In Guam, what is required for a valid marriage?

In Guam, for a marriage to be considered valid, both a marriage license and solemnization are required. The marriage license serves as the official permission from the government to marry, which must be obtained before the ceremony. It is crucial to understand that simply having a marriage license does not make the marriage valid on its own; it needs to be accompanied by the solemnization, which is the formal ceremony where the couple exchanges vows and is recognized as married.

Solemnization can be performed by an authorized officiant and involves following certain legal procedures to ensure the marriage is recognized under local law. This two-step process of obtaining a marriage license and then participating in solemnization ensures that both legal and ceremonial aspects of marriage are addressed.

Other options, such as parental approval and church certificates, while they may be relevant or customary in certain cultural or religious contexts, are not legal requirements for a valid marriage in Guam. Therefore, the combination of a marriage license and solemnization is essential for the legal recognition of the marriage.