What’s in a Name?
Just read a news report about a groom in Florida being charged with attempted fraud because he took his wife’s last name. That’s right, criminal charges. Very serious stuff.
Mr. and Mrs. Name Rules and Regs
Turns out that many states are fine with the woman changing her last name but not the man. In California, not only can either bride or groom take each other’s name but they can combine the separate syllables within the last names. If the bride’s name was Howard and the groom’s name was Johnson, they could become Mr. and Mrs. Hojo.
You’ve heard me say it many times – do your homework.
There are four types of weddings
Wedding of your hearts
the Social Wedding
The Legal Wedding
The Religious/Traditional/Cultural Wedding
Each is completely separate from the other. They don’t magically all happen. The Legal Wedding is that piece of paper called the Marriage License. The government that issues the license doesn’t think it’s romantic. It’s a business partnership between two parties. The name of the partnership is “state of matrimony”. A financial agreement. No goofing around.
And each government has its own rules. Do your homework.
Destination weddings can happen anywhere. My suggestion is to do what’s best for you. Don’t let ignorance get in the way of your happily ever after.
All Blessings,
Clint
Thanks so much for reading! Hopefully this gives you more insight into choosing the name that’s right for you.
Can’t believe that guy was charged with fraud. What a great post!