I sign it at the wedding and she brings it to the town hall herself.

In Canada (at least Ontario) it's part of the ceremony and you need two witnesses.

Also, no one but the officiant will handle the license - except for whoever brings it the venue to give her. Even if you need witnesses, they will go sign it, but it will remain with the officiant who will complete and return it to the county/city.

It can't be done at the rehearsal because you aren't married yet. The signed license represents a completed marriage so it has to be done after the ceremony. You may be able to turn the license over to the officiant at the rehearsal but it can't be completed until after you are legally wed.

For us, when my bridal party was done with pics, I sent my sister off to pay the officiant while we completed ours. If you do need witnesses at all, they could either sign right before you leave the ceremony or before reception intros. It would really only take a few seconds. You could also ask your officiant how they usually handle things!

We will be signing it during the ceremony. After the vows and exchange of rings, we will go over to a little signing table with the officiant, MOH, and best man. String quarter will be playing to entertain guests. It will take two minutes and then back to the alter to finish the ceremony.

We signed ours right after the rehearsal on Friday. with our MOH and BM

@ stephanie my priest is traveling to NH to marry us, but he lives in rochester, ny. he won't be in the state at any point when the town clerk is open. am i not allowed to bring it myself?

@Shannon - I don't know the state laws for NH, but in VA they just mail it in, they don't have to appear in person at all. I think this is pretty standard. I did put the stamp on the envelope for our officiant (the county clerk gave us the envelope with the license, already addressed)

Since your officiant may not be familiar with NH laws, I'd call the clerk where your license is issued and double check. When you get your license (I'm guessing you haven't since you're still several months out) they will probably give you instructions as well!