by Ryan McKeen
I hope that you had a Happy New Year. I had a festive weekend. In between celebrating the new year and a family member’s new job – I attended a wedding on Saturday. The wedding was very nice.
The bride and groom couldn’t have bought better weather for a winter wedding. Their pictures will look like they got married in a snow globe.
While I was watching the beautiful bride and happy groom exchange vows, I started thinking of the legal requirements of the ceremony. Romantic, I know. Anyone thinking of taking the LSAT should reread the two previous sentences.
What are the requirements for a valid marriage ceremony in Connecticut?
1. The physical presence of the parties before an official licensed to perform a marriage ceremony in Connecticut; and
2. A third party official must witness or officiate at a ceremony wherein the parties each presently consent to marriage. Hames v. Hames, 163 Conn. 588 (1972).
That’s all that is required by law. No need to kiss the bride.