Where Can You Get a Marriage License?

by Angela Dalecki

Overview

All states require a marriage license to legally validate a marriage. The marriage license is signed by the officiator and two witnesses at the wedding ceremony. Laws regarding marriage licenses vary from state to state, with some state laws demanding a waiting period or other requirements. The bride and groom are responsible for getting the marriage license before the ceremony.
Marriage License Laws

A marriage performed in one state between a man and a woman is automatically recognized in all other U.S. states. However, the laws for wedding ceremonies vary depending on the state in which the wedding takes place. Twenty states require a waiting period of one to four days, and the ceremony cannot take place until the waiting period is over. The waiting period can be waived in some circumstances, such as a groom arriving in the bride's hometown 24 hours before the wedding. If you need to have the waiting period waived, you'll need to apply for a waiver, and a judge will have the final decision. In most cases, couples should arrange to get their marriage license several days before the ceremony. Some states may require tests or additional information, such as a blood test, physical exam, or proof of immunity or vaccination against certain diseases. As your wedding date draws closer, check the U.S. Marriage Laws website to learn about the specific requirements for your state.

Applying for a Marriage License

Visit the county clerk or clerk of the court in your area to apply for a marriage license. The bride and groom must both do this in person. A fee is required, although the amount varies by state. Bring proper identification and proof of divorce, death or annulment if either party has been married before. The couple must be able to prove that the marriage is valid--they must both be 18 years of age or older, they cannot be close blood relatives, neither can be legally married to someone else at the same time and they both must exhibit sufficient mental capacity.
What Happens Next?

After the couple has been approved for a marriage license and the waiting period has ended, the wedding ceremony may take place. A person with the authority to perform a marriage--usually a priest, rabbi or judge--officiates the ceremony and signs the marriage certificate, along with one or two witnesses. The officiator must then send a copy of the signed marriage certificate to the county or state agency in charge of recording these documents. After the paperwork has been processed, the couple will receive originals of both the certified marriage license and the marriage certificate.