Same sex marriage in the US for foreigners on vacation
While visiting our friends in the US on vacations we would like to get married there, but neither of us are citizens of the US.
Which states allowing same sex marriage in the US for two foreigners on vacation? I found lots of states which allows same-sex marriage for the US citizens, including: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., New York, Washington, Maine, Maryland, California, Delaware, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Illinois. But it is unclear is it possible to do get married in case we are both non-citizens (citizens for some other country, not the US)?
How long should it take (in each state) to do that (if there any waiting period between applying for marriage license)?
- Illinois has mandatory one-day waiting period.
- Massachusetts has a three-day waiting period before issuing marriage licenses.
- Iowa has three-day waiting period.
- Washington state requires a three-day waiting period (excluding the day of issue) before a marriage certificate may be signed.
- Pennsylvania could request and receive marriage licenses immediately and marry after a mandatory 3-day waiting period.
How much it'll cost (in each state) and which countries will recognize it abroad?
How to contact a government of a state to find out all the details and to receive "official statement" on the subject?
The same question regarding the UK is here.
Best Answer
In California, the two of you can show up in person at a county clerk office, apply for and receive a marriage license, and in many counties, be married by the clerk right there and then. You can also be married by an officiant such as a minister if you prefer.
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are three popular cities in which to get married, especially for same-sex couples. All three are in counties of the same name as the city.
A legal same-sex marriage performed in any U.S. state will be recognized by any U.S. state or foreign country that recognizes same-sex marriages.
See California Marriage License Information.
The "General Information" section states:
Both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license in California. Valid picture identification is one that contains a photograph, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date, such as a state issued identification card, drivers license, passport, military identification, etc. Some counties may also require a copy of your birth certificate.
If you have been married before, you will need to know the specific date your last marriage ended, and how it ended (Death, Dissolution, Divorce or Nullity). Some counties may require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity.
Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within 90 days, the license will no longer be valid. You must purchase a new license.
Many County Clerks in California perform civil marriage ceremonies in their offices. For further information regarding civil marriage ceremonies, please contact the County Clerk’s Office directly to see if they provide this service.
For more detailed information on California, see the information for the specific county. For example, in San Diego county, the fee is $70 and the county clerk will perform the marriage if you like.
Hawaii is also a popular state for marriages and also has no waiting period. For information, see the Hawaii marriage information page.
Delaware is an easy state to visit, being on the east coast roughly halfway between New York and Washington, D.C., and a popular state to visit because it has no sales tax, meaning purchases are effectively 5-10% less expensive. Depending on the currency exchange rate in effect, the savings by buying expensive goods (computers, watches, fashion) in Delaware might pay for a significant part of the trip. In Delaware, two non-residents can obtain a marriage license for $110, and be married by a county clerk 24 hours later for an additional $100. See the New Castle Country marriage license and ceremonies pages.
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Can you get married in the US as a tourist?
Can I Marry A US Citizen on A Tourist Visa? The short answer is: yes, you can get married in the US while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or on a visa waiver program. There is nothing in the regulations that say individuals who are in the US as visitors cannot get married.Can someone get married in the US on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can get married in the U.S. while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or a visa waiver program. However, coming to the U.S. as a visitor with the sole purpose of getting married and then filing for adjustment of status is considered fraud.Is a marriage between two foreigners in their home country valid in the US?
Generally, any marriage entered into between two U.S. citizens in another country is recognized as valid in the U.S. as long as the union was legal when and where performed. This means that as long as any issues that would invalidate the marriage at home (underage, incapacity, bigamy, blood relatives, etc.)What happens if a tourist marries a U.S. citizen?
As long as you married your U.S.-citizen spouse \u201cin good faith\u201d \u2014 that is, you did not marry for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card, which you'll need to prove to the U.S. government \u2014 you should be able to receive your green card within 5 to 16 months from the time USCIS receives your application package.Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage Legal Nationwide
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