18 days. That is how many days we have left before the wedding! I cannot believe how time flies and how quickly I know these next 18 days will go by. So, on Monday, Brandon and I headed downtown Lexington to get our marriage license!! Having a marriage license is required in order to officially be married on your wedding day. Getting it does not mean you are married, just that you are legally allowed to be married. The license becomes official after the ceremony when both the bride and groom sign it with your witnesses and the officiant. After that it is filed and then you get your marriage certificate in the mail a few weeks later!

So here are a few tips on what you need to know for getting a marriage license in Kentucky (you can search your city for local requirements):

Both bride and groom must go together to to the County Clerk's office to apply for the license
The license is valid anywhere in Kentucky
Both of you must have a valid ID with you (driver's license will do)
The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, so make sure you don't go too far in advance
There is a fee ($35.50 in Kentucky) and you have to pay with an in-state check or cash, so be prepared
They will give you the license - we are taking ours to our preacher to keep and remember to bring on the wedding day. He will take care of getting it signed and mailed back in.
You will get the official certificate in the mail a few weeks later. You need this in order to officially change your name!

Enjoy this day together and your last few weeks of being engaged! We went to stock up on honeymoon beach basics afterwards:)

Happy Planning!

-Ty