What does it take to get married in the United States?
If you're Salvadoran and planning to get married in the USA, you'll need a valid consular registration card or an updated passport. The 2025 Appointment Portal allows you to schedule your appointment online from your phone in minutes. Here, we explain the exact documents and how to avoid delays in your process.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to get married in the United States? Getting married is a special moment in many people's lives, but the process can vary depending on the state you're in. In this article, we'll explore the common requirements for getting married in the United States and how much it might cost.
What is needed to get married civilly in the United States?
Getting married is one of the most important decisions we face in life. It means uniting in commitment and love with someone who will be your partner forever, and therefore, you should know what you need to do it. The requirements for a civil wedding can vary by state, but these are generally what's asked for:
- Be of age
- Government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Social Security number.
- Birth certificates.
- Death decree if you were previously married and are a widow or widower.
- Divorce decree if you were previously married and are divorced.
- Marriage license.
How much does it cost to get married in the United States?
The cost of obtaining a marriage license varies significantly depending on the state where the couple plans to marry, ranging from $50 to $120 . Additionally, the price of the ceremony and wedding reception can be considerable, averaging around $25,000.
What does a Salvadoran need to get married in the United States?
In addition to the requirements mentioned above , as a Salvadoran you will need to present one of the following documents to prove your legal status in the United States:
- Valid consular registration.
- Certified copy of birth certificate (notarized and certified translation into English is required for foreign certificates).
- Foreign passport.
- Original US Naturalization Certificate
- US legal resident card
What are the benefits of marrying an American citizen?
It is important to keep in mind that each case is unique and the benefits may vary depending on individual circumstances; however, these may be the general benefits :
- Spouses of US citizens may be eligible to obtain a permanent resident card, also known as a "Green Card."
- After obtaining permanent residency, spouses can access federal benefits such as social security and health insurance.
- Once permanent residency is obtained, spouses have the right to work legally in the United States.
- After a period of time, spouses may qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the requirements set by immigration laws.