Free Guide to Getting a Wedding License

Understanding Marriage Licenses and Why You Need One

A marriage license is a legal document issued by your state or local government that permits two people to marry. It is different from a marriage certificate, which is the official record created after your wedding ceremony takes place. Think of the license as permission to get married, while the certificate is proof that you did.

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Every U.S. state requires couples to obtain a marriage license before their wedding. This requirement exists for several reasons. First, it creates an official record of your marriage with the government. Second, it ensures that both people entering the marriage meet state requirements—such as being of legal age and not already married to someone else. Third, it provides legal documentation that protects both spouses in matters involving taxes, inheritance, healthcare decisions, and other important issues.

The marriage license process varies significantly from state to state. Some states have waiting periods between when you receive your license and when you can use it for your ceremony. Others allow you to marry immediately after receiving the license. Some states require blood tests or STI screenings, though this is becoming less common. A few states still recognize common-law marriages, where couples can be considered legally married without obtaining a license, though this is rare and comes with specific requirements.

Understanding your specific state's requirements is essential before you begin the process. The rules that apply in California are completely different from those in New York or Texas. Starting your planning by learning about your state's particular rules will save you time and prevent frustration later.

Practical Takeaway: Before taking any steps, identify which state's rules apply to your situation. If you plan to marry in one state but live in another, use the state where your ceremony will take place.

Age Requirements and Basic Eligibility Criteria

Every state sets a minimum age at which people can marry. In most states, the minimum age is 18 years old without parental consent. However, some states allow people as young as 16 or 17 to marry with parental permission, and a few states permit even younger marriages in certain circumstances. These age rules exist to protect young people from making major life decisions before they are mature enough to understand the consequences.

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Beyond age, states have other basic requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Both people must be of sound mind, meaning they understand what marriage is and what they are agreeing to. This is why someone declared legally incompetent cannot obtain a marriage license. Both people must be unmarried—meaning they are not currently married to anyone else, whether that marriage took place in the United States or in another country. If either person was previously married, they typically must provide documentation that the previous marriage ended through death (a death certificate), divorce (a divorce decree), or annulment (an annulment decree).

Most states do not allow people who are closely related by blood to marry. These rules differ by state but typically prevent marriage between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and siblings. Some states prohibit marriage between first cousins, while others allow it. These restrictions exist based on genetic and social concerns that vary by state law.

Some states have additional requirements. For example, certain states require proof of residency, meaning you must live in that state for a specific period before marrying there. A few states still have rules about gender or sex for marriage purposes, though federal law now allows same-sex couples to marry in all states.

Practical Takeaway: Check your state's specific requirements regarding age, previous marriages, and family relationships. You can find this information through your county clerk's office website or your state's vital statistics office.

Required Documents and What to Bring

When you go to apply for your marriage license, you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and other required information. The exact documents vary by state, but certain items are standard across most jurisdictions.

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First, you will need a valid government-issued photo identification. This can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state identification card. The ID must not be expired, though some states allow IDs that expired recently. If your name has changed since your ID was issued—perhaps through a previous marriage or legal name change—you should bring documentation of that change, such as a divorce decree or court order.

Second, you will need to prove your age and citizenship. A passport serves this purpose because it shows both. If you do not have a passport, you may bring a birth certificate along with your driver's license. Some states accept other documents like a school record or military discharge papers as proof of age. Non-citizens may still marry in most states, but you will need to bring your immigration documents, such as a visa or green card.

Third, if you have been married before, you must provide proof that your previous marriage ended. This means bringing an original or certified copy of your divorce decree, annulment decree, or your former spouse's death certificate. A certified copy means it has been officially verified by the court or vital records office and bears an official seal or stamp.

Some states have additional document requirements. A few require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement showing your address. Some request information about your parents, including their names and whether they are still living. A small number of states still require proof of blood tests or STI screening.

It is important to bring original documents or certified copies whenever possible. Photocopies are rarely accepted for vital records. If you do not have a certified copy of a document you need, you can request one from the court, hospital, or vital records office that issued the original.

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist of documents your state requires, gather them before your appointment, and bring both originals and one backup copy of everything. Contact your county clerk at least two weeks before you plan to marry to confirm the exact documents needed.

The Marriage License Application Process and Timeline

The process of obtaining a marriage license begins at your county clerk's office or vital records office. The exact location depends on where you plan to have your wedding ceremony. In most states, you must apply in the county where your wedding will take place, though some states allow you to apply in your home county if that is different.

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You will fill out an application form that asks for basic information about both people getting married. This includes full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and information about any previous marriages. The form will also ask about your parents' names and whether your parents are living, as this information is recorded on your marriage certificate. Some states ask for your Social Security number for record-keeping purposes.

Both people must appear in person at the clerk's office to apply. Some states allow one person to apply on behalf of both, but this is uncommon. When you arrive, you will present your documents, complete the application form, and pay the application fee. Fees vary widely by state and county, ranging from about $25 to over $100. Some counties offer reduced fees for people with lower incomes.

After you submit your application, the clerk's office will conduct a waiting period in many states. This waiting period typically lasts between three and five days, though a few states have longer periods of up to 30 days. During this time, the county clerk's office verifies the information you provided and checks records to ensure there are no legal obstacles to your marriage. A few states waive the waiting period if you pay an additional fee.

Once the waiting period ends, you will receive your marriage license. In some states, you must return to the clerk's office in person to pick it up. In others, the office will mail it to you. The license typically remains valid for 30 to 90 days, though a few states have longer validity periods. This means you must have your ceremony within that timeframe, or you will need to apply for a new license.

The person performing your ceremony—whether a judge, religious official, or other authorized officiant—will sign your license during the ceremony. After the wedding, your spouse or officiant must return the signed license to the county clerk's office. The clerk records this information and creates your marriage certificate, which you can order several weeks after your wedding.

Practical Takeaway: Mark your calendar with your application date, the end of the waiting period, your license validity expiration date, and your planned wedding date. This prevents missing deadlines or discovering your license has expired.

State-Specific Variations and Special Circumstances

While the basic marriage license process is similar across states, significant differences exist that can affect your planning. Understanding your specific state's rules is essential for a smooth process.

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