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. Having a marriage certificate is essential for various legal purposes, such as changing one's last name, applying for joint bank accounts, or claiming spousal benefits. It serves as proof of the marriage and may be required for legal proceedings or when applying for certain licenses.