A marriage certificate is an official legal document that certifies the union of two individuals in matrimony. There are many synonyms for this document, such as wedding license, marriage license, marriage deed, and certificate of marriage. Each of these terms refers to the same legal document, but they may be used in different contexts or jurisdictions. Some other less common synonyms for marriage certificate include nuptial certificate, wedlock certificate, and matrimonial certificate. No matter what term is used, a marriage certificate serves as proof of a couple's legal union and is often required for various legal and financial transactions.