Marriage License

A marriage licence (spelled license in American English) is a document issued, either by a church or state authority, authorizing a couple to marry. The procedure for obtaining a licence varies between countries and has changed over time. Marriage licences began to be issued in the Middle Ages, to permit a marriage which would otherwise be

illegal (for instance, if the necessary period of notice for the marriage had not been given). Today, they are a legal requirement in some jurisdictions and may also serve as the record of the marriage itself, if signed by the couple and witnessed. In other jurisdictions, a licence is not required. In some jurisdictions, a "pardon" can be obtained, for marrying without a licence and in some jurisdictions, common-law marriages and marriage by cohabitation and representation are also recognised. These do not require a marriage licence. Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be