The certificate becomes a sealed document once active and only the bride or groom can obtain access to the record. This was developed by the state in the 1970s when unmarried couples who had children decided to get married, but didn't want the wedding announcement to get into the newspapers. It also allowed couples to get married without blood tests. However, blood tests are no longer required, and living together before marriage has become more acceptable. The only difference between a regular license and a certificate is that there is room for only one address on the certificate and it remains a sealed document in the county in which the couple was married.
Certificates usually cost more.
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