Getting married in the military comes with a unique set of benefits, rules, and considerations that can impact both your personal and professional life. From understanding the various entitlements and support systems available to military families to navigating the specific regulations and procedures required for service members, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide. Whether you’re about to pop the question or already planning your ceremony, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth transition into married life within the military community.
Are There Military-Specific Marriage Laws?
The marriage process for service members is the same as it is for civilians—couples must obtain a marriage license from their state or local government and follow the same legal procedures. However, military couples should be aware of additional considerations, such as ensuring their marriage is properly documented with their respective service branches and updating their personal information with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
Once married, military couples gain access to a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance their quality of life. These include eligibility for military health insurance (TRICARE), housing allowances, and access to military family support services. Spouses of service members may also receive military identification cards, which grant access to commissaries, exchanges, and recreational facilities on bases. Additionally, married service members often have priority for on-base housing and can take advantage of various financial and educational benefits designed to support military families.
What to Do Before Your Military Marriage
Before walking down the aisle, there are a few critical steps you must take:
Inform Chain-Of-Command
In the US military, service members are typically required to inform their chain of command about their intention to get married, as it could potentially affect duty assignments and benefits. Timely communication allows for proper coordination and adherence to military policies regarding marital status, so be sure to inform your chain of command as soon as possible.
Apply for Your Marriage License
Applying for your marriage license in the military is no different from applying for it as a civilian. Follow these 8 steps:
- Research: Check the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your jurisdiction, including age restrictions, residency requirements, and what documents you’ll need.
- Visit the County Clerk’s Office: Go to the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. This is typically where marriage licenses are issued, but it may be different depending on where you live.
- Complete Application: Fill out the marriage license application form provided by the clerk’s office. Both parties will need to provide personal information such as full names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and parents’ full names. It’s important to note that most counties require both parties be present for this step.
- Provide Identification: Bring valid identification documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, or birth certificates to prove your identity and age.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee for the marriage license. Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically range from $20 to $100.
- Wait for Processing: Wait for the marriage license to be processed. In some cases, there may be a waiting period before the license is issued.
- Receive the License: Once the license is processed, you will receive the marriage license from the clerk’s office.
- Get Married: After receiving the marriage license, you are typically required to have a ceremony within a certain period, often within 30 to 90 days, depending on the jurisdiction.
Planning Your Military Wedding Ceremony
A lot of planning goes into military wedding ceremonies, and it can feel overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of things to consider.
- Coordinate with Your Officiant: Coordinate with a military chaplain or officiant who is familiar with wedding ceremonies and can guide you through the process.
- Select a Venue: Choose a venue that accommodates military traditions, such as a military chapel or base chapel. Find your chapel here.
- Consider Uniforms: Decide whether the service member and any military attendees will wear military uniforms or civilian attire.
- Document Requirements: Ensure you have all necessary documentation for your wedding, including your military ID and marriage license.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared for last-minute changes or adjustments due to military duties or requirements, and maintain flexibility throughout the planning process.
To-Do Once You’re Married To A Service Member
In the military, your to-do list doesn’t end once you’ve exchanged your vows. There are a few more things you’ll have to take care of, including:
Update Your ID Card
To update your military ID after getting married, visit the nearest military personnel office or ID card facility with your marriage certificate and any other required documentation, such as your current military ID and an alternate form of ID. They will process the update and issue you a new military ID reflecting your marital status. This process may include verifying your documents, updating your records in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and taking a new photograph for your updated ID card.
Get Covered With Military Healthcare
To apply for military health insurance (TRICARE) after getting married, complete the necessary enrollment forms and submit them along with proof of marriage to your nearest TRICARE office or online portal. Ensure you have all required documentation, such as your marriage certificate and military ID, to avoid any delays in processing. You can find and download the enrollment forms from the official TRICARE website or obtain them directly from a TRICARE representative. After submitting your documents, it may take a few weeks to process your enrollment and for your spouse to be officially added to your TRICARE plan. Be sure to follow up with the TRICARE office if you do not receive confirmation of enrollment within the expected timeframe.
Update Your Military Life Insurance
To update your military life insurance (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, SGLI) after getting married, add your spouse as a beneficiary through your military unit’s personnel office or online system. Alternatively, you can access and update your SGLI beneficiary information via the milConnect online portal. Make sure to have your spouse’s full legal name and Social Security number ready, as this information will be required for the update. Be sure to thoroughly review your coverage and consider making adjustments to reflect your new marital status and any changes in your financial responsibilities.
Enroll Your Spouse in Military Life Insurance
Once you’re married, your spouse is automatically eligible for FSGLI (Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance). However, you have to manually enroll them in order to receive coverage. You can choose your coverage and enroll your spouse in FSGLI using the SGLI Online Enrollment System on milconnect.
Apply for Military Housing Arrangements
Once married, service members are eligible for various types of military housing, including on-base housing, off-base housing allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), or privatized military housing managed by private companies under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI). Eligibility and availability depend on factors such as rank, location, and family size, so be sure to research what’s available to you.
To apply for military housing, visit the housing office on your military installation with proof of marriage and complete the housing application. Ensure you provide all necessary documents and information to expedite the process.
Start Your Life Together Right With AmFi Life Insurance
In conclusion, getting married in the military comes with a host of unique benefits and considerations that can greatly enhance the lives of service members and their spouses. From comprehensive health coverage to housing allowances and access to exclusive support services, military marriage offers significant advantages.
As you embark on this new chapter, it’s also wise to secure private life insurance to ensure comprehensive financial protection. While military benefits like SGLI provide essential coverage, private life insurance can offer additional peace of mind and financial security for your family, covering any gaps and addressing unique needs that may arise in the future. By taking these proactive steps, you can build a strong foundation for your married life, ensuring that both your present and future are well-protected.
Contact AmFi today to find a policy that’s right for you.
