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Is my common law marriage valid if I move to another state?

If your state allows common law marriages, a state that does not allow them will recognize your marriage. The general rule is that if the marriage is valid in the state in which it was entered into, it will be considered valid by all other states.

Common law marriage and length of cohabitation

You need not live together for any particular length of time to have a valid common law marriage, but the longer you live together, the more likely it is that you can prove that you intended to marry.

Should we have a formal wedding ceremony?

Yes. Even if you think you have a valid common law marriage, it is much easier to prove that you were married if you got a marriage license and went through a ceremony. This could be very important if your spouse dies and you claim some benefits as a surviving spouse. Also, the state may have some requirement that you have not met, and complying with the traditional requirements of a license and ceremony will assure that you can prove that you were validly married.