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 other necessary information. The license must be obtained before the wedding ceremony can take place. Once the marriage license is issued, it usually has a validity period during which the couple must marry. After the ceremony, the officiant will sign the license, and it must be returned to the issuing office to be recorded. This process makes the marriage official and legally recognized.