A marriage certificate is an official document that legally recognizes the union between two individuals. It is typically issued by a government authority after a marriage ceremony has taken place. This certificate includes important details such as the names of the couple, the date of the marriage, and the location where the marriage occurred. Marriage certificates serve various purposes, including legal identification of the marriage for matters like changing names, applying for spousal benefits, or filing taxes. They are often required for legal processes such as divorce or inheritance claims, making them an essential document for married couples.