What is required to formalize a marriage in today’s legal context?

To formalize a marriage in contemporary legal contexts, obtaining a marriage license is essential. A marriage license serves as the legal authorization for a couple to marry and is typically issued by a governmental authority, such as a county clerk's office. The requirement ensures that both parties meet the legal qualifications to marry, such as age and marital status, and generally involves applying in person, paying a fee, and sometimes providing identification or other documentation.

While witnesses may be necessary during the actual ceremony, and a marriage certificate is issued after the marriage has taken place to document its occurrence, neither of these steps alone constitutes the formalization of the marriage itself. Notarization is not a standard requirement in most jurisdictions for establishing a marriage. Thus, the marriage license stands as the critical legal instrument that allows a couple to enter into marriage, marking the necessary step towards formalization.