Elopement Guide For Divorcees
As you will know if you have been reading the WhereToElope.com blog for any length of time, elopement is something that is suitable for any couple. However, we have found that it is a particularly popular option for divorcees and largely due to the fact that they may have already had a big traditional wedding the first time around and do not feel the need to repeat the process. For others, they have just come to realize that having a big wedding is not the most important part of a marriage. It could even be that because one or both halves of the couple is divorced there are additional family politics involved and eloping is the easiest way to avoid having to deal with them on the day! Whatever the reason, we are pleased to help divorcees with their elopement plans and that is why we have put together a brief elopement guide for divorcees.
Planning an Elopement After Divorce
For the most part, planning an elopement after a divorce is no different than planning one when you have never been married before. All of the same requirements to obtain a marriage license are still in place. These requirements do vary from state to state, so it is important to research the state in which you intend to marry for the appropriate requirements. We do provide basic marriage license requirements at the bottom of each of our state listings, but you should also research this for yourself in case of recent changes. Generally speaking, couples wishing to marry must be over the age of 18 and be able to produce appropriate identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. In some states, you may be required to submit to a blood test to check for venereal diseases and genetic disorders. However, this is becoming increasingly less common and only a handful of states still have this requirement, namely Montana, District of Columbia, and New York – although New York only requires blood tests from African-American and Hispanic couples to test for sickle cell.
Where things become a little different for divorcees is that you will also be required to present evidence that the previous marriage is dissolved. This includes presenting evidence of the divorce, or the annulment if appropriate. Incidentally, this also applies to widows and widowers who must also prove the marriage is void by presenting a death certificate for the spouse.