Blended Family Certificate

A blended family is created when people who have children from previous relationships get married to someone other than the child(ren)'s parent. There are many ways to incorporate children into the marriage ceremony, but if the kids are minors they can't sign the actual marriage certificate. In this case, you can make a certificate of your own- a blended family certificate, if you will- that the kids can sign. It's not a legal document, but it's meaningful to everyone involved.

Where to get certificate templates:

Use an on-line source for a free, printable certificate template. Certificate Street (which can be found here) has a wide selection of certificate templates, as does123 Certificates (found here). Select the one that you like best, type in the words, and print.

Use a word processing program. Once you have an idea of what you'd like the blended family certificate to look like, design it yourself on Microsoft Works or Open Office. Use card stock or pre-preinted paper and a fancy font in varying sizes.

Buy a blank certificate. Office supply stores (like Staples) have blank certificate templates with fill-in-the-blank lines. If you're on a tight budget, check the Dollar Store- they often have blank certificates for sale. You can fill in the blanks yourself or have a calligrapher fill them in for you.

What to say on the certificate:

Take a look at the following three options and choose the one you like best. You can use them as is or mix-and-match lines from each option to come up with your own wording. (It looks best if the text is centered on the certificate and the first line is in a larger font.)

Wording for a Blended Family Certificate, Option 1:

Certificate of Blended Family

This certifies that
(names)
were united in family on this day
the ____ of ____ in the year ____.
This marriage, which signifies the beginning of a new family, was witnessed and celebrated by
(signatures).

Name of person solemnizing marriage (signature) _______________.

Wording of a Blended Family Certificate, Option 2:

Certificate of Blended Family

This is to certify that
(Names)
were united in blended family on (date)
by (officiant's name)
at (location)

(Signatures of family members)

Wording of Blended Family Certificate, Option 3:

Certificate of Blended Family

This is to certify that on (date)
(names)
were by me united in family at (location).

Signature of officiant
Signatures of family members
Signatures of witnesses

A blended family certificate is a wonderful way for all parties involved to show their commitment.