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Multilingual Demographic Dictionary, second unified edition, English volume

Marriage certificate

Multilingual Demographic Dictionary, second unified edition, English vol.
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Marriage certificate  (MARRIAGE certificate)


In some countries the publication of banns 1 or intent to marry 1 is a necessary preliminary to a marriage (501-4), giving public notice to persons interested, who may then oppose the marriage if they have reason to do so. In many countries a marriage license 2 must be obtained before the marriage ceremony can take place. A marriage certificate 3 is usually delivered to the newly married couple 4 after the ceremony. The consummation of marriage 5 has occurred, or a marriage has been consummated 5 when sexual relations have taken place between the spouses.

  • 1. Before the celebration of the marriage the future spouses are said to be engaged or betrothed, words which come from the custom of engagement or betrothal which consists of a more or less formal exchange of promise to marry.

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