Plan all you want, but if you forget this one important detail, it is all for nothing. The marriage license is the official document that makes your union legal. You can obtain one through a simple process that can be done quickly at the county clerk's office, city hall, or even a specialized service that comes to you.

How do we get a marriage license? To get your marriage license, in most cases you and your fiancé will need to apply together, in person. You will both need to be of legal age or have the written consent of your guardians. Additional requirements vary by state, but generally you will need a valid identification (such as a driver's license or military identification), proof of divorce or dissolution if either of you has been married before, and money to pay the license fee.

Is there a waiting period? In some states there is a waiting period from the time you apply for your license until the time you can get married. Be sure to check on these requirements early on in the planning, especially if you live in a different state from the one in which you will be married. Additionally, a marriage license is only valid for a set amount of time, so don't get the license too early.