akuperma wrote:
You can also file a notarized marriage contract, but no one ever does so.
Probably because you cannot simply file a notarized marriage contract.
4. A written contract of marriage signed by both parties and at least two witnesses, all of whom shall subscribe the same within this state, stating the place of residence of each of the parties and witnesses and the date and place of marriage, and acknowledged before a judge of a court of record of this state by the parties and witnesses in the manner required for the acknowledgment of a conveyance of real estate to entitle the same to be recorded.
Therefore, to get married solely with a contract, you need:
1. A written marriage contract;
2. Two witnesses;
3. Execution of the document and the witness statements in the same manner as you would do a deed; and
4. In front of a judge.
Most people think it is easier to just have the judge perform a wedding ceremony.