---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 C.F.R. § 219.31"
title: "20"
number: "219.31"
heading: "Evidence of a valid ceremonial marriage."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/20/219.31"
---

# §219.31. Evidence of a valid ceremonial marriage.

- (a) **Preferred evidence.** Preferred evidence of a ceremonial marriage is—
  - (1) A copy of the public record of the marriage, certified by the custodian of the record or by a Board employee;
  - (2) A copy of a church record of the marriage certified by the custodian of the record or by a Board employee; or
  - (3) **The original certificate of marriage.**
- (b) **Other evidence of a ceremonial marriage.** If preferred evidence of a ceremonial marriage cannot be obtained, the applicant must state the reason therefor in writing and submit either—
  - (1) A sworn statement of the clergyman or official who performed the marriage ceremony; or
  - (2) Other convincing evidence, such as the sworn statements of at least two persons who have direct knowledge of the marriage, preferably eyewitnesses to the marriage ceremony.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 45 U.S.C 231f.

### Source

Source: 54 FR 31942, Aug. 3, 1989, unless otherwise noted.