Somali marriage in the US
There is no single American rule -- marriage is governed state by state. What is common everywhere is the shape: you obtain a marriage licence from a public authority, usually the county clerk, and the ceremony must be performed by someone that state authorises to solemnise marriages. A nikah is a legally valid marriage in the US when the imam is an authorised officiant under that state's law and the signed licence is returned to the issuing office.
How to be legally married in the US
- 1Apply for a marriage licence at the county clerk's office where you intend to marry. Waiting periods and expiry dates vary by state.
- 2Confirm your imam is authorised to solemnise marriages in that state. Some states register religious celebrants; others accept any ordained minister.
- 3Make sure the completed licence is returned and recorded after the ceremony. The recorded certificate -- not the ceremony -- is your proof of marriage.
Somali communities in the US
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
- Columbus
- Seattle
- San Diego
- Portland
- Lewiston
- Nashville
- Clarkston
- Atlanta
- Washington
- Alexandria
- Boston
- Louisville
- Rochester
- St. Cloud
- Grand Island
- Denver
- Salt Lake City
- Fargo
- Sioux Falls
- Houston
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Phoenix
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Grand Rapids
- Milwaukee
- Kansas City
- Portland
- New York
- Buffalo
- Baltimore
- Charlotte
- Indianapolis
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
- Memphis
- Richmond
- Hartford
- Worcester
- Sacramento
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Anchorage
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
54 cities listed.
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