An Abstract of Marriage Certificate is a document that some specific Government agencies may need for name changes, especially for Immigration or Adoption Agency purposes.  In most cases, the Certified Marriage Certificate should be adequate, as it contains more information than an Abstract.  But in some rare cases, an Abstract of Marriage may be required.

Maybe you need a Certified Copy of the Original License that gave you permission to get married.   Some specific Government Agencies may request a certified copy of the license you obtained before you got married.  This may be a Military Agency, INS, or Adoption Agency.  In most cases, the Certified Marriage Certificate should be adequate.  But in some rare cases, a Certified Copy of the Marriage License may be required.  *This is different from the Certified Marriage Certificate.  For Certified Marriage Certificates, click Here.