AND IF YOU PREFER TO READ, HERE'S THE SUMMARY OF THE PODCAST EPISODE!

Now, when we talk about wedding paperwork, I know it doesn’t sound nearly as exciting as cake tastings or venue tours — but trust me, this part is so important. Getting married isn’t just about the celebration. There are real legal steps that have to happen behind the scenes to make it official.

And if there’s one piece of paperwork that truly sets the foundation for everything else — it’s your marriage license.

Let’s start there. Because no matter how dreamy your ceremony is, it’s this document that makes your union legally recognized — and the timing, location, and requirements can vary a lot more than most couples realize.

 

Marriage Licenses

This little piece of paper might not be glamorous, but it is essential. And believe it or not, this is one of the top things that couples procrastinate on or get tripped up by because, well… it’s not always super straightforward. Every state — and even some counties — have different rules.

So if you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding, this one should be on your radar now, not later.

Let’s break it down.

What is a Marriage License?

Think of your marriage license as the legal permission slip to get married. You and your partner apply for it from your county or city clerk, and once you’re legally married and your officiant signs it, it gets filed with the state, turning it into your marriage certificate — that’s the official proof you’re married.

So yes — the license comes first. The certificate comes later.

When Should You Apply?

Every location is different, but most marriage licenses are only valid for a specific time window. For example, in New York, you must wait 24 hours after getting the license to get married, and it’s valid for 60 days. In California, there’s no waiting period — but the license expires in 90 days.

That means you want to apply close enough to your wedding that it’s still valid on the day, but not so close that you’re scrambling the week of. The sweet spot is usually 2 to 4 weeks before your wedding.

Look up your county clerk’s office now — and make sure you know:

• What ID is required
  
  
• If you need an appointment
  
  
• How much it costs
  
  
• What the waiting period and expiration are

What Documents Will You Need?

Most clerks will ask for:

• Valid government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
  
  
• Your Social Security number
  
  
• If you’ve been married before, bring a divorce decree or death certificate
  
  

Keep in mind, too, Some counties require both people to be present, while others allow one person to apply if they bring the right paperwork. Again — check your local rules.

Quick Note for Destination Weddings

If you’re getting married in another state — or even another country — you need to follow their local laws. Some international destinations require residency, special affidavits, or longer waiting periods. That’s where hiring a planner (especially for a destination wedding!) can be a lifesaver.

Or, if your wedding is just symbolic and you’re legally marrying at home — plan that courthouse date early so the paperwork doesn’t fall through the cracks.

So now that we’ve covered the marriage license — the one non-negotiable piece of your wedding paperwork — let’s talk about something that may or may not apply to every couple, but is still really important to mention: Prenups.

 

Prenups

Now, before you roll your eyes or start feeling like this topic is “only for celebrities or billionaires,” just hang with me for a second. Because the truth is, prenups are not about planning for divorce — they’re about protecting your partnership. And in some cases, your family, your business, your finances, and your peace of mind.

A prenup is a legal agreement that outlines what happens to your assets and finances in case your marriage ends. But more than that, it’s a tool for transparency. You’re literally sitting down and saying, “Here’s how we handle money, here’s what matters to each of us, and here’s how we want to protect what we’re building — together.”

I actually did a full episode all about this with Julia Rodgers, the founder of Hello Prenup — she’s a total expert and breaks it all down in a way that’s empowering, not scary. So if you’re even slightly curious, go listen to Episode 178: “Should I Get a Prenup? Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed To Ask.” Julia covers what prenups really include, what they don't, and how to bring it up with your partner if you're feeling unsure.

Because here’s the thing: even if you decide not to get one, having the conversation is so helpful. It gets you both on the same page before the wedding and opens up space to talk honestly about money, debt, inheritances, and expectations — which is something every couple can benefit from.

So if you're:

• A business owner
  
  
• Getting help from your parents for a home or your wedding
  
  
• Entering the marriage with significant savings or assets
  
  
• Or just want clarity and communication around finances…
  
  

It might be worth exploring a prenup. And if nothing else, Episode 178 will give you the tools and language to talk about it without it turning into an awkward or uncomfortable moment.

So, bottom line? A prenup isn’t unromantic. It’s responsible — and it can actually strengthen your relationship because it opens the door to real, meaningful conversations.

 

Name Change Paperwork

Alright, next up — let’s talk about name change paperwork. Now, this is one of those tasks that seems simple… until you actually sit down to do it and realize it’s a whole process with a million little steps.

First of all, not everyone changes their name — and that’s totally fine. There’s no one right answer here. Whether you’re taking your partner’s name, hyphenating, creating a new last name together, or keeping your current name, it’s a personal choice. What matters is that you do what feels right for you.

But, if you are planning to change your name, here’s what you need to know.

Where to Start

The first thing you need before changing anything is your certified marriage certificate — not the license you signed on your wedding day, but the certificate that gets mailed to you after it's been filed with your local clerk’s office. You usually have to request this (sometimes for a small fee), and I always recommend ordering 2–3 copies so you’re not constantly waiting on the original while updating things.

Once you have that, the process goes a little something like this:

Step 1: Social Security Card

You’ll start by updating your name with the Social Security Administration. You’ll need to fill out a form, provide proof of your identity (usually your current ID), and submit your marriage certificate. This can be done by mail or in person at your local SSA office.

And yes — your name has to match here first before you can update your license, passport, or bank accounts.

Step 2: Driver’s License or State ID

Once your social security card is updated, head to the DMV to update your driver’s license. Be prepared for long lines (sorry), and bring your current ID, your updated Social Security info, and your marriage certificate.

Every state is different, so check your local DMV website to confirm what they require. Some even require you to update your voter registration or vehicle title at the same time — fun!

Step 3: Passport

If you have international travel coming up, make sure to plan ahead. Your passport name needs to match your flight reservation, so if you’ve already booked travel in your maiden name, don’t change your passport just yet.

But if you’re ready to update it, you’ll fill out the passport renewal or correction forms (depending on how long it’s been since it was issued), submit your marriage certificate, a new photo, and pay the fee.

Bonus tip: it can take 6–8 weeks to get your new passport, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Step 4: Banking & Finances

Once your official IDs are updated, you can move on to your bank accounts, credit cards, mortgage or lease, and insurance policies. This is usually easier — some banks let you upload your new ID and marriage certificate online, while others may require an in-person visit.

You’ll also want to notify your employer, update your name with HR, and check on your beneficiaries for retirement accounts or life insurance.

Step 5: Everything Else

This is where the list gets long. Think about:

• Email address and signatures
  
  
• Utility companies
  
  
• Airline rewards programs
  
  
• Online shopping accounts
  
  
• Your alumni directory or school records
  
  
• Subscription services
  
  

I recommend keeping a running list on your phone or in a Google Doc so you can check things off little by little. It’s a lot — but it’s manageable if you break it down.

So, if the thought of name change paperwork is making you want to hide under a blanket — just know you’re not alone. It’s a project, yes. But you can absolutely do it!

 

Ring & Wedding Insurance: Protecting What Matters Most

Okay, let’s talk about something that’s not technically paperwork, but still 100% belongs on your wedding planning checklist: insurance — both for your rings and your wedding itself.

Now I know… insurance might not feel like the most romantic thing to think about during wedding planning. But here's the deal — when you're making major investments like a custom engagement ring or planning an event that costs tens (or hundreds!) of thousands of dollars, not protecting those investments can be way riskier than you realize.

Let’s start with your jewelry.

Jewelry Insurance

Whether you’re rocking a family heirloom, a custom design, or a sparkling surprise that makes your heart skip a beat, your engagement ring (and eventually your wedding bands) should be insured separately from your homeowner’s or renter’s policy.

Why? Because most traditional insurance plans don’t cover things like mysterious disappearance — which is the official term for “I had it… and now I don’t.” It also doesn’t cover things like damage, theft, or even loss while traveling.

So if your ring slides off at the beach during your honeymoon, or a prong breaks and you lose a stone, you don’t want to be figuring out if you’re covered — you want to already have that peace of mind.

I’d recommend getting your ring insured as soon as possible after purchase — even if the proposal hasn’t happened yet! Accidents can happen when it's still in the box, unfortunately.

If you want a full deep dive on wedding insurance, I highly recommend checking out Episode 189 | The Ultimate Guide to Wedding and Jewelry Insurance with Dustin Lemick from BriteCo. We talk through exactly what’s covered, how much it costs (spoiler alert: way less than most people think), and what most couples forget to protect.

Wedding Insurance: Yes, It’s a Thing (and Yes, You Need It)

Now let’s talk about wedding insurance, which comes in two main types:

• Liability Insurance: This covers things like property damage or injuries at your event. If a guest slips on the dance floor or a bridesmaid accidentally breaks a venue sink (yes, it’s happened before!), you don’t want to be footing the bill.
  
  
• Cancellation or Postponement Insurance: This is your safety net if something happens before the wedding. Illness, extreme weather, a no-show vendor, or even your venue shutting down unexpectedly — these can all be covered.
  
  

It’s basically like saying: We hope we don’t need it, but we’re so glad it’s there if we do.

And again — it’s not expensive! Most policies start around $120–$200, basically the cost of a wedding bouquet, and you can often get coverage for multiple days (so yes, rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch can be included!).

A Few Quick Tips:

• Some venues require proof of insurance, especially for liability — so check your contract.
  
  
• You can usually purchase event insurance up to 24 hours before the wedding, but earlier is better.
  
  
• If you’re having alcohol at your wedding, ask about host liquor liability coverage — especially if it’s a private estate or backyard wedding.
  
  
• Some providers like BriteCo even include pet coverage for couples who want to include their dogs or cats in the wedding (which we love).
  
  

Bottom line? You’re putting a lot of energy, time, and money into this celebration. A little insurance can go a long way in helping you sleep better at night.

Also, thank you so much to BriteCo for sponsoring today’s episode. If you would like a FREE quote for insurance, make sure to check it out here!

 

Post-Wedding Paperwork You Didn’t Know You’d Need (Until You’re Already Married)

Okay, so you’ve walked down the aisle, danced the night away, and maybe even come back from your honeymoon. But before you kick back into everyday life, there’s one more category of wedding paperwork you don’t want to forget — and that’s updating your everyday accounts, subscriptions, and official records to reflect your newlywed status.

Think of this as your post-wedding “life admin refresh.” It’s not the most glamorous part of getting married, but it’s definitely one of the most practical. And the more you can take care of it now, the less likely you’ll be scrambling later when you’re trying to book a trip or apply for something and realize your info doesn’t match.

Let’s walk through the key areas you’ll want to update — and don’t worry, I’ll make it as painless as possible.

Start with Your Banks and Financial Accounts

If you’ve legally changed your name, you’ll want to update your bank accounts and credit cards first. Most financial institutions require you to show your new government-issued ID and a certified copy of your marriage certificate, so make sure those are ready to go.

Even if you didn’t change your name, this is still a great time to check in on all of your financial accounts and make sure your marital status is updated. And while you’re at it, consider updating your beneficiaries for things like:

• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
  
  
• Life insurance policies
  
  
• Health savings accounts
  
  

It’s one of those details that can slip through the cracks — but it matters more than you think in the long run.

Everyday Accounts and Subscriptions

Now for the fun stuff — and by fun, I mean the things that will absolutely trip you up later if you don’t tackle them now. I’m talking about the logins you use every day: your streaming platforms, travel rewards programs, even your online shopping accounts.

A few things you might want to update include:

• Utility companies (gas, electric, internet)
  
  
• Cell phone provider
  
  
• Amazon, PayPal, or Venmo
  
  
• Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and other subscriptions
  
  
• Airline rewards programs (hello, honeymoon points!)
  
  
• Any work-related logins or alumni directories
  
  

My best advice? Set aside a weekend afternoon, make it cozy — snacks, candles, your favorite playlist — and knock out as many of these as you can in one go. You can even make it a joint project with your partner. 

Don’t Forget About Work and Voter Info

Once you’ve got your snacks and your spreadsheet going, don’t forget there’s one more place your new info needs to show up — and that’s at work. It’s an easy one to overlook, but updating your records with your employer is just as important as updating your bank or your ID.

Make sure to notify your employer’s HR department after you’ve tied the knot. That way, your name change, benefits, taxes, and emergency contact info can be updated accordingly.

This is also a good time to check on your voter registration. In some states, changing your driver’s license will automatically update your voter file — but not everywhere. Do a quick search based on where you live to make sure you’re registered under your correct name and address, especially if you have an election coming up.

Keep It All in One Place

Once you’ve updated your info across all your accounts, keep a copy of everything together in one easy-to-access place. Whether it’s a physical folder, a wedding binder, or a Google Drive labeled “married life,” it’s going to come in so handy the next time you need to pull up a document for taxes, travel, or anything else official.

I recommend keeping copies of:

• Your certified marriage certificate
  
  
• Updated ID scans (like your new driver’s license and passport)
  
  
• Insurance documents (wedding, jewelry, health)
  
  
• Beneficiary updates or confirmation emails
  
  

It may not be exciting, but trust me — getting this paperwork handled now means way fewer headaches later.

 

CONCLUSION

Alright, loverves — that officially wraps up your ultimate checklist of wedding paperwork! From legal documents and prenups to ring insurance and post-wedding updates, you are now way more prepared than most couples ever realize they need to be. And thank you so much to today’s episode sponsor Brite Co. If you would like a FREE quote for insurance, make sure to head to Briteco.  

I know this episode was a little more logistics-heavy than some of our usual ones, but this stuff matters. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that sets you up for a smooth start to married life — and gives you the peace of mind that everything is covered and accounted for.

Whether you’re still in the middle of planning, just got married, or are catching this episode while tying up loose ends, I hope it helped you feel a little more empowered, a little more organized, and a lot less overwhelmed.