Definition

Noun: A legal document issued by a government authority that grants permission for two people to marry. It is a prerequisite for a legally recognized marriage ceremony.

Usage

A "wedding licence" is the official permit required before a marriage ceremony can be legally performed. It is obtained by the couple from a local government office, often after meeting specific requirements such as providing identification, proof of age, and possibly undergoing a waiting period.

Examples

• The couple applied for their wedding licence at the county clerk's office.
• You cannot have a legal ceremony without a valid wedding licence.
• The officiant asked to see the wedding licence before beginning the service.

Advanced Usage

• "To obtain a wedding licence": This is the standard phrase for the process of getting the document.
• The term is often used in formal or administrative contexts related to marriage law and planning.

Variants and Related Words

• Marriage license: This is the more common and standard term in American English, synonymous with "wedding licence." The spelling "license" is American English, while "licence" is British English for the noun form.
• Marriage licence: The British English spelling variant of "marriage license."

Synonyms

• Marriage license
• Marriage permit

Notes on Meaning

The term specifically refers to the legal authorization document itself. It is distinct from the marriage certificate, which is the document issued after the ceremony as proof that the marriage has taken place.

Noun

1. a license authorizing two people to marry