Obtaining A Wedding License: Universal Or Location-Specific?

Getting a marriage license is an essential step in the wedding planning process. A marriage license is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document stating that you and your partner are free and eligible to marry each other. While the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary by region and state, there are some general steps you need to take. First, you need to choose your marriage location, as marriage licenses are typically issued based on the legal wedding ceremony location. Next, you'll need to set a wedding date, as marriage licenses are only valid for a certain period, usually between 10 days and a year. Close to your wedding date, you'll need to apply for the marriage license by visiting the relevant office, which could be the city hall, the town or city clerk's office, or the marriage license bureau in the county where the wedding will take place. You'll need to bring various documents, such as proof of identity, proof of age, and information about your parents. There may also be a fee associated with applying for a marriage license. Once you have obtained your marriage license, don't forget to bring it to your wedding ceremony!

Marriage license vs certificate

A marriage license is a legal permit that confirms you and your partner are allowed to marry. It is issued by a state authority, such as a county court, and states that there are no legal impediments to the marriage. The marriage license is usually obtained before the wedding ceremony and is valid for a limited period of time, after which it will expire. The cost of a marriage license varies from state to state, ranging from $35 to $150.

A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is a document issued after the wedding ceremony. It serves as proof that you are legally married and includes details such as the date, time, and place of the wedding, as well as the name of the officiant. The marriage certificate is important for various administrative purposes, such as changing your name, sharing health benefits, filing taxes, and applying for loans or mortgages. Similar to the marriage license, the cost of obtaining a marriage certificate varies across states, ranging from $5 to $26.

It is important to note that both the marriage license and the marriage certificate are required to be legally married. The marriage license allows you to marry, while the marriage certificate confirms that the marriage has taken place.

The process of obtaining these documents may differ depending on the state and county where the marriage is taking place. In some states, the marriage license can be obtained through an online application, while others require an in-person appointment at the county clerk's office. The marriage certificate may be automatically sent to the newlyweds by mail, or they may need to request a copy from the relevant authorities.

Where to get a marriage license

The location of where you can get a marriage license varies depending on the region and state. In the United States, marriage licenses are issued by the region where the marriage will take place. This could be city hall, the town or city clerk's office, or the marriage license bureau in the county where the marriage will occur. For example, in Connecticut, marriage licenses are issued by the municipal clerk's office in the town where the marriage will take place, whereas in Iowa, couples may apply at any county registrar or recorder's office. In some states, like New Jersey, you can simply download a marriage license brochure and the license itself to be filled out by the couple.

In general, couples must visit the Register of Deeds office in the county where the marriage will take place, though some counties allow online applications to be submitted before visiting the office to save time. In some states, couples may be required to bring a witness to the marriage license application.

In the state of California, couples can apply for a marriage license at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder's Office. The license fee varies by office and ranges from $35 to $150. The marriage license application that is completed and submitted is an affidavit — a sworn statement that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.

What to bring to your appointment

While the requirements for a marriage license vary by state and country, there are some general documents you should bring to your appointment. Here is a list of what to bring to your appointment to ensure a smooth and efficient process:

• Proof of identity: Both parties must bring valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver's license, resident alien card, or military ID. If your ID does not include your full legal name, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or social security card.
• Previous marriage information: If either party has been previously married, you must bring proof of divorce or the death of your former spouse. This should be an official document, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
• Parental consent: If either party is under the legal age of marriage, typically 18 years old, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required. In some cases, a court order may also be necessary.
• Name change documentation: If you plan on changing your name after the marriage, bring the necessary documentation. While your maiden name will remain until the marriage is official, this alerts the court of your new name.
• Payment: There is typically a fee for applying for a marriage license, ranging from $35 to $150. Be sure to bring the accepted form of payment, which may include cash, check, or card.
• Witness: Some states require a witness to be present during the marriage license application. Ask a family member or friend who has known you for at least six months to accompany you.
• Information about your parents: You may be required to provide information about your parents, including their full names, birth dates, birth states, and dates of passing (if applicable).

It is important to note that the requirements may differ based on your location, so be sure to check with your local county clerk's office to confirm the specific documents needed for your appointment.

How long does a marriage license last?

A marriage license is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document stating that a couple is free and eligible to marry each other. It is important to note that marriage licenses are only valid for a certain period and then expire. This validity period varies depending on the location and can be anywhere between 10 days to a year. For example, marriage licenses in California are valid for 90 days, whereas in Florida, they are valid for 60 days. In Hawaii, marriage licenses expire 30 days from the day of issue, and in Oregon, they are valid for 60 days.

It is essential to plan and obtain a marriage license within the specified timeframe for your chosen location. Applying too early may result in the license expiring before the wedding, while applying too late may not leave enough time to meet the waiting period requirements. The waiting period between granting the license and the wedding varies by state, with some states, such as New York City, requiring a 24-hour waiting period, and others, like Texas, mandating a 72-hour waiting period.

After the wedding ceremony, the couple, witnesses, and officiant typically sign the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for submitting the signed license to the relevant authorities for certification within a specified timeframe. This timeframe also varies by state, with California requiring submission within 10 days and Texas allowing 60 days. Once the signed license is certified, the couple will receive a marriage certificate, which serves as proof of their marriage.

How much does a marriage license cost?

The cost of a marriage license varies depending on the location and the specific office where you apply. In the United States, the fee typically ranges from $35 to $150, with some counties charging slightly outside this range. For example, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, the fee is $55, while in Philadelphia, it is $90 for a regular marriage license and $100 for a Quaker or self-uniting license.

It's important to note that the cost of a marriage license is separate from any other wedding-related expenses, such as the cost of the wedding ceremony, reception, or any necessary travel arrangements. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with the marriage license process, such as the cost of certified copies of the marriage certificate, which typically range from $15 to $40 per copy.

When planning your wedding budget, be sure to research the specific fees associated with obtaining a marriage license in your desired location, as well as any additional costs that may be incurred during the application process.

It is also worth noting that the marriage license fee typically does not include the cost of the wedding ceremony itself, which may be charged separately by the officiant or the venue.

Frequently asked questions