I met my wife in Inuvik NWT. We dated, courted , became engaged and got married there. We were in our late 20's so to go back home to be married was not an answer as most of our friends were gone. My wife had only lived in this country for about ten years and she did not have parents here. We decided to have a small wedding in the north with our friends. Some of our relatives were a little upset. It just seemed too much of a challenge to plan a wedding at a distance of 2000 miles. All went well. We had a great time.
One little incident that we've never forgotten is getting the marriage license. We were able to make plans and set things up as we went along. Of course , getting the marriage license was one of the little details that had to be taken care of. We decided to visit the minister and tell him of our plans and ask him to marry us. Marriage licenses were a dollar.. Ministers and others issued marriage licenses. We asked Ted for a license. Ted couldn't find the book with the licenses. Ted also said that the fee would be $2.00 as the last couple didn't pay for their license. He couldn't remember if the book had been used up, but he promised us he would find a license for us.
We've always wondered who the next couple was to get their marriage license from Ted and if they paid $2.00, $1.00 or nothing.
The micro manager just had to get this issue looked after. The hostel administrator was a minister and he had licenses. He also issued them like he was supposed to...for $1.00!
We never did find out if Ted got more licenses.
We've been getting rid of some of our treasures. By coincidence the wedding veil and a few other treasures were sold yesterday. Somebody was renewing vows and wanted some of the paraphernalia.
After 49 years it's time to dispose of some great treasures.
So the little story of our marriage license is one that we have a chuckle about from time to time.
I would think anybody who gets married has a story that's enjoyed.
Thank you Red for sharing your story. I had forgotten about the licence and the cost. What a great story, for it was a time when it was almost unforgivable not to have your families there for your wedding. Glad someone else is going to use MM's vail to renew vows. Kinda neat actually. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check what a license costs now. I bet I couldn't afford it!!!
DeleteHi Red, I married my Micro Manager back in the 70s. We recently had to find our license for some kind of insurance thing. It was a challenge but we got lucky and found it. I don't know what folks do if they can't find it.
ReplyDeleteFortunately other things can be used to prove things. My Dad's birth was never registered. The school records were used to place him.
DeleteI must be the exception.
ReplyDeleteAin't it grand being unique!!!
DeleteWhat a memory. It makes you kind of grateful you hit a few bumps along the way, much more interesting than it things had gone smoothly!
ReplyDeleteThe bumps sometimes make for great stories.
DeleteThat's a good story, Red. I now wonder, too, what happened with the next couple wanting a license. 49 years is really something. I think it's gonna work. :-)
ReplyDeleteKnowing Ted, he probably forgot about it.
DeleteI had my wedding dress light pink I think gave it to the value village I think not quite sure, it is 41 years we have been married, time runs away from us, I still don't wear both of my wedding rings not a jewelry person, but would love a small ring someday that actually fits and doesn't snag on everything...Happy days to you and your bride!
ReplyDeleteOne dollar to sign your life away. Cheap!
ReplyDeleteI get a good chuckle out of this one! But a dollar was worhthmore back then.
Deletecharging YOU an extra dollar because the last folks didn't pay. that made me laugh! what a (bad) marketing idea! :)
ReplyDeleteWe've never been able to see what his thinking was in this case.
DeleteOur honey moon story I have written about, but maybe it is time to repeat that one.
ReplyDeleteNow you give me another good blog topic!
DeleteCongratulations on 49 years you better have a big party at 50! $1.00 was a bargain for all those happy years:)
ReplyDeleteYes, but a dollar was worth more in those days.
DeleteI find myself wondering what kind of person skips out on paying for the marriage licence. Doesn't bode well for the marriage!
ReplyDeleteThe Arctic was a different world. There would have been many good reasons for somebody not paying.
DeleteHey that was a cheap price to pay- isn't it like 30 bucks nowadays? That guy who charged you an extra buck probably went on to be in insurance. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI know that Ted left the ministry. I think he went into some kind of social work.
DeleteI'm so glad I sparked a great story!
ReplyDeleteStill sore from hauling wood...
Thanks. Your comment just triggered the whole story.
DeleteI'm surprised the price was only a dollar or two. The cost here in the US was a lot more than that in the 1970s, more like $25 as I remember. At any rate, it was well worth the cost, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure licenses cost much more than that in most other areas.
DeleteWe don't need a marriage license in Aust or NZ but "A completed Notice of Intended Marriage form must be given to your celebrant at least one month before the wedding. You can give it to your celebrant up to eighteen months beforehand." I had to look that up. My main concern before my wedding was would my groom remember what religion he was as the priest insisted he must. He wrote to his mother who replied, "You are methodist, my son." Even the priest thought is was funny.
ReplyDeleteSo this illustrates the useless condition. Funny. What denomination is your husband today? or will his wife have to tell him?
DeleteI paid $6.75 for my marriage license. I wonder what it costs these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it would be much more like everything else.
DeleteI must admit I can't remember what the price was here. I only know Monday morning was for free and Saturday was the most expensive day, so we married at a Wednesday I think. I remember it was the hottest day ever with temperatures over 30 C (86F) and the tram rails were curling up on a bridge in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteI don't have an interesting marriage license story but we did have about an inch or more of sleet and ice the day we got married which made it difficult for people to get to our wedding. It is sad to look back at the pictures because 1/2 of the people who attended have passed away. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun story! It's nice to reminisce about happy memories. I disposed of my wedding gown and veil from my first marriage a long time ago...the first husband, too :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun story. Your veil (I mean your wife's) is very lovely and so white. Mine turned a little tan and I think it was sold when we moved back to Hawaii.
ReplyDelete