Signing the Marriage License

We will have someone singing while we sign ours. But I don't think it really matters when you sign it. If anything it depends on the officiant.

Didn't even think of this. Definitely something to talk to our lady about.

I get what you mean about it deflating the moment! I haven't really thought about this yet. I may just sign it after to keep the ceremony short and sweet. I kind of view it as one of those "traditional moments" like a garter toss that people may not care about as much any more. As someone already said, definitely sign it at some point that day to make it legal. But maybe we don't need 150 people watching us do it...

Our officiant had all the info already filled out, all we did was sign. Very quick and we got some lovely pictures!

Depends on the Officiant, they may have the wedding party information ahead of time. We had to sign the marriage license during the ceremony. It honestly doesn't take long at all.

I hadn't thought about this either. I think we might just have it all filled out prior to the ceremony and will just have people sign quickly to make it faster. Or just sign it afterwards.

I think it took us all of 5 minutes to sign everything but I understand your dilemma. I think you need to discuss it with your officiant because they more than likely have experience with this type of thing. It does not have to be in the ceremony but it does need to happen to make the marriage legal.

With my wedding the officicant already has my MOH and the best man info so she will fill that part out so all we have to do is just sign it will make it quicker.

I hadn’t even thought of this yet! But you’re totally right. When guests have to sit there after being all excited and clapping for you, and making your grand exit up the aisle it is totally deflating for them them to have to sit down and watch you sign a paper. I’m thinking we’ll just sign ours afterwards and people can watch if they so choose. Or maybe we’ll take it with us when we do our photos with our photographer on the property grounds.

I stood in a wedding where it started raining halfway thru so they got to their kiss and we all went inside for cocktail hour. We did the signing while guests were mingling. Some people stopped to watch, but most weren't bothered by missing it. That said, you could also ask your officiant to have the witnesses fill out their portion (in ON witnesses list their address which probably takes the longest) and that way all there is to do is for everyone to sign - may cut down on the amount of time it takes if you wanted to keep it in the ceremony. Maybe try asking your officiant what their thoughts are, they might also have some recommendations.

We are probably going to sign the marriage licence either before or after the ceremony so we dont have to do it during.

I dont think its a big deal and its def not the party of the ceremony that people care about. Most people prob wont notice if it is missing!