Proposed bill would end marriage licenses (Oklahoma)

[Ms. Toad]

11. Actually the proposal is moderately interesting and may actually stand up.

The alternative to a religious ceremony under the proposed statute is registration of a common law marriage.

The status of recognition of common law marriages in OK is uncertain, and because they are not traditionally formalized they are a legal nightmare. This bill would clarify that common law marriages are legally recognized - and provide a mechanism for recording them, which would make sorting out who is married and who is not much easier (normally common law marriages get sorted out in will disputes, social security offices, etc.)

It would have the effect of permitting nearly anyone to officiate at a ceremony (for couples who want a ceremony). Couples could do whatever they want in the way of a ceremony, and as long as they go home to live with each other or consummate the marriage, they could register their common law marriage the day after the ceremony. (They could also choose not to have a ceremony at all, but just declare themselves married, and then register the marriage.)

Those seeking to keep state officials out of marriage can't avoid state involvement entirely, though, since someone at the state still has to accept the registration forms...