Section 303-5-004 - Proof of Valid Marriage004.01 Preferred Evidence of Marriage004.01(a) A copy of the public record of the marriage, certified by the custodian of the record or by an NPERS employee;004.01(b) A copy of a religious record of the marriage certified by the custodian of the record or by an NPERS employee; or004.01(c) The original certificate of marriage. 004.02 Other evidence of a marriage. If preferred evidence of a marriage cannot be obtained, the applicant must state the reason therefore on forms prescribed by NPERS, and submit:004.02(a) A sworn statement of the clergy or official who performed the marriage ceremony; or004.02(b) Other convincing evidence, such as the sworn statements or at least two persons who have direct knowledge of the marriage, preferably eyewitnesses to the marriage ceremony.303 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 5, § 004