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Understanding Marriage License Costs Across the United States

Marriage licenses are official documents issued by state and local governments that legally permit two people to marry. Each state sets its own rules about marriage licenses, including how much they cost. These costs vary significantly depending on where you plan to marry. Understanding these price differences matters because marriage license fees can range from under $20 in some states to over $100 in others.

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The cost of a marriage license typically includes the fee for processing the application and issuing the document itself. Some jurisdictions add additional charges for services like expedited processing or certified copies. For example, a couple getting married in Mississippi might pay only $15 for a marriage license, while a couple in New Jersey could pay between $25 and $50 depending on their county. California charges $65 for a marriage license, while New York charges $40 to $65 depending on the county.

Beyond the basic license fee, some locations charge extra for specific services. A certified copy of your marriage license might cost $5 to $15 per copy. If you need your license processed faster than normal, expedited processing fees can range from $10 to $50 additional. Some counties offer discounts if you complete a premarital counseling course, which may reduce your license fee by $10 to $25.

Several factors influence what you'll pay. The state where you marry matters most. Counties within states may also have different fees. Whether you need the license rushed affects the price. If you're getting remarried, you may need to provide divorce papers or death certificates, though these documents themselves usually have separate fees from your local courthouse.

Practical takeaway: Before planning your wedding budget, research the specific marriage license cost in the state and county where you plan to marry. Contact your local county clerk's office directly for accurate pricing, as rates change periodically and local variations exist even within the same state.

State-by-State Marriage License Fee Breakdown

Marriage license costs break down clearly when you examine individual states. This section provides information about typical fees across different regions of the United States. Keep in mind that fees may change and county variations may exist within states, so verification with your local clerk's office remains important.

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In the Northeast, costs tend toward the middle to higher range. Massachusetts charges $50 for a marriage license, while Pennsylvania charges $20. New York charges between $40 and $65 depending on your county. Connecticut charges $60, and Vermont charges $45. Rhode Island charges $28.50. Maine charges $40. These northeastern states generally require you to obtain your license in the town or city where one of you resides.

Southern states often have lower marriage license costs. Texas charges $76.50 for a marriage license. Florida charges $105.50, making it among the most expensive states. Georgia charges $70. North Carolina charges $60. South Carolina charges $55. Tennessee charges $69.50. Alabama charges $15, making it one of the least expensive options in the nation. Mississippi charges $15 as well. These varied prices mean choosing a marriage location within the South can significantly affect your licensing costs.

Midwest states show a wide range of fees. Ohio charges $65. Illinois charges $65 to $120 depending on the county. Wisconsin charges $42. Minnesota charges $115. Michigan charges $35. Indiana charges $99.95 to $109.95. Kansas charges $20. Nebraska charges $60. Iowa charges $45. The variation within this region shows that even neighboring states can have very different costs.

Western states demonstrate that some of the lowest and highest costs exist in this region. California charges $65. Colorado charges $70. Oregon charges $100. Washington charges $67. Nevada charges $60. Arizona charges $72. Utah charges $80. However, Montana charges only $35, and Wyoming charges $25, showing significant regional differences even within the western United States.

Practical takeaway: Create a spreadsheet listing the marriage license fees for states or counties you're considering for your wedding. If you have flexibility about location, comparing fees across regions may reveal meaningful savings opportunities for your wedding budget.

What Information You Need When Getting a Marriage License

Obtaining a marriage license requires gathering specific documents and information before you visit your county clerk's office. Understanding what you'll need prevents delays and repeat trips to complete your paperwork. While requirements vary by state and county, common items are consistently requested across most jurisdictions.

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Both people getting married must provide valid government-issued photo identification. A driver's license, passport, military identification card, or state identification card typically works. Your identification must be current and not expired. Some states accept identification that expired recently, but most require current identification. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number, which the state uses for vital statistics records and background checks.

Birth certificates or proof of citizenship may be required. Many states request an original birth certificate or a certified copy from your state's vital records office. If you were born outside the United States, you'll typically need to provide your immigration documents or naturalization certificate. Some states now accept a combination of documents like a passport and school records if you don't have a traditional birth certificate available.

If you've been married before, you'll need proof of how your previous marriage ended. This includes a divorce decree, annulment document, or the death certificate of a previous spouse. The state needs to verify that you're legally able to remarry. These documents must be original or officially certified copies. Obtaining certified copies can take several weeks and may cost $10 to $30 per document from vital records offices.

You may need to provide your parents' names and your parents' dates of birth. Some states also request information about whether you have any close relatives marrying each other, as some states have laws preventing marriage between certain relatives. You'll need to answer questions truthfully about your residency status and any legal restrictions preventing you from marrying.

Some states require health information or test results. A few states still request blood test results or testing for certain infectious diseases, though this requirement is becoming less common. Check with your specific state to see if health testing is part of your marriage license process. If required, these tests may cost $20 to $100 additional, depending on the testing facility and whether your state has designated providers.

Practical takeaway: Contact your county clerk's office at least six weeks before your planned wedding date. Request a detailed checklist of required documents and ask about processing time. Gathering documents like certified birth certificates in advance prevents delays during the final weeks before your wedding.

Processing Times and Planning Ahead for Your Marriage License

Marriage license processing times vary significantly by location and affect your wedding planning timeline. Understanding these timelines helps you avoid delays and allows you to coordinate your license with other wedding arrangements. Some locations process licenses immediately on application day, while others require waiting periods.

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Many states include a waiting period between when you apply for your marriage license and when you can actually use it. This waiting period typically ranges from zero to five days. Nevada and Colorado have no waiting period, meaning you can receive your license the same day you apply. Most states have a one to three-day waiting period. New York requires a 24-hour waiting period unless you complete a premarital counseling course, which eliminates the wait. Florida requires a three-day waiting period unless you complete a counseling course, reducing it to no wait.

The actual processing of your application usually takes 15 minutes to one hour during your visit to the clerk's office if you're prepared with all required documents. However, busy periods can mean longer wait times. Peak wedding season (May through September) typically means longer processing lines at county clerk offices. Consider visiting during slower periods like early morning, Tuesday through Thursday, or off-season months to minimize your wait time.

Many states now offer expedited or rush processing options for an additional fee. Expedited processing might reduce your wait time from three days to one day or from one day to same-day issuance. These expedited options typically cost $10 to $50 extra. If you're getting married soon and haven't obtained your license, checking whether expedited options exist in your state could be helpful, though you'll pay more for the service.

Some states allow you to apply for a marriage license online or by mail before visiting in person. This approach lets you submit documents in advance and complete your paperwork partially before your clerk's office visit. Online applications may save time during your visit, though most states still require in-person verification and signature. Mail-in applications typically take two to three weeks, so this option works only if you're planning well in advance.

Marriage licenses have validity periods. They typically remain valid for 30 to 90