Marriage License Info For All 50 States
Getting married in the United States always requires a marriage license to make the ceremony legal and official. While the process of how to apply for a marriage license in the United States is usually straightforward, one small complication is that marriage licenses are issued by each individual state, and the requirements for obtaining a marriage license can vary slightly from state to state. That’s why I’ve put together this full guide containing marriage license info for all 50 states.
Each entry contains marriage license information by state, as well as any essential information you need to be aware of. No matter where in the U.S. you’re planning on getting married, this list will have everything you need to know about applying for a marriage license in each state, including marriage license fees and processing times. Here are the marriage license requirements by state!
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Alabama
Witnesses Required: None (HOWEVER a notary public must be present when a marriage certificate is issued.)
Waiting Period: None
Marriage Certificate Fee: $89
Things To Keep In Mind: Alabama is an outlier on this list since it does not require a traditional marriage license. Beginning in 2019, Alabama stopped issuing marriage licenses and instead requires a state-issued marriage certificate. Obtaining an Alabama marriage certificate requires filling out this form. While you won’t need any witnesses to obtain this certificate, a notary public must be present to make the form official. Fortunately, one of these will almost always be on hand at the state facility where you obtain the certificate, so that one small requirement should take care of itself pretty easily!
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Alaska
Witnesses Required: One witness over the age of 18.
Waiting Period: 3 business days.
Marriage License Fee: $60
License Valid For: 90 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: You can apply for an Alaska marriage license using this form. The form must be signed and notarized, though if you’re applying from out-of-state you can get the application notarized anywhere.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Arizona
Witnesses Required: Two witnesses over the age of 18.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $98.
License Valid For: 12 months.
Things To Keep In Mind: Arizona marriage licenses are issued by the county in which you plan to hold your wedding. An example of a typical county-issued application for an Arizona marriage license can be found here, but if you’re planning a wedding in Arizona, you’ll need to access the appropriate application for the county where your wedding is being held. There aren’t many significant differences between the marriage license applications for each county in Arizona, but you’ll need to take care to make sure that you’ve selected the correct county.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Arkansas
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 5 days.
Marriage License Fee: $60.
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Arkansas marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk’s office, so it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research beforehand to see if there are any special requirements for the Arkansas county in which you plan to get married.
It’s also important to note that your marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office within 60 days even if you haven’t used it! This is an extremely rare circumstance, but it’s worth keeping in mind just in case something unexpected happens like a last-minute rescheduling, or if you decide to switch your wedding location after applying for an Arkansas marriage license.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In California
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: Varies by county.
License Valid For: 90 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: One important thing to note when applying for a marriage license in California is that the license fee can vary depending on which county you’re getting married in. Be sure to check the county clerk’s website or inquire in person prior to applying for our marriage license.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Colorado
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $30.
License Valid For: 35 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: While the process is relatively straightforward, it’s worth noting that Colorado requires both of you to be present when applying for your marriage license. It’s also notable that Colorado is one of only a few states that allows couples to self-solemnize, meaning that you don’t need an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Connecticut
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $50.
License Valid For: 65 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Delaware
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
Marriage License Fee: $70 for Delaware residents, $100 for non-residents.
License Valid For: 30 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Be aware that there are different marriage license application fees for Delaware residents and non-residents. If you’re planning on traveling from out-of-state to get married in Delaware, you should plan on paying the slightly higher fee.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Florida
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 3 days for Florida residents, no waiting period for non-residents.
Marriage License Fee: $86.
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: If you’re a resident of Florida planning to get married in-state, you will have the option of taking a state-run marriage preparation course. Florida residents who complete this course can waive the three-day waiting period for their marriage license and reduce the application fee from $86 to $61.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Georgia
Witnesses Required: Varies by county.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $56.
License Valid For: Does not expire, but must be returned within 30 days of the wedding ceremony.
Things To Keep In Mind: Georgia marriage licenses do not expire, so you can hold your wedding ceremony at any point after receiving the license. However, you are required to return your marriage license to the county clerk’s office that originally issued it within 30 days of your wedding ceremony.
It’s also important to note that the number of witnesses required to obtain a Georgia marriage license varies by county. Some counties do not require any witnesses, while others might require one or two. Be sure to check with the clerk’s office of the county you’re planning to get married in to make sure you bring the appropriate number of witnesses.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Hawaii
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $65.
License Valid For: 30 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Unlike most other states, Hawaii requires you to apply for your wedding license online. You can access their digital marriage application form here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Idaho
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $30.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
Things To Keep In Mind: Some counties in Idaho only accept cash payments for their marriage license fee. Be sure to check to make sure you’re expecting the correct payment method!
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Illinois
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: One business day.
Marriage License Fee: Varies by county.
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Indiana
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $30 for Indiana residents, $65 for non-Indiana residents.
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Only one of you needs to be an Indiana resident in order to qualify for the $30 Indiana resident marriage license fee. However, if both of you are from out-of-state, you will need to pay the slightly higher $65 out-of-state marriage license fee.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Iowa
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: Three days.
Marriage License Fee: $35.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
Things To Keep In Mind: Once your marriage license is approved, you’ll have 60 days to pick up the license before you’ll need to re-apply. Once you’ve picked up the license, however, it has no expiration date.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Kansas
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: Three days.
Marriage License Fee: $85.
License Valid For: 6 months.
Things To Keep In Mind: Kansas requires you to apply for a marriage license online, using this electronic application form.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Kentucky
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $50.
License Valid For: 6 months.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Louisiana
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
Marriage License Fee: $27.50.
License Valid For: 30 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Maine
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $40.
License Valid For: 90 days.
Things To Keep In Mind:
While the specific requirements for Maine marriage licenses might differ slightly depending on which county in Maine you’re getting married in, this general overview covers some of the essentials for applying for a Maine marriage license. Definitely a resource worth checking out if you’re planning a Maine wedding!
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Maryland
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: Two days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county (typically around $35).
License Valid For: 6 months.
Things To Keep In Mind: If you’re planning on being married by a judge in a civil ceremony, there’s a slightly higher marriage license application fee.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Massachusetts
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: Three days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county (usually between $30 and $50).
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Though minor details of the Massachusetts marriage laws might vary by county, this government-issued guide to getting married in Massachusetts provides a great overview of everything you’ll need and provides links to the Massachusetts marriage license application.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Michigan
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: Three days.
Marriage License Fee: $20 for Michigan residents, $30 for out-of-state residents.
License Valid For: 33 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Mississippi
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $37
License Valid For: Does not expire.
Things To Keep In Mind: While most states require you to be 18 years or older to receive a marriage license, in Mississippi the minimum age is 21 years old in order to receive a marriage license. If you’re under 21, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian to appear with you when receiving your marriage license.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to appear in person at the county clerk’s office for the Mississippi county where you’re applying for your marriage license.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Missouri
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $51
License Valid For: 30 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Montana
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $53
License Valid For: 180 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Nebraska
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $25
License Valid For: One year.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Nevada
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $85 ($102 for Clark County)
License Valid For: One year.
Things To Keep In Mind: In Clark County, where the Vegas Strip is located, the Nevada marriage license fee is slightly higher. It’s only a minor difference, but it’s worth being aware of this if you’re planning on getting married in this popular Vegas destination. You can access the application for a Clark County marriage license here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In New Hampshire
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $50
License Valid For: 90 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In New Jersey
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Marriage License Fee: $28
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: You can find a comprehensive guide for statewide New Jersey marriage requirements here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In New Mexico
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $25
License Valid For: 90 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In New York
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $35 in New York City, otherwise $40.
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In North Carolina
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $60.
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In North Dakota
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $65.
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Ohio
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county (usually between $50 to $75).
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Ohio marriage licenses can only be obtained through a probate court. Be sure to contact the probate court in the Ohio county you’re planning on getting married in, since you’ll need to appear in person to apply for a marriage license.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Oklahoma
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $50.
License Valid For: 10 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: Note that your Oklahoma marriage license is only 10 days, which is an unusually short time. Plan ahead to make sure you’ll be able to use the marriage license within the 10-day time limit.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Oregon
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county (usually between $50 and $60).
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: For an additional $20, most counties in Oregon will allow you to waive the 3-day waiting period. There are a few exceptions across the state, so if you’re interested in waiving the waiting period, be sure to check with the County Clerk’s office in the county you’re planning to get married to make sure this option is available.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Pennsylvania
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county (Usually $60, but $90 for Philadelphia and Allegheny County)
License Valid For: 60 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: In Pennsylvania, you’ll have the option to apply for two different types of marriage licenses. One is the traditional marriage license, and the other is the self-uniting marriage license. A self-uniting marriage license allows you to get married without an officiant.
Use the links below to find applications for both types of marriage licenses for Allegheny County and the City of Philadelphia.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Rhode Island
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $24
License Valid For: 90 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In South Carolina
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 1 day.
Marriage License Fee: $70.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In South Dakota
Witnesses Required: One.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $40.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
Things To Keep In Mind: This list provides a useful overview of statewide marriage license requirements for South Dakota.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Tennessee
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: Between $90 and $100 (can be reduced with Premarital Counseling).
License Valid For: 30 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: While the marriage license application fee in Tennessee is relatively high compared to other states, it can be reduced greatly by compiling a Premarital Counseling course. Couples who are interested can find information for enrolling in the course here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Texas
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Marriage License Fee: $82
License Valid For: 89 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: The Texas marriage license application fee can be reduced to $20 by taking a Premarital Education course (information on that course can be found here. It’s also worth noting that a Texas marriage license can be used in other states, so if you obtain a marriage license in Texas, you’ll be able to get legally married in any other state.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Utah
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $50
License Valid For: 30 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Vermont
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $80
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Virginia
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $30
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Washington
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on the county (usually between $69 and $72)
License Valid For: 60 days.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Washington, D.C.
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $35.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In West Virginia
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $57.
License Valid For: Does not expire.
Things To Keep In Mind: The marriage license fee can be reduced by completing a Premarital Education course. You can find more information on West Virginia’s premarital education courses here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Wisconsin
Witnesses Required: None.
Waiting Period: 6 days.
Marriage License Fee: Dependent on county ($80-$120)
License Valid For: 30 days.
Things To Keep In Mind: While the 6-day waiting period for a Wisconsin marriage license is unusually long, it can be waived for an additional fee. More information on how to waive fees in different Wisconsin counties can be found here.
How To Apply For A Marriage License In Wyoming
Witnesses Required: Two.
Waiting Period: None.
Marriage License Fee: $30
License Valid For: 30 days.
No Matter The State, Let’s Plan Something Special!
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