It's okay to choose between getting married first or getting a license first, depending on your own situation. Obtaining a license and organizing a wedding ceremony are essential procedures for getting married. Obtaining a license has legal benefits and is a "legal" form of marriage; Wedding ceremonies, on the other hand, focus more on social significance and are considered "ceremonial" marriages. As long as they agree with each other and their parents approve, it is possible to have a wedding or obtain a marriage certificate first.
What are the differences between getting married first and obtaining a license first
Getting married first and obtaining a license first mainly differ in terms of social significance, legal significance, and identity status.
1. Differences in social significance
Obtaining a marriage certificate may only be known by one's close family and friends, so even though the couple who obtained the certificate first are already legally married, not many people may know that you are married. Organizing a wedding is actually to announce to family and friends that 'we are getting married' and accept everyone's blessings. The couple who got married first is already a true couple in the eyes of the public.
2. Different legal meanings
Having a wedding is a ceremony, but in reality, as long as one obtains a certificate, they are legally considered a couple. If you want to borrow money together to buy a house, have children, etc., you must first obtain a marriage certificate and become a legal couple. Couples who have only held weddings without obtaining licenses are not allowed to engage in these behaviors.
3. Differences in identity status
After getting married, the marital status column in the household registration book should be written as "married". Being married also means that from now on, you need to fulfill your marital obligations to each other.
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