Marriage License Information

◊  Where to apply for a Marriage License: 

Residents of each State need to verify with the County they either live in and/or intend to be married in as to the requirements involved prior to your wedding day.  Be sure to do your homework on this so you aren't in for any rude surprises when it comes to crunch time!  We recommend that you start with your County Clerk's office and follow their direction to apply for your Marriage License.

◊  What you may need when applying for a Marriage License: 

Anticipate needing at least the following items to apply for your Marriage License - confirm with your County whether or not you will need anything else.  This information is for your general reference:

1)  Photo identification such as a driver's license;

2)  Certified copy of your birth certificates (foreign birth certificates need to be translated into English and be notarized);

3)  Your parents' addresses and your mother's maiden names;

4)  If either person has been divorced, you will need to know the date the divorce was final.  Be sure to inquire if you will need a copy of the divorce papers, either just to show or if you will need a copy that can be left with the County Clerk; and 

5)  If your County has posted the application for the license on the internet, it may save you some time if you print and complete it prior to going to apply, so check it out before you go. 

◊  When to apply for a Marriage License:

Again, details may vary between States and their Counties.  We suggest you research your location specifically but anticipate at least 3-7 business days for the processing of your application.  In some instances, the waiting period may be waived by the County Clerk or governing official.  The license itself will most likely be valid for a specific amount of time, such as 30 days or so.  Be sure to plan your timing according to the information your County (or the County you will be married in) provides you with.

◊  Who needs to be present to apply for a Marriage License:

Most likely, only one of you - but confirm this prior to going in to apply.  The person physically applying for the license will need copies of all the appropriate documentation that the pertaining County requires for both parties.  It may be recommended that both parties are present if they are non-residents of either the State or County they are wishing to marry in.

◊  Who may perform Marriage Ceremonies:

Most commonly, Marriages may be performed by federal, probate, district and municipal judges and district court magistrates in their court area; mayors in their city; County Clerks; ministers and pastors of the gospel and often times notaries.  Again, this list may differ depending on the County.

◊  Fees:

Varies per County.  More homework for you!  But, be sure to find out before you get there - and confirm the forms of payment they will accept.

◊  Age Requirements:

Believe it or not, this is important.  If a person is wishing to get married who is under the age of 18, they will need parental or guardian consent.  If under 16 years of age, it is our understanding that is a law that they will have to appear with their parent(s) or guardian(s) before the appropriate Judge for their County to state their case and the Judge will then decide if the Marriage should take place.

◊  Witnesses:

Confirm age requirements of your witnesses and how many you will need.  They will need to be able to comprehend that they are witnesses to a legal marriage and to be able to sign their legal name.