Rhiannon Hendricks
Getting married by a judge, also known as a judicial wedding, is a valid way to get married in some places. In the US, for example, the laws around who can legally marry you differ from state to state. In North Carolina, a judge from another state would not be considered an acceptable officiant, whereas in Connecticut, a judge can marry you. In Illinois, you can request a judge from the 19th Judicial Circuit Court to perform your marriage ceremony, but it is not clear whether judges from other courts in the state can do the same.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The location depends on the county and state. For example, in Anoka County, MN, and Lake County, IL, weddings are performed at the county court. |
| Cost | There is a fee to apply for a marriage license, which varies by location. For example, in Lake County, IL, the fee is $35, whereas in Anoka County, MN, the cost depends on factors such as location, date, time, and length of the ceremony. |
| Witnesses | The number of witnesses required varies by state. For example, in Illinois, no witnesses are needed by state law, whereas in North Carolina, at least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license after the ceremony. |
| Guests | Small groups of guests are allowed. |
| Age requirements | Both parties must be at least 18 years old, unless specific requirements for minors are met. For example, in North Carolina, minors aged 16 and 17 may marry a person no more than four years older with written parental consent. |
| Relationship requirements | The couple cannot be more closely related than first cousins and cannot be double first cousins. |
| Intent to marry | Both parties must intend to marry and solemnly declare their intent. |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
San Diego County, California
In San Diego County, California, couples must obtain a marriage license before having a ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, and the ceremony must take place within this period and within the state of California. At least one witness must be present at the ceremony, and no more than two witnesses may sign the marriage license afterward. There is no age requirement for witnesses, but they must understand the nature of the ceremony and be able to sign their names unaided. Couples must be living together as spouses when they apply for the license and must sign a declaration to that effect. After the ceremony, the license must be signed by the officiant and returned for registration, which can take up to 10 business days. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and must present valid, current government-issued photo ID when applying for the license.
Lake County, Illinois
In Lake County, Illinois, there is a \$35 fee to apply for a marriage license, payable in cash or by check/money order to the Lake County Clerk. Certified copies of the completed marriage license can be ordered at the time of application for \$10 for the first copy and \$4 for each additional copy. If a couple wishes to have a judge perform the marriage, they must go to the Lake County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and pay a \$10 marriage fee in cash. No witnesses are required by state law, but small groups of guests may be invited.
Dallas County, Texas
In Dallas County, Texas, only county residents can obtain a marriage license, as determined by the address on the applicants' state-issued identification. Couples must complete the Marriage License online application and then schedule an appointment to meet with a clerk to finalize the application and receive the marriage certificate. Both parties must be present at the appointment and present valid government-issued photo ID. There are no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Collin or Rockwall County, Texas.
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Age, relation, and marital status of both parties
In the United States, there are varying laws regarding the age, relation, and marital status of parties seeking to marry, and these laws differ depending on the state. Here is an overview of the requirements in North Carolina and Utah:
North Carolina
In North Carolina, both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry. However, minors aged 16 and 17 may marry someone no more than four years older with written parental consent or legal guardian consent. Minors under 16 are not permitted to marry. Both parties must not be currently married to anyone else and must be able to understand their actions. They also cannot be more closely related than first cousins and cannot be double first cousins. A marriage license is required and must be obtained before the wedding. There is no waiting period between the issuance of the license and the wedding, and the license is valid for 60 days.
Utah
In Utah, there is no common-law marriage recognized by the state. Instead, couples can ask the court to recognize their relationship as a marriage without a formal ceremony. The specific forms and procedures for this process can be found on the Utah Courts website. Both parties must consent to be married, and this consent must be proven. There is a filing fee associated with this process, but it can be waived if the couple cannot afford it.
Other States
The age requirements for marriage vary across the United States. While some states have set a minimum age of 18 for both parties, others allow minors under 18 to marry with parental consent, judicial authorization, or under specific circumstances. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized across the United States, but specific requirements may differ depending on the state.
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Ceremony officiants
A marriage officiant is a person who officiates at a wedding ceremony. The type of officiant varies depending on the type of wedding ceremony, which can be religious or non-religious.
Religious Weddings
In Christian weddings, a pastor, such as a priest or vicar, acts as the officiant. Protestant weddings are also conducted by a pastor or a minister, depending on the denomination. In the Catholic Church, the bride and groom perform the Sacrament of Matrimony, but a witness, usually a member of the clergy, must be present to validate the marriage. In Jewish weddings, a rabbi ensures that Jewish religious laws are followed and recites the blessing for the ceremony. Islamic weddings are performed by imams, and in Hindu weddings, a pandit is the officiant.
Non-Religious Weddings
Non-religious couples may opt for a civil celebrant or a public official, such as a judge, mayor, or justice of the peace, to officiate their wedding. In some states, independent civil celebrants are certified by the government and are required to undergo training to conduct meaningful and respectful ceremonies. These officiants have the legal responsibility to witness the consent of the spouses and validate the marriage.
Choosing an Officiant
When choosing an officiant, it is essential to consider the type of ceremony desired. For religious weddings, clergy members or pastors are typically chosen. For non-religious weddings, civil celebrants or public officials can be selected. It is also important to meet with the officiant beforehand to ensure a good fit and to discuss any personalization or religious elements desired in the ceremony.
Judges can be a unique choice for officiants and are often chosen due to a personal connection or to add a more intimate feel to the ceremony. In some states, only specific types of judges, such as state court judges, are permitted to officiate weddings. It is important to research the specific laws and requirements of the state or location in which the wedding will take place.
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Witnesses
While it is customary to have witnesses at a wedding, their presence is not required in all states. Some states require one or two witnesses, aged 16 or older, to be present at the wedding ceremony and to sign the marriage license. This is to verify that the ceremony took place and to make the marriage valid. For example, in Alaska, two witnesses are required by law, whereas in California, one witness is required to sign the public marriage license, with the option for a second witness to sign as well.
On the other hand, some states, such as Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, and Idaho, do not require witnesses by law. In Illinois, while witnesses are not required, small groups of guests may be invited to attend the ceremony performed by a judge. Similarly, in Georgia, witnesses are only needed if the person performing the ceremony does not complete the necessary form, in which case two witnesses are required to obtain the marriage certificate.
In terms of the witnesses' identification, they must provide proper identification, such as a photo ID, and their names will be printed on the marriage license as verification of their attendance.
It is important to note that the requirements for witnesses may vary depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the marriage. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local laws or consult with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary requirements are met.
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Financial considerations
A judge-led wedding, also known as a courthouse wedding, is a legally binding marriage ceremony performed by a government official, typically a judge, justice of the peace, or court clerk. This type of wedding is usually chosen for its simplicity, affordability, and focus on the legal union without the frills of a traditional wedding.
When considering a judge-led wedding, there are several financial aspects to keep in mind. Firstly, there is typically a fee associated with the ceremony. The amount of this fee can vary depending on the judge and the location. For example, in King County, Washington, each judge sets their own fee, which must be discussed directly with them. On the other hand, in Anoka County, Minnesota, financial considerations can only be discussed with the judge performing the ceremony, but specific fee amounts are not mentioned. It is important to inquire about these fees in advance to understand the cost of the ceremony.
In addition to the ceremony fee, there are often additional costs associated with obtaining a marriage license. The cost of a marriage license can vary by county and state, typically ranging from $40 to $75. For example, in North Carolina, applicants must pay a fee when applying for a marriage license, but the exact amount is not specified. It is important to research the requirements and fees in your specific location to ensure you obtain the correct license and budget accordingly.
Furthermore, there may be other financial considerations beyond the initial ceremony and license fees. For example, if you choose to have a post-ceremony celebration, such as a small dinner or a formal event, there will be additional costs associated with hosting the event. Additionally, updating legal documents, such as names and marital status with financial institutions, insurance policies, and government records, may incur fees or require processing payments. These additional expenses should be factored into your overall financial plan for the wedding.
While a judge-led wedding is often chosen for its affordability compared to traditional weddings, it is important to carefully consider all the financial aspects involved. This includes the ceremony fee, marriage license cost, and potential additional expenses associated with celebrations and legal document updates. By understanding these financial considerations, you can make informed decisions and budget accordingly for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements for marriage by a judge vary by location. In Anoka County, MN, you must submit a separate request via an online form or phone call to schedule the wedding ceremony. In Lake County, IL, you must pay a marriage fee of $10 in cash. In North Carolina, both parties must be at least 18 years old, not currently married to anyone else, and must be able to understand their actions.
The cost of having a judge perform your wedding ceremony depends on several factors, including location, date, time, and length of the ceremony. In Lake County, IL, the marriage fee is $10, payable in cash only.
Yes, a marriage license is required before the wedding ceremony, regardless of whether a judge or another officiant is performing the marriage.
The number of witnesses required depends on the location of the marriage. In Lake County, IL, no witnesses are needed by state law, but you may invite small groups of guests. In North Carolina, at least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license following the ceremony.
The requirements for minor marriages vary by location. In North Carolina, minors aged 16 and 17 may marry a person no more than four years older with written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
