Types of Marriages in the USA
In the United States, only civil marriages performed by authorised officials and registered with the state government are legally recognised. Religious ceremonies may also be conducted, but have no legal standing unless accompanied by a civil marriage license. Ukrainian citizens marrying in the U.S. must obtain a civil marriage license from the local county or city clerk’s office to ensure their marriage is legally valid.
Overview of Marriage Requirements in the USA for Ukrainian Nationals
Ukrainian nationals wishing to marry in the U.S. must meet state-specific requirements, which generally include
- Minimum Age: Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
- Parental Consent: Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental or guardian consent in many states.
- Judicial Approval: Some states allow individuals younger than 16 to marry with both parental consent and a court’s approval, though this is less common and subject to strict rules.
- No Marriage Under 16: A few states prohibit marriage under 16 altogether.
- Obtaining a marriage license from the local county or city clerk’s office
- Providing valid identification (such as a passport and visa)
- Submitting proof of legal capacity to marry (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate if previously married).
- Most states do not require a waiting period, but some may have one. Both parties must typically be present to apply, and the marriage must be solemnised by an authorised officiant to be legally valid.
Documents Required for Marriage in the USA from Ukrainian Nationals
- Valid Passport: Proof of identity and nationality.
- Visa or Immigration Status Proof: Valid U.S. visa, ESTA, or other legal entry documentation.
- Marriage License Application: Completed application form from the local county or city clerk’s office.
- Proof of Marital Status:
- If previously married, a certified divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is required.
- If never married, a sworn affidavit of single status may be requested in some states.
- Birth Certificate: Some states require a birth certificate to verify age and identity.
- Parental Consent: If under the state’s legal marriage age, notarised parental or guardian consent forms may be needed.
- Witnesses: Some states require one or two witnesses present at the ceremony, though this is usually arranged by the officiant.
- Social Security Number (if applicable): Some states ask for the Social Security number if the individual has one; if not, the application may still proceed.
Step-by-Step Marriage Process For Ukrainian Citizens in the United States
- Check Eligibility: Verify you meet all age, residency, and legal requirements set by the state where you plan to marry.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect necessary documents such as passports, visas, birth certificates, proof of marital status, and ensure they are translated and certified if needed.
- Submit Documents for Approval: Apply for a marriage license at the local county or city clerk’s office, submitting all required paperwork and paying the application fee.
- Get Documents Translated: Use trusted services like Translayte for certified translations of Ukrainian documents to meet local legal standards.
- Schedule the Wedding Ceremony: Book the date and time for your civil marriage ceremony with the authorised officiant or clerk.
- Attend the Marriage Ceremony: Participate in the ceremony with your partner, officiant, and required witnesses present to solemnise the marriage legally.
- Register the Marriage: After the ceremony, ensure your marriage is registered with the local authority to receive the official marriage certificate.
- Post-Marriage Document Process: Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate and have them authenticated (apostilled) for use in Ukraine or other legal matters.
Certified Document Translation for Marriage in USA
Legal documents must be translated into English for official use. Translayte provides translation services to ensure compliance with US regulations, offering fast and accurate translations.
Tips for a Successful Marriage Process in USA for Ukrainian Nationals
- Begin compiling documents well in advance of your marriage date.
- Consult local Ukrainian authorities for any unique requirements.
- Ensure translation of documents into Ukrainian with certified services like Translayte.
The Cost of Getting Married in Ukraine
The cost of a civil marriage ceremony in the U.S. varies by state and county but typically starts around $50 to $150 USD for the marriage license fee. Additional expenses include:
- Document Translation and Certification: Usually between $50 to $150 USD per document, depending on length and complexity.
- Legal Consultation Fees: Optional, but can add extra costs if you seek assistance with paperwork or legal advice.
- Other Fees: Some states may charge for ceremony officiants, witnesses, or expedited processing.
