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common law married but want to make it legal

dlivingston
New User

Post #1 of 4 (513 views)

common law married but want to make it legal

I have been common law married for 8 years, but it is not legal as far as a marriage license or having been married in a church. Can we have a 2nd wedding?

(This post was edited by the_admin on Apr 22, 2009, 8:09 AM)

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT / Moderator

Post #2 of 4 (509 views)

Re: [dlivingston] common law married but want to make it legal [In reply to]

Dear Dlivingston,

I'm confused. You want a second wedding, but haven't married legally? If you haven't married each other, but only lived with each other, then you can be legally married. That would be a first wedding, not a second. But, if you are legally married, then you couldn't get married again to the same person without a divorce some where in between.

Please note that your guests may not be receptive to giving expensive gifts to those who have been living as husband and wife for years even though you weren't married. You might want to opt for a less lavish affair.

Best wishes,
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com

dlivingston
New User

Post #3 of 4 (506 views)

Re: [Etiquette Now] common law married but want to make it legal [In reply to]

We aren't asking for gifts etc. Just want to have a simple ceremony by a pastor or minister. We are considered common law married in the state of SC, but have not been legally married by a JOP or minister.

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #4 of 4 (502 views)

Re: [dlivingston] common law married but want to make it legal [In reply to]

My advice would be for a blessing of the marriage ceremony or, if you're Catholic, a Convalidation ceremony. We have two articles on both of those ceremonies right here on this website. Please use the left navigation to locate them.
I Do - Take Two Moderator