George Boyle
If you're planning a wedding, you'll need to make sure you have the right paperwork in order. A marriage license is a crucial part of the process, and the specific requirements for obtaining one can vary by state and county. In most cases, you'll need to apply for a marriage license from the county where the ceremony is taking place or where one of the applicants resides. Both parties typically need to be present with valid photo identification and proof of age, and some counties may require additional documentation, such as proof of residency or divorce. Once you've received your license, it's important to bring it with you on your wedding day, as your officiant will need to have it on hand to perform the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to apply for a marriage license? | Both parties |
| Where to apply for a marriage license? | County Clerk's office |
| Where to get a marriage license if neither party is a resident of the state? | The county where the ceremony is taking place |
| What documents are required when applying for a marriage license? | Proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable) |
| Is there a waiting period before the license is issued? | Yes, 72 hours |
| How long is the marriage license valid for? | 60 days to 90 days |
| What happens if the license expires before the wedding? | A new application must be made |
| What to do with the marriage license after the wedding? | The officiant must file the license within 10 days |
| How to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate? | Submit a request to purchase a copy of the marriage certificate |
| How long does it take to receive the marriage certificate after the wedding? | Approximately 10 business days |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a wedding license
A marriage license is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document for public records stating that a couple is free and eligible to marry. Marriage licenses are issued to couples based on their legal wedding ceremony location. Therefore, before applying for a marriage license, you will need to settle on a location. Once you know in which municipality (city, district, and county) your wedding will take place, you can obtain the license.
In the United States, marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts, and procedures for applications vary by county. If neither person is a resident of the state, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony is taking place. Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license, and they will need proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment. The signed marriage license should be returned to the probate court within a specified period, and the marriage certificate will be received in the mail within a certain number of days.
In New Jersey, for example, you must apply for a marriage license in the municipality where either party resides. The license is then valid throughout the state. If neither applicant is a resident of New Jersey, the application must be submitted in the municipality where the marriage will take place, and the license will only be valid in that municipality. There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, and the marriage license application is valid for six months from the date accepted.
In Texas, if one of the applicants is unable to apply in person and is 18 years of age or older, any adult or the other applicant may apply on their behalf. The person applying on their behalf must present the notarized affidavit of the absent applicant and proof of the identity and age of the absent applicant.
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Requirements for getting a wedding license
Age Requirement:
In most places, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license. Some states, like Georgia, require individuals to be of sound mind and have no living spouse from a prior undissolved marriage. In Georgia, a 17-year-old may be issued a marriage license if certain conditions are met.
Residency Requirement:
If one or both of the applicants are residents of the state, the marriage license can typically be obtained from the county where either applicant resides. For example, in New Jersey, the marriage license application can be submitted in the municipality where either party resides, and the license will be valid throughout the state.
Proof of Identity and Age:
You will need to provide proof of identity and age when applying for a marriage license. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID.
Previous Marriages:
If either applicant has been previously married, proof of divorce or the death of the previous spouse may be required. In some states, like New Jersey, if you are currently married and wish to reaffirm your vows, you must provide proof of your existing marriage when applying for a remarriage license.
Application Form and Fee:
You will need to complete a marriage license application form, typically obtained from the Local Registrar's office or the county clerk. In some places, like New York City, an appointment is required to submit the application, and walk-in visits are not permitted. There may also be a fee associated with the application, which varies by location.
Waiting Period and Validity:
There is often a waiting period between submitting the application and receiving the license. For example, in New Jersey, there is a 72-hour waiting period, unless it is a remarriage. The marriage license application is typically valid for a limited period, such as six months from the date of acceptance, after which a new application must be submitted.
It is important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary by county and state, so it is always best to check with the relevant local authorities or consult official government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Documents needed for a wedding license
The requirements for a marriage license vary depending on the state and county in which you are getting married. It is important to verify all information with your local marriage license office. Here is a general guide to the documents you will need:
Proof of Identity
Most regions require proof of identity, and the acceptable forms vary. Typically, a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID will be accepted.
Proof of Residency
Some states require proof of residency. This can be provided by one applicant if they are a resident of the state.
Proof of Age
You must provide proof of age to obtain a marriage license. All states require that couples be at least 18 years old to marry without parental permission, except for Nebraska, where the age of majority is 19.
Proof of Citizenship
Some states may require proof of citizenship.
Proof of Divorce or Death Certificate
If you have been previously married, you must provide a divorce certificate or death certificate.
Social Security Number
Some states, such as Texas and Maryland, will need to see your Social Security number.
Parental Consent
If you are a minor, you will likely need parental consent to marry. Some states may also require court approval.
Blood Test Results
Blood tests are no longer required in all states, but Montana does require both spouses to undergo a blood test.
Marriage License Application
You will need to complete a marriage license application form and sign it in the presence of the issuing authority. Some states require a witness for the marriage license application.
Fees
There is typically a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which can range from $10 to $115. The preferred method of payment is cash, but other forms of payment may be accepted, so be sure to check with your local office.
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Who needs a wedding license
A marriage license is a legal requirement for individuals who want to get married. It is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document for public records stating that a couple is free and eligible to marry each other.
Marriage licenses are issued to couples based on their legal wedding ceremony location. Before applying for a marriage license, couples must decide on their wedding location and date. The application must then be filed in the county where the ceremony will take place. Some states require witnesses for the marriage license application, and some require a waiting period before the license is issued.
The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary by state and county. In general, couples must provide proof of identification, age, and that they are not currently married to anyone else. If they were previously married, they need proof of divorce or widowhood. If they are under 18, they will likely need permission from a parent or both parents to wed.
In Texas, marriage licenses can be obtained from any county clerk's office, and many counties offer an online application process. In Georgia, marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts. If neither person is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county where the ceremony is taking place.
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What to do after getting a wedding license
After obtaining your wedding license, it is important to remember to bring it to your wedding ceremony. Once you are legally married, there are a few more steps to take to ensure that your marriage is officially recognised. The specific requirements vary depending on the state and county where the wedding took place. However, here is a general step-by-step guide on what to do after getting a wedding license:
Sign the License
The newly married couple, the officiant, and two witnesses must sign the marriage license after the wedding ceremony. The witnesses must be old enough to understand that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony (typically over 18 years old) and must be able to sign their names without assistance.
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the county or city clerk's office as soon as possible. The deadline for returning the license varies by location, ranging from a few days to several weeks. For example, in New York City, the officiant must return the signed license within five business days. It is important to promptly return the license and ensure it is filled out correctly, as any missed blank spaces, incorrect details, or cross-outs can lead to the license being rejected.
Receive Your Marriage Certificate
After returning the signed marriage license, you will receive your marriage certificate, which certifies your status as a married couple. The timing of receiving the marriage certificate depends on the location. For example, in New York City, couples typically receive their marriage certificate by mail within five to seven weeks. In Georgia, the marriage certificate is mailed within 30 days of returning the signed license.
Obtain Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
If you need additional copies of your marriage certificate, you can purchase them from the county clerk's office where the license was issued. This may be required for tasks such as changing your name on official documents or updating insurance policies.
It is important to note that the above steps are general guidelines, and the specific process may vary depending on your location. Be sure to research the requirements and procedures for your particular state and county to ensure that you comply with all necessary steps to make your marriage official.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to obtain a wedding license from the county where you plan to get married. This is a legal document that permits you to get married in a particular location and certifies that you and your partner are legally eligible to marry each other.
You can obtain a wedding license at any County Clerk's office in California. You are not required to get the license in the county where you live or where you will be married. Both parties must apply in person with photo identification.
Your officiant cannot legally marry you without the correct license. Your license will also need to be filed with the correct county within a certain time frame after the ceremony.
