When it comes to buying a house before marriage, legal implications like ownership need to be addressed. There's a difference between the mortgage, which is the loan for the house, and the deed, which is the official legal document that says who owns the home. It's okay by law if one member of the couple is listed on the mortgage but not on the deed, or vice versa. That said, there are a few options to consider when it comes to ownership. However, not all options are available or work the same in every state.