The date a marriage license is formally granted and released by the issuing authority, typically a county clerk or similar governmental office, constitutes its issuance date. This date is printed directly on the document and marks the commencement of the period during which the marriage ceremony can legally take place. For example, if a couple receives their license on June 15th, 2024, June 15th, 2024 will be recorded as the issuance date.
Its significance lies in defining the validity window for the marriage. Licenses often have an expiration date, meaning the marriage must be solemnized within a certain timeframe following the issuance date. Knowing this timeframe is essential to ensure the marriage is legally recognized. Historically, such dates were crucial for record-keeping and establishing legal marital bonds within a community, a function that remains vital today for matters related to legal status, inheritance, and social security.
