A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to get married. It must be obtained before the wedding ceremony and is a prerequisite for a legally recognized marriage in all US states.
16 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Research Your State and County Requirements
- Visit your county clerk's website or call their office
- Confirm age requirements (generally 18+, minors may need parental consent)
- Check residency requirements (some states require at least one party to be a resident)
- Determine if a waiting period applies between application and ceremony
- Confirm validity window (typically 30-90 days after issuance)
- Gather Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of age (birth certificate if ID does not show date of birth)
- Social Security number (required in many states)
2. Key Details
- Cost: $25-$100+ depending on jurisdiction; some offer discounts for premarital education
- Validity: Typically 30-90 days from issuance (must marry within this window)
- Waiting periods: Range from none to 3 days; varies by state
- Who can officiate: Varies by state — includes judges, clergy, justices of the peace, and in some states, online-ordained ministers or even friends
- Blood tests: Once common, now required by very few states (check locally)
- Proxy marriages: Allowed in a handful of states for military members or special circumstances
Common Mistakes
- Applying too early (license expires before the wedding) or too late (insuffic...
- Not bringing all required documents to the clerk's office
- Forgetting that both parties usually must appear in person
- Not checking if previously married — a divorce decree or death certificate is...
- Assuming the marriage license IS the marriage certificate (the license author...
Pro Tips
- Apply 30-60 days before your wedding for the best timing window
- Call the clerk's office in advance to confirm exact documents needed and hour...
- Bring extra identification in case a document is questioned
- Order 5-10 certified copies of your marriage certificate — you will need them...
- If having a destination wedding, research marriage license requirements for t...