A marriage license is a legal document that allows two individuals to get married. It is typically issued by a government authority, such as a county clerk's office, and requires both parties to provide identification and sometimes proof of eligibility, like age and marital status. The license must be obtained before the wedding ceremony can take place. Once issued, the marriage license is usually valid for a specific period, often ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on local laws. After the marriage ceremony, the license must be signed by the officiant and returned to the issuing office to be recorded, making the marriage official.