Marriage License Cost and Requirements by State (2026)
Updated: Oct 18
Getting a marriage license is simple in some places and surprisingly fussy in others. In Rhode Island it costs $24. In the largest Washington counties it costs $162 to $172. Connecticut added a 48-hour waiting period this month, Iowa raised its fee in July, and Alabama stopped issuing licenses altogether in 2019. This guide puts the rules for every state side by side so you can plan before you walk into the clerk’s office.
How to read this guide
There is no federal marriage license. Each state writes its own rules, and a local official (a county clerk, probate court, register of deeds or town clerk, depending on the state) issues the license and keeps the record. In many states the county sets the fee, so the amounts below are either a statewide fee or a real example from a county we checked. A “≈” in front of a number means the figure is typical but we could not confirm it on a 2026 official page. Always check the issuing office’s own website before you go.
License, certificate and registration: what is the difference
The marriage license is the permission slip you get before the wedding. The marriage certificate is the record created after your officiant signs the license and returns it to the issuing office. You need certified copies of the certificate to change your name, update Social Security, add a spouse to insurance or file immigration paperwork. Tennessee’s health department says plainly that a certified copy of the certificate is not a copy of the license, so order the right one.
How the process works
Find the right office. Search for the clerk, recorder or probate court in the county where you will marry (or, in a few states, any county). Most license offices cannot issue a license for a wedding in another state.
Start online if you can. About 32 states let couples fill out the application online first. The online step usually saves time but does not replace the visit, since you often still have to appear and pay.
Apply with ID and the fee. Bring a government photo ID and anything the state asks for on top of it (see the next section).
Wait out any waiting period. Some states count from the day you apply and others from the day the license is issued.
Marry before the license expires. An authorized officiant performs the ceremony, and witnesses sign if your state requires them.
Make sure the license is returned. In most states the officiant sends it back to the issuing office within a set number of days. After it is recorded, you order certified copies.
State-by-state guide
The three tables below cover every state and D.C. Table 1 covers money and timing. Table 2 covers who applies, where, and what to bring. Table 3 covers online pre-applications, witnesses, marrying without an officiant, and who returns the signed license.
Table 1: Cost, waiting period, expiration and certificate copies
State | License fee | Waiting period | License expires | Certified copy |
Alabama | No license. Probate court recording fee, about $84.50 in Jefferson County (includes a $60 state charge) | None | No license; form must be recorded within 30 days of the later signature | $15 including one copy; $6 each extra |
Alaska | $60 ($73 if mailed) | 3 days (hardship waiver) | 3 months | ≈$30 |
Arizona | $98 | None | 1 year | Set by county |
Arkansas | $60 in counties checked | None (5 business days at age 17) | No expiry in statute, but return it within 60 days of its date | $10 |
California | Set by county; $91 in Los Angeles | None | 90 days | $19 (state) |
Colorado | $30 in counties checked | None | 35 days | Set by county |
Connecticut | $50 | 48 hours (since Oct. 1, 2026) | 65 days | $20 |
Delaware | Set by county; Kent is $70 resident, $120 nonresident | 24 hours | 30 days (extendable for good cause) | ≈$25 |
District of Columbia | $45 | None | Does not expire | $10 regular; $20 triple-seal |
Florida | $86 ($61 with a premarital course) | 3 days (waived with a course, for nonresidents or hardship) | 60 days | $5 search fee including one copy |
Georgia | $56 to $76 by county ($40 off with a course) | None | No expiry in statute | Set by county probate court |
Hawaii | $65 | None | 30 days | $10 first copy, $4 each extra, plus $2.50 admin fee |
Idaho | Set by county; $28 in Canyon, $30 in Ada | None | Does not expire | $16 |
Illinois | Set by county (cap $75); $60 in Cook | 1 day | 60 days after it takes effect | Set by county |
Indiana | $25 ($65 if neither of you lives in Indiana) | None | 60 days | $8 per date searched at the state (1958 to 2012); county clerk otherwise |
Iowa | $40 (was $35 before July 1, 2026) | 3 days (a judge can approve earlier) | Does not expire once issued | $20 (was $15) |
Kansas | $85.50 plus a surcharge authorized from July 1, 2026 | 3 days (a judge can waive) | 6 months | $20 (covers a 5-year search) |
Kentucky | $26.50 in statute; Fayette County lists $60 | None found in statute | 30 days | $6 |
Louisiana | $27.50 | 24 hours after issuance (a judge can waive) | 30 days | $5 plus $0.50 on mail or online orders (Orleans); parish clerks set their own |
Maine | $40 | None (21 days after a Maine divorce unless you show the appeal waiver) | 90 days from filing your intentions | $15 first copy, $6 each extra |
Maryland | $10 state base plus county surcharge; $35 to $85 in counties checked | Until 6 a.m. on the second day after issuance | 6 months after it takes effect | $12 plus $13 internet fee |
Massachusetts | Set locally; $50 in Boston | 3 days (a court can waive) | 60 days from filing | $20 in person, $32 by mail, $54 first copy online |
Michigan | $20 base ($30 if both of you live out of state); Wayne County $30 or $40 | 3 days (clerk can waive for good cause) | 33 days from application | State: $34 search plus $14 online fee; county clerks set their own |
Minnesota | $125, or $50 with 12 hours of premarital education | None | 6 months | Set by county |
Mississippi | $36 to $37 in counties checked | None | Does not expire (DeSoto and Monroe counties) | $17 at the state |
Missouri | Set by county; $50 in St. Louis County | None | 30 days | State statement $14 first, $11 each extra; certified copy comes from the county recorder |
Montana | $53 | None | 180 days | Set by county clerk of district court |
Nebraska | $50 (since July 18, 2026) | None | 1 year | $16 |
Nevada | $85 in state fees, counties may add; $102 in Clark | None | 1 year | Set by county |
New Hampshire | $50 | None found (confirm with the clerk) | 90 days from filing | $15 search fee including the first certified copy |
New Jersey | $28 | 72 hours (a court can shorten) | 30 days | Varies by state or local registrar |
New Mexico | $55 | None | Does not expire (per county clerks) | Set by county |
New York | $35 in New York City; $40 in Yonkers and Buffalo | 24 hours after issuance (a judge can waive) | 60 days (180 days for active-duty military in NYC) | State DOH outside NYC: $30 by mail, $45 online; NYC City Clerk sets its own |
North Carolina | $60 | None | 60 days | $24 per 3-year search at the state; county Register of Deeds sets its own and is often faster |
North Dakota | $65 in counties checked | None | 60 days | Set by county |
Ohio | $60 to $75 by county | None for adults | 60 days | Set by county probate court |
Oklahoma | $50, or $5 with premarital counseling | None for adults | 30 days | Set by county court clerk |
Oregon | $60 to $85 by county | 3 days (a judge or clerk can waive) | 60 days after it takes effect | $25 at the state, search included |
Pennsylvania | $60 to $90 by county | 3 days (a court can waive) | 60 days | Set by county |
Rhode Island | $24 | None | 3 months | ≈$20 |
South Carolina | Set by county; $70 in Charleston | 24 hours (no waiver in statute) | No statewide limit found; 6 months in Richland, none in Greenville | $12 by mail or drop-off, $3 each extra; about $29.85 online |
South Dakota | $40 | None for adults | 90 days | $15 flat |
Tennessee | Set by county; $97.50 in Knox and Shelby ($60 off with a 4-hour course) | None | 30 days | $15 |
Texas | $76 to $81 in five counties checked (some add $100 for nonresidents; $60 off with a course) | 72 hours after issuance (exceptions below) | 90 days | County clerk issues copies; the state issues only a $20 verification letter |
Utah | Set by county; $50 in Salt Lake ($20 off with a course in online-application counties) | None | 32 days | Set by county |
Vermont | $80 | None | 60 days | $10, plus about $2 per online order |
Virginia | $30 | None | 60 days | ≈$12 |
Washington | $162 to $172 in the four largest counties (statewide range $136 to $172) | 3 days (no waiver) | 60 days | $25 |
West Virginia | $55 in statute ($35 with a course); $57 in counties checked | None (3-day wait repealed June 2023) | 60 days | $12 including one copy |
Wisconsin | $49.50 base plus county add-on; $110 in Waukesha | 3 days (clerk can shorten for up to $25) | 60 days | $20 first copy, $3 each extra |
Wyoming | $30 | None | 1 year | $25 |
Table 2: Who applies, where, and what to bring
“Both” means both of you are expected at the application, in person or by the video option noted. Residency is not required in most states, but a few send out-of-state couples to the county where the ceremony will happen.
State | Both partners needed? | Issuing office | Documents and notes |
Alabama | No. You sign a notarized Alabama Marriage Certificate form | Any county probate court records it | Notarized form; the state website generates a printable version |
Alaska | Both sign the sworn application; it can be notarized and mailed | Alaska Vital Records or a local court clerk | Photo ID; no residency requirement |
Arizona | Both (Maricopa County has a multi-step option with no visit) | Clerk of the Superior Court | Photo ID; no residency requirement |
Arkansas | Both; a 17-year-old needs notarized parental consent | County clerk | Photo ID; no residency requirement |
California | Both, in person before the county clerk (video in some counties) | County clerk-recorder | Photo ID; choose a public or confidential license |
Colorado | Both, or by video if the county offers it | County clerk and recorder | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony inside Colorado |
Connecticut | Both, by appointment in the town where you will marry | Town registrar of vital statistics (town clerk) | Photo ID; you must apply in the town of your ceremony |
Delaware | Both | County Clerk of the Peace | Photo ID; nonresidents pay more in Kent County |
District of Columbia | Both; online applications are accepted | D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau | Photo ID; everyone must be physically in D.C. for the ceremony |
Florida | Both, in person at most offices | Clerk of the circuit court (county) | Photo ID; no residency requirement |
Georgia | Both | Probate court (county) | Photo ID; divorce decree or death record if either of you was married before; couples who both live out of state go to the county of the ceremony |
Hawaii | Both, before a marriage license agent | Agent appointed by the Department of Health | Photo ID; your officiant must hold a Department of Health license |
Idaho | Both | County recorder | Photo ID and Social Security number; valid only for a ceremony in Idaho |
Illinois | Both (Cook County offers a virtual video issuance) | County clerk | Photo ID; the license works only in the county that issued it |
Indiana | Both, after online e-filing in participating counties | Clerk of the circuit court | Birth record, passport or driver’s license for proof of age; couples who both live out of state apply in the county of the ceremony |
Iowa | Both | County recorder | Photo ID and Social Security number; an adult who knows you both serves as a witness at the application |
Kansas | An electronically signed online application counts as appearing | Clerk of the district court | No ID required, since age is sworn on the application; apply at least two weeks ahead |
Kentucky | Both present when the license is issued | County clerk | Proof of age such as a birth record, passport or driver’s license |
Louisiana | Both; both must also be physically present at the ceremony | Parish clerk of court (Orleans Parish: the state registrar) | Certified birth certificate plus valid ID |
Maine | Both | Town or city clerk | Photo ID; divorce decree or death record if either of you was married before |
Maryland | Only one applicant must appear | Circuit court clerk (county) | The license works only in the issuing county |
Massachusetts | Both | Any city or town clerk (it is called a certificate of intention of marriage) | Photo ID; the clerk may waive the 3-day wait only with a court order |
Michigan | Both; couples who both live out of state apply where they will marry | County clerk | Photo ID |
Minnesota | Registrars may take your oath by phone, web conference or a verified statement | Local (county) registrar | Photo ID; free statewide marriage search at MOMS |
Mississippi | Both | Circuit clerk (county) | Parental consent is required if either of you is under 21 |
Missouri | Both; St. Louis and St. Charles counties take online applications if one of you lives there | County recorder of deeds | Photo ID |
Montana | One applicant is enough once both have signed (Missoula County asks for both) | Clerk of the district court | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony in Montana |
Nebraska | Both; anyone 17 or 18 needs a parent’s sworn consent (age of majority is 19) | County clerk | Photo ID |
Nevada | Both (Clark County has an online step) | County clerk | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony in Nevada |
New Hampshire | Both sign at the clerk’s office; you can fill out the worksheet ahead | Town or city clerk | Photo ID; divorce decree or death record if either of you was married before |
New Jersey | Both | Municipal registrar of vital statistics | Photo ID; a witness at least 18 at the application; a license issued to two nonresidents is valid only in the issuing municipality |
New Mexico | Both | County clerk | Photo ID |
New York | Both (virtual appointments in NYC through Project Cupid) | Town or city clerk | Photo ID; any clerk statewide can issue |
North Carolina | Both, or one with a sworn, notarized affidavit from the other | Register of Deeds | Photo ID and Social Security number |
North Dakota | Both | County recorder or the office the county designates | Social Security number; divorce decree or death record if applicable |
Ohio | Both (a medical affidavit is the only statutory exception) | Probate court (county) | Photo ID; if neither of you lives in Ohio, apply in the county where you will marry |
Oklahoma | Both | Court clerk (county) | Photo ID; someone divorced in the last six months generally cannot remarry yet |
Oregon | Both | County clerk | Photo ID |
Pennsylvania | Both (video appearance in Allegheny, Bucks and Montgomery counties) | Register of Wills (marriage license clerk) | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony in Pennsylvania |
Rhode Island | Both; couples who both live out of state apply in the town of the ceremony | City or town clerk | Photo ID |
South Carolina | Both (Richland County handles it online and mails the license) | Probate judge (county) | Photo ID and Social Security number |
South Dakota | Both; a power of attorney cannot be used | Register of deeds | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony in South Dakota |
Tennessee | Both | County clerk | Photo ID |
Texas | Both; if an adult cannot appear, the other applicant or any adult can apply with the absent person’s affidavit | County clerk | Proof of identity and age; each applicant swears the other is not a first cousin |
Utah | Both (Utah County is fully online, Salt Lake County needs a visit to pay) | County clerk | Photo ID; valid only for a ceremony in Utah |
Vermont | At least one of you must sign before the clerk | Town clerk | Photo ID |
Virginia | Both | Circuit court clerk | Photo ID |
Washington | Both sign a sworn application; notarizing and mailing is allowed | County auditor | Photo ID |
West Virginia | Both | County clerk | Photo ID |
Wisconsin | Both (Dane County uses Zoom appointments) | County clerk | Certified birth record, or a REAL ID-compliant ID or another listed document |
Wyoming | The statute says one of you applies, but the state Judicial Branch and Teton County say both must come | County clerk | Photo ID |
Table 3: Online pre-application, witnesses, marrying without an officiant, and who returns the license
About 32 states offer an online application somewhere, but availability is mostly decided county by county. “Some counties” means the state has at least one county doing it, so check your own county’s page. “Confirm” means we did not find a clear statewide answer in the official guidance we reviewed.
State | Online pre-application | Witnesses | Marry without an officiant? | Who returns the signed license |
Alabama | Yes, an online form you print | None | Yes. No ceremony or officiant is required | The couple, to a probate court within 30 days of the later signature |
Alaska | Mail option with a notarized application | 1 | No. Any adult 18 or older can be appointed a marriage commissioner for $25 | Officiant, within 7 days |
Arizona | Yes (Maricopa County) | 2 | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Arkansas | Some counties | Not required (Pope County) | No | Officiant, within 60 days of the license date |
California | Many counties | 1 for a public license (up to 2); none for a confidential license | No | Officiant, within 10 days |
Colorado | Many counties | None | Yes. The couple may solemnize their own marriage | Within 63 days (late fee of at least $20) |
Connecticut | Some towns | None in statute | No | Officiant, by the end of the first week of the following month |
Delaware | Some counties | 2 | No | Officiant, within 4 days under one code section |
District of Columbia | Yes | None in statute | Yes. The parties to the marriage are on the list of who can perform it | Officiant, within 10 days |
Florida | Some counties | None generally (confirm) | No | Officiant, within 10 days |
Georgia | Some counties | Not required per county guidance (confirm) | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Hawaii | Yes | None | No. Every officiant needs a Department of Health license | Officiant, within 3 business days to the license agent |
Idaho | Some counties | Not required | No | Officiant, within 10 days under one statute (a return after 30 days is a misdemeanor) |
Illinois | Yes (Cook County) | None | Only where the couple’s religious practice uses no officiant | Officiant, within 10 days |
Indiana | Yes, through e-filing in participating counties | None | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Iowa | Some counties | 2 per the state instructions (some sources say 1) | No | Officiant, within 15 days |
Kansas | Yes | 2 | Yes, by mutual declaration under the customs of a religious society either of you belongs to | Officiant, within 10 days |
Kentucky | Some counties | 2 people present besides the couple and officiant | Only under the customs of a religious society | Officiant, within one month |
Louisiana | Some parishes | 2 | No | Officiant, within 10 days |
Maine | Some towns | 2 | Only under Quaker or Baha’i customs | Officiant, within 15 working days |
Maryland | Some counties | None required | Only under Quaker customs | Officiant, within 5 days |
Massachusetts | Some towns | Confirm with the clerk | Only under Quaker customs. A one-day officiant designation is available from the Governor | Officiant, by the 10th day of the following month |
Michigan | Some counties | 2 | No | Officiant, within 10 days |
Minnesota | Yes (MOMS) | 2 | No | Officiant, within 5 days |
Mississippi | Some counties | Confirm with the circuit clerk | No | Varies by county; confirm with the circuit clerk |
Missouri | Some counties | Confirm with the recorder | Only under the customs of a religious society | Officiant, within 15 days of the license being issued |
Montana | Some counties | 2 (for a declaration of marriage) | Yes, by a witnessed declaration filed for a $53 fee | Within 30 days |
Nebraska | Some counties | 2 | No | Officiant, within 15 days |
Nevada | Yes (Clark County) | 1 | No. A friend can get single-ceremony permission from the county clerk ($55 in Clark; apply 30 days ahead) | Officiant, within 10 days |
New Hampshire | Worksheet online; both still sign at the office | None | No. A special one-wedding officiant license costs $85 | Officiant, within 6 days |
New Jersey | Some municipalities | 2 sign the certificate | No | Officiant, within 5 days |
New Mexico | Some counties | Required (counties say 2) | No | Officiant, within 90 days |
New York | Yes (NYC Project Cupid) | 1 | No self-uniting license. A written contract with two witnesses, acknowledged before a judge, is recognized. A one-day officiant license costs $25 | Officiant, within 5 days (5 business days in NYC) |
North Carolina | Some counties | 2 | Only for denominations that do not use officiants | Officiant, within 10 days |
North Dakota | Some counties | 2 sign the certificate | No | Officiant, within 5 days |
Ohio | Some counties | None in statute | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Oklahoma | Some counties | 2 | No | The ceremony and return both within 30 days of issuance |
Oregon | Some counties | 2 | No | Officiant, within 5 days |
Pennsylvania | Many counties | None with an officiant; 2 for a self-uniting license | Yes, with a self-uniting license ($100 in Philadelphia) | Officiant, within 10 days |
Rhode Island | Some towns | 2 | No. A one-wedding governor’s designation is available | Officiant, within 72 hours |
South Carolina | Yes (Richland County, online and by mail) | None in statute | No | Officiant, within 15 days |
South Dakota | Some counties | 2 (the officiant confirms their names) | Only under a denomination’s custom; the couple files within 30 days | Officiant, within 10 days |
Tennessee | Some counties | None | No. Online ordinations are not accepted | Officiant, within 3 days |
Texas | Yes, many counties | None (Harris County) | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Utah | Yes (Utah County is fully online) | 2 | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
Vermont | Some towns | None | No. A temporary officiant registers for $100 | Officiant, within 10 days |
Virginia | Some counties (for example Fairfax) | None | No | Officiant, within 5 days |
Washington | Mail option; some counties online | 2 | No | Officiant, within 30 days |
West Virginia | Some counties | None | No | Officiant, before the 6th day of the following month |
Wisconsin | Some counties | 2 | Yes, under the customs of a religious society either of you belongs to | Must reach the register of deeds within 3 days |
Wyoming | Some counties | 2 | No | Officiant; Teton, Albany and Laramie counties ask for it within 10 days |
How to skip the waiting period and get a discount
The fastest and cheapest route in several states is a premarital course. In Florida and Texas the certificate does both jobs at once: it waives the wait and lowers the fee. Elsewhere, a judge or clerk can shorten the wait, usually for a reason such as an emergency or military service.
Where you can skip the waiting period, and how
State | Normal wait | How to skip it |
Florida | 3 days | Bring a premarital course certificate. Nonresidents and couples with a hardship are also excepted |
Texas | 72 hours after issuance | Finish a state-approved course within the past year (the clerk waives it automatically), or be active-duty military or a Department of Defense employee, or get a written waiver |
Alaska | 3 days | The licensing officer can waive it for undue hardship |
Delaware | 24 hours | The Clerk of the Peace can shorten it for good cause |
Illinois | 1 day | A court can order a different effective date |
Iowa | 3 days | A district court judge can approve an earlier date in an emergency |
Kansas | 3 days | A judge can waive it |
Louisiana | 24 hours | A judge or justice of the peace can waive it for serious and meritorious reasons |
Maryland | Until 6 a.m. on the second day | A circuit court judge can make it effective earlier for good cause if one of you is a Maryland resident or a service member |
Massachusetts | 3 days | A court can waive it; the waiver costs $195 in total |
Michigan | 3 days | The clerk can release the license sooner for good cause, for an added county fee |
New Jersey | 72 hours | A Superior Court order can shorten it |
New York | 24 hours | A judge can sign a waiver order |
Oregon | 3 days | A judge or the county clerk can waive it (Lane County does so only for deploying military) |
Pennsylvania | 3 days | A court can allow it in an emergency, or for a National Guard or reserve member called to active duty |
Wisconsin | 3 days | The clerk can issue the license sooner for an added fee of up to $25 |
Two places leave no room. South Carolina’s statute has no waiver, and King County, Washington says its 3-day wait cannot be waived even by court order. For Connecticut’s new 48-hour wait we found no exception in the guidance we reviewed, so ask the town clerk.
Where a premarital course lowers the fee
State | Regular fee | With a course | What counts |
Minnesota | $125 | $50 | At least 12 hours of premarital education |
Oklahoma | $50 | $5 | A premarital counseling certificate |
Tennessee | Set by county (for example $97.50 in Knox and Shelby) | $60 off, so about $37.50 in Knox and Shelby | A course of at least 4 hours |
Texas | $76 to $81 in counties checked | $60 off in Harris, Dallas and Bexar; $21 in Anderson County (cash only) | A state-approved course such as Twogether in Texas; the discount is for Texas residents and the 72-hour wait is also waived |
Georgia | $56 to $76 | $40 off | A course of at least 6 hours |
West Virginia | $55 | $35 | A premarital course certificate |
Florida | $86 | $61 | A course certificate; the 3-day wait is also waived |
Utah | Set by county ($50 in Salt Lake) | $20 off | Qualifying counseling or education, in counties with an online application system |
South Carolina works differently. A qualifying course earns a one-time $50 state income tax credit but does not lower the license fee or shorten the wait.
How to claim a course discount, step by step
Check that your state is on the list above. If it is not, a course will not change the price.
Pick a course the state accepts. Some states name approved providers or minimum hours, so ask the clerk before you pay.
Finish the hours and keep the certificate. Texas wants the course completed within the past year.
Bring the original certificate with your ID when you apply. In Texas the clerk then waives the 72-hour wait automatically and charges the lower fee.
Ask how to pay. Some counties take only certain payment types for the discounted fee, such as cash at Anderson County, Texas.
Other ways to pay less
Compare counties. Fees differ inside a state: $56 to $76 in Georgia, $60 to $75 in Ohio, $60 to $85 in Oregon, and $136 to $172 across Washington. In most states a license from any county works anywhere in that state, though Illinois and Maryland licenses work only in the issuing county, and out-of-state couples in places such as Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan and Rhode Island must apply where they will marry.
Avoid the nonresident surcharge where you can. Indiana charges $65 instead of $25 when neither of you lives there, Kent County in Delaware charges $120 instead of $70, and some Texas counties add $100.
Order certified copies together. Extra copies cost far less than the first, for example $15 then $6 in Alabama and $20 then $3 in Wisconsin.
Rules the tables cannot show
Texas waiting period exceptions: The 72-hour wait does not apply to active-duty military, Department of Defense employees, couples with a written waiver, or couples who finished a state-approved premarital course in the past year.
Destination weddings: In nearly every state that addresses it, the license is good only for a ceremony inside the state that issued it. Illinois and Maryland licenses work only in the issuing county.
Alabama: There is no license at all. You sign a notarized certificate form and a probate court records it within 30 days, or the marriage is not valid and you start over.
Officiants: Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, Louisiana and Ohio require officiants to be licensed or registered, so ordination alone may not be enough. Tennessee’s statute says online ordinations do not count.
Proxy and remote weddings: Only a few states allow them, mostly for military members. Utah allows online ceremonies with someone outside the state if the officiant is physically in Utah and the 2026 conditions are met.
Cousins and recent divorces: Many states bar first cousins from marrying, and several make a divorced person wait before remarrying (Alabama 60 days, Texas 30 days, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wisconsin six months).
After the wedding: returning the license and ordering copies
In most states your officiant carries the legal duty to send the signed license back, and deadlines run from 72 hours in Rhode Island to 90 days in New Mexico. Ask your officiant when and how they will file it, and confirm with the clerk a week or two later that it was recorded. Colorado charges a late fee, and Idaho treats a return after 30 days as a misdemeanor.
Once the record is filed, you order certified copies from the county or state vital records office, not from the officiant. Order several at once. The first copy usually carries the search fee, and extras are far cheaper: Alabama is $15 then $6 each, Wisconsin $20 then $3, and South Carolina $12 then $3.
If you plan to change your name, the certified copy is the document the Social Security Administration and the DMV want to see. The SSA has advised newlyweds to wait at least 30 days after the wedding before requesting a name change so state records have time to update. Apply under the name on the record, since a search under your new name will miss a certificate filed under the old one.
A few ordering details to know:
California: the state office takes mail-in applications only since July 1, 2026, and only the two spouses can get a confidential marriage record.
Georgia: certified marriage records go only to the two parties.
Texas: the state issues only a $20 verification letter. Certified copies come from the county clerk.
Washington: anyone can order a marriage certificate, with no proof of identity.
Using a certificate abroad: order the certified copy first, then authenticate it in the same state. New York, for example, charges $3 at the County Clerk and $10 for the Department of State apostille.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a marriage license cost in the U.S.?
From $24 in Rhode Island to about $172 in the largest Washington counties. Most states fall between $30 and $100. A premarital course lowers the price in Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, West Virginia and Utah.
Do both of us have to go to the clerk’s office?
In most states, yes. Maryland needs only one applicant, Montana needs one once both have signed, Alabama needs neither because there is no license, and some places run video appointments, including New York City, Cook County in Illinois and Dane County in Wisconsin.
Can we get married the same day we apply?
Only in states with no waiting period, and often only if the office is open and your documents are in order. States with a wait include Connecticut (48 hours), New York (24 hours), Texas (72 hours) and Washington (3 days).
How long is a marriage license valid?
From 30 days (Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee and others) to one year (Arizona, Nebraska, Nevada, Wyoming). Licenses in D.C., Idaho and Iowa do not expire once issued. An expired license means a new application and a new fee.
Do we need a witness?
It depends. Alaska, Nevada and New York require one. Many states require two. Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Vermont require none.
Can we marry ourselves without an officiant?
In Colorado and D.C., yes. In Pennsylvania you need a self-uniting license, and in Montana a witnessed declaration. Alabama requires no ceremony. Elsewhere, a friend can often get a one-day officiant license (New York $25, New Hampshire $85, Vermont $100).
Can I apply for a license in one state and marry in another?
Generally no. A license is valid only for a ceremony in the state that issued it.
Who sends the signed license back?
Usually your officiant, within a deadline set by the state. In Alabama and Colorado the couple can be responsible for it.
Do I have to live in the state?
Usually not. Residency affects price or office in some places: Indiana charges $65 instead of $25 when neither of you lives there, and Ohio, Georgia, Michigan and Rhode Island send out-of-state couples to the county or town of the ceremony.
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