Silly Question...Marriage Licenses in the US

Ok, this may seem like a basic topic, but what are the general rules for marriage licenses in the US?  I mean I know you have to go down to the courthouse and get one (and usually have to have blood work done) but is it valid once it's signed?  Or is what you get an application for a license and then you have to send away for one?  I know you can get married in Las Vegas and the like, and you're married right after you get a license....so how does it really work?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm trying to figure out timelines.  I'm wondering if I can get married here and then go to an embassy a few days later to get a spousal visa or if I have to wait weeks.  Of course I realize that the procedure will vary state-to-state (what rules don't vary in each state...so irritating) but if someone could give me kind of a basic guideline/timeline that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

I think it varies from state to state. Sorry, you said that.

This site might help:
http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/wisconsin/index.shtml

We got married in Florida because there was no blood involved...

Basically went down a day ahead went to the courthouse filled in the paperwork, took it to the minister/notary dude, got married, he signed it and back to the courthouse, we signed and poof it was done.

So it was very easy...most places like Vegas or a Justice of the Peace will tell you excatly what you need to do in each state.  Our B&B recommended our guy.  

I'll leave the spousal visa stuff for someone who knows.

Ok, now here's a question for you all!

Chris and I got married here in England and have a UK marriage license. Do we need to do anything in the US to legalize our marriage? I've changed my name on my passport, social security card, and am in the process of changing it on my bank account. Driver's License to be changed when we next visit. It never dawned on me that I *might* need to do something in the US to register our marriage!

Am I just dopey or is our Marriage license just as valid in the US as it is here?

Thanks!  

Jen

Your UK marriage licence is valid in the US.  Nothing needs to be done.  You're married - don't worry about it!  

ok so here's my story.  I live in Massachusetts.  I have to have blood work done and so does Chris.  I was told by the city of Boston that Chris had to be here to get his bloodwork done and that it is valid only for 30 days.  The marriage license also has to be applied for with Chris here.  But the license is valid for 60 days.  So either Chris comes to the wedding two weeks early or comes here in mid-late March (within 30 days of wedding) then comes back for the wedding in April.

BUT I found out that by going to a different town hall that as long as Chris fills out the proper form - he can take the blood test in Wales.  So we have decided he will take the test with 30 days of when we apply for the license.  I have asked the boss in our town and that was agreed as ok.  (please cross your fingers and toes that it is correct) and then when Chris is here in mid March we will apply for the license with our forms from the blood work.  

Easy peasy yeah?

:-/