How to Get a Marriage License
(Note: Marriage licenses may not be required in all countries outside of the United States and Canada.)
Requirements to Get a Marriage License
To get a marriage license, you’ll need to contact your county clerk. Start at your state or province’s website if you’re not sure who to speak to.
The requirements for receiving a marriage license vary from state to state, but in general you must:
• Both be present
• Be 18 or older (or have parental permission)
• Present valid identification, like a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport
• Fill out the marriage license application form
• Pay the associated fees
• Get any necessary blood tests (not required in most states)
You must get your license in the state where you’ll be married, and you may or may not be required to be a resident of that state. If you live in a state other than the one where you are getting married, call your county clerk for details.
Cost of a Marriage License
Fees for obtaining a marriage license vary by state and county, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $50.
Most states offer a discount if you and your spouse complete a marriage prep course approved by the state beforehand, so you might be able to save some money by taking that marriage prep class during Sunday School.
Waiting Periods and Expiration Dates
Most states and provinces give you your marriage license immediately when you apply, but require a waiting period of 1-6 days until the wedding can actually be performed.
Receiving a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
You must bring your marriage license to your wedding to have the officiate or temple sealer sign it and mail it to the clerk’s office.
You won’t automatically receive a copy of your completed marriage certificate. You must request a copy and send in the appropriate fee (usually around $15.) This is an important document for proving that you are legally married, or legally documenting wife’s change of last name.
Getting a marriage license can be sort of a pain in the neck, but it’s a necessary part of the whole wedding planning package. To make it more fun, set aside an afternoon with your fiancé to apply for your marriage license two or three weeks before the wedding, and make a date out of it.
♥ Jenny Evans
Exclusively for WeddingLDS.com
Copyright © 2011 WeddingLDS.com. All rights reserved.
We were married in 1991 and now we are getting sealed in the temple in April. Do we need to bring our marriage license to our sealing?
Hi Rhonda,
Congratulations on your sealing. :0)
You do not have to bring your marriage license to the sealing.
But you may want to call your the Temple you’re being married in and ask the Temple Presidency just in case.
Have a beautiful wedding!
Rose
My girl friend and I have no religions. We get married and have a samll wedding party at home with families. Who can fill out the marriage license for us?
Thank you.
Hi Tommy, ask at City Hall where you live. They will be able to direct you to the correct place to go. Have a lovely wedding. Rose