It has been customary to give notice of an impending marriage to the general public. This informed the community of the intended marriage and gave everyone the opportunity to object if any knew of a reason why the two persons could not be married. Today the names of applicants for marriage licenses are published in local newspapers. Once a license is issued, the states require that the marriage commence with a wedding ceremony. The ceremony may either be civil or religious because states cannot require religious observances.
Ceremonial requirements are very simple and basic to accommodate everyone.
In some states nothing more is required than a declaration by each party in the presence of an authorized person and one additional witness that he or she takes the other in marriage. Articles from West's Encyclopedia of American Law are published on West Legal Directory with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice. If legal advice or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.