Real-world examples of affidavit of marriage examples

Starter examples of affidavit of marriage examples

Let’s begin with what most people are actually looking for: wording they can model. These are realistic, sample-style examples of affidavit of marriage examples that you can adapt, not copy word-for-word.

Each example follows the same basic structure:

A clear title
Identifying information about the person making the affidavit (the “affiant”)
A statement about the marriage (who, when, where)
Supporting details (how the affiant knows the couple or is part of the couple)
A statement that everything is true to the best of their knowledge
Signature, date, and notary section

Example of affidavit of marriage for immigration (US spouse sponsoring foreign spouse)

This is one of the best examples people search for, because marriage affidavits are common in U.S. immigration cases (for example, when filing Form I‑130 or responding to a Request for Evidence). Here’s how a real-world version might look:

Affidavit of Marriage
I, Maria Gonzalez, born on March 5, 1987, currently residing at 1450 West Elm Street, Phoenix, Arizona, hereby state under penalty of perjury that the following is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

I am a United States citizen and the lawful spouse of Daniel Kim, who was born on July 21, 1985, and currently resides with me at the above address.

Daniel and I were legally married on June 10, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. A certified copy of our marriage certificate issued by Maricopa County is attached to this affidavit.

Since our marriage, we have continuously lived together as husband and wife. We share a joint lease, joint bank accounts, and are both listed on our apartment’s utility bills.

Our marriage is genuine and entered into in good faith. It was not entered into for immigration or financial fraud.

I make this affidavit of marriage in support of Daniel Kim’s immigration application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.

Maria Gonzalez
Date: _____________

This immigration-focused sample is one of the clearest examples of affidavit of marriage examples because it shows both the basic facts and the extra context immigration officers often want to see.

Example of affidavit of marriage from a third-party witness

Sometimes you’re not the spouse—you’re a friend or relative asked to confirm that a couple is truly married and living as a couple. These witness statements are common in immigration cases and in disputes over benefits.

Affidavit of Marriage – Third-Party Witness
I, Robert Jackson, born on August 12, 1975, and residing at 220 Oakwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, state as follows:

I have known Emily Turner since 2010 and her husband, Michael Turner, since 2012.

I attended their wedding ceremony on September 15, 2014, at St. Mark’s Church in Columbus, Ohio. I personally witnessed them exchange vows and rings.

Since their marriage, I have visited their home many times for holidays, birthdays, and social gatherings. They present themselves as a married couple and share household responsibilities.

I have no financial interest in the outcome of any immigration or legal matter related to their marriage.

I provide this affidavit of marriage to confirm that Emily and Michael Turner are married and have lived together as a married couple since their wedding.

I affirm under penalty of perjury that the information in this affidavit is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Robert Jackson
Date: _____________

This is one of the best examples when you need a neutral, credible witness to back up the couple’s story.

Example of affidavit of marriage for name change

If your marriage certificate doesn’t clearly show your new name, or a bank or agency wants extra proof, an affidavit can help connect the dots.

Affidavit of Marriage and Name Change
I, Priya Patel, born on November 2, 1990, currently residing at 980 Harbor Lane, Tampa, Florida, state under oath as follows:

My birth name is Priya Anil Patel.

I married Jason Miller on April 3, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. A certified copy of our marriage certificate is attached.

Following our marriage, I chose to adopt my spouse’s surname and now use the name Priya Miller.

I am the same person as Priya Anil Patel and Priya Miller, and I make this affidavit to confirm my identity and my marriage to Jason Miller for purposes of updating my records.

I swear that the statements in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Priya Miller
Date: _____________

Example of affidavit of marriage for employer or insurance benefits

Employers and insurers sometimes ask for an affidavit when adding a spouse to health insurance or retirement benefits, especially if documentation is incomplete.

Affidavit of Marriage for Employer Benefits
I, Jonathan Reed, born on May 18, 1982, and residing at 310 Lakeview Drive, Denver, Colorado, hereby state as follows:

I am employed by Mountain Health Systems and am enrolled in the company’s group health insurance plan.

I married Sarah Reed (formerly Sarah Collins) on January 20, 2018, in Denver, Colorado.

We have lived together continuously as spouses since our marriage and share financial responsibilities, including rent, utilities, and joint bank accounts.

I am requesting that my spouse, Sarah Reed, be added as a dependent to my employer-sponsored benefits, and I submit this affidavit of marriage to verify our marital relationship.

I certify that the information provided in this affidavit is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and understand that providing false information may result in disciplinary or legal action.

Jonathan Reed
Date: _____________

Example of affidavit of common-law marriage

In some U.S. states, a couple can be recognized as married even without a formal ceremony or license, if they meet the state’s common-law requirements. Not all states allow this, and the rules change, so always check current state law. But here is a general example:

Affidavit of Common-Law Marriage
I, Ashley Morgan, born on February 9, 1989, residing at 750 Pine Ridge Road, Austin, Texas, state the following:

I have been in a committed relationship with Jordan Lee, born on April 30, 1988, since 2013.

In or around June 2016, Jordan and I agreed to be married and to live together as spouses in the State of Texas.

Since that time, we have continuously lived together in Texas, refer to each other as spouses, and present ourselves to family, friends, and the community as a married couple.

We share a joint lease, joint bank accounts, and are both listed as parents on our child’s birth certificate.

I make this affidavit to establish our common-law marriage for purposes of health insurance and other benefits.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Ashley Morgan
Date: _____________

Because common-law rules keep evolving, it’s smart to confirm current law on a state government site, such as the Texas State Law Library’s guidance at https://www.sll.texas.gov/.

Example of affidavit of marriage after loss of original certificate

Maybe your marriage certificate was lost in a move, damaged in a flood, or never properly issued. Often, you’ll first try to get a certified copy from the local vital records office. If that’s delayed or impossible, you may be asked for an affidavit.

Affidavit of Marriage – Lost Certificate
I, David Chen, born on December 1, 1979, residing at 400 Maple Court, Seattle, Washington, state as follows:

I am legally married to Laura Chen (née Roberts), born on July 6, 1981.

We were married on May 12, 2007, in Seattle, Washington, in a civil ceremony at the King County Courthouse.

Our original marriage certificate was destroyed when our home was damaged by water in February 2022.

I have requested a certified replacement from King County Vital Records; however, processing has been delayed.

I submit this affidavit of marriage to verify our marital status for purposes of refinancing our home loan.

I affirm that the statements in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

David Chen
Date: _____________

How to adapt these examples of affidavit of marriage examples to your situation

The best examples are only useful if you know how to tweak them. Think of the examples of affidavit of marriage examples above as flexible templates. When you adapt them:

Focus on clear identification. Always include full names, dates of birth if requested, and current addresses. This keeps your affidavit tied to real, verifiable people.

Be specific about the marriage. Include the date, city, state (and country if international), and the type of ceremony (civil, religious, etc.). If you don’t remember an exact date, say “on or about” plus the month and year.

Explain your relationship. If you’re one of the spouses, that’s simple. If you’re a witness, briefly explain how long you’ve known the couple and in what capacity (friend, cousin, coworker, neighbor).

Add facts that can be checked. Joint leases, shared bank accounts, children together, joint tax returns, and shared utility bills are the kind of details that make an affidavit more convincing.

Use the right legal language at the end. Most affidavits end with something like “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” Different jurisdictions may have their own preferred wording, so if a court or agency gives you sample text, follow that.

And always, always sign in front of a notary if the form or agency requires notarization.

2024–2025 trends affecting affidavit of marriage use

Affidavits of marriage aren’t new, but how and where they’re used keeps shifting. When you’re looking for the best examples, it helps to know what’s changed lately.

More digital submissions. Many U.S. agencies and courts now accept scanned or electronically notarized affidavits. Several states expanded remote online notarization during the COVID‑19 pandemic and kept those rules. Always check your state’s current notary rules on its official website (for example, your Secretary of State site) before assuming a remote notarization is acceptable.

Immigration scrutiny. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to closely review marriage-based applications. While affidavits from friends and family can help, USCIS generally expects solid primary evidence like joint leases, joint tax returns, and shared financial accounts. You can review USCIS’s guidance on marriage-based petitions at https://www.uscis.gov/.

Recognition of diverse marriages. Same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide in the United States, and many other countries have followed suit. The wording in your affidavit of marriage should match your reality—use “spouse,” “wife,” “husband,” or “partner” as appropriate, and don’t worry about fitting into old-fashioned phrasing.

Common-law marriage limits. Fewer U.S. states recognize new common-law marriages. States like Colorado and Texas still do, but others have phased them out. Before relying on common-law status, check a state legal resource or a law library site, such as the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School (https://www.law.cornell.edu/), for updated information.

Practical tips inspired by the best examples of affidavit of marriage examples

Looking back at the real examples of affidavit of marriage examples above, a few patterns stand out that you can borrow for your own document.

Keep the language simple. You don’t get extra points for writing like a 19th‑century legal textbook. Short sentences are your friend: “We were married on…” “We have lived together since…” “I attended their wedding…”

Avoid exaggerations. You’re not writing a love letter; you’re writing a legal statement. Stick to facts that could, in theory, be verified.

Match the purpose. If your affidavit is for an employer, mention the benefits or HR process. If it’s for a court, reference the case number if you have one. If it’s for immigration, say that directly.

Check local requirements. Some courts or agencies publish their own sample language for affidavits. For example, many state court systems and legal aid organizations provide templates. In the U.S., you can often find self-help forms through your state’s judiciary website or through resources linked by the Legal Services Corporation at https://www.lsc.gov/.

Consider getting legal advice. An affidavit of marriage can affect immigration status, property rights, or benefits. When the stakes are high, it’s worth at least a short consultation with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

FAQ about affidavit of marriage and examples

What is a simple example of an affidavit of marriage statement I can copy?
A simple example of one sentence you might use is: “I am legally married to [Spouse’s Full Name]. We were married on [Date] in [City, State, Country], and we have lived together as spouses since that time.” Then you add your identifying information, the purpose of the affidavit, and the standard perjury declaration.

Do I always need a notary for an affidavit of marriage?
In many U.S. situations, yes. Courts, banks, and immigration authorities often require that affidavits be signed in front of a notary public. Some agencies, however, accept unsworn declarations made under penalty of perjury instead of a notarized affidavit. The safest move is to check the instructions from the specific agency or court.

Can friends and family provide examples of affidavit of marriage examples for immigration cases?
Yes. USCIS often accepts affidavits from friends, relatives, neighbors, or coworkers who can credibly say they know the couple and believe the marriage is genuine. These affidavits are treated as supporting evidence, not a replacement for official documents like marriage certificates or joint financial records.

Are online templates or examples of affidavit of marriage examples legally valid?
Templates and real examples are just starting points. Their legal validity comes from how accurately they describe your situation, whether they meet your jurisdiction’s formal requirements, and whether they’re properly signed and notarized. Always read any sample carefully and edit it so it matches your facts.

What if my country’s laws are different from the examples include here?
The examples of affidavit of marriage examples in this guide are written with a U.S. audience in mind but can be adapted internationally. Many countries and consulates accept sworn statements or statutory declarations that look very similar. However, wording, notary rules, and filing procedures can differ, so it’s wise to check your local government or embassy website for specific guidance.

Use these real-world examples as inspiration, not as a script carved in stone. The strongest affidavit of marriage is the one that tells your story clearly, honestly, and in a way that fits the rules of the place you’re submitting it.

Real-world examples of affidavit of marriage examples you can actually use