Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding is a complex affair, and having a wedding out of state adds another layer of complexity. From marriage licenses to prenups, there are many legal requirements to navigate, and these differ from state to state. For example, some states require witnesses, residency, or even a blood test. Planning an out-of-state wedding may also involve extra costs, such as travel and accommodation for the couple and their guests, and more flexibility may be required when dealing with vendors and scheduling. However, an out-of-state wedding can also offer certain benefits, such as the opportunity to elope or have a more intimate destination wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | Required in all states, except for commitment ceremonies. Not transferable state-to-state. |
| Marriage certificate | Transferable state-to-state. |
| Marriage laws | Vary from state to state, including requirements for obtaining a marriage license. |
| Residency requirements | Vary from state to state. Some states require residency, while others have no requirement. |
| Waiting periods | Vary from state to state. Some states have no waiting period, while others require a specific period (e.g., 24 hours in New York, 7 days in Wisconsin) before the wedding can take place after obtaining the license. |
| Witnesses | Vary from state to state. Some states require one or two witnesses, while others have no requirement. |
| Blood tests | Mandatory in some states for checking rubella, venereal diseases, and genetic disorders. |
| Planning | Requires more flexibility and time compared to local weddings. May involve higher costs due to travel and accommodation. |
| Communication with guests | Important to provide guests with travel information, hotel recommendations, and local area details. |
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What You'll Learn
Research state marriage laws and license requirements
Marriage laws differ from state to state in the US, so it is important to research the requirements of the specific state in which you plan to marry. Every state requires couples to acquire a marriage license to be considered legally married, but the exact requirements for obtaining a license will depend on the laws of that state. Marriage licenses are generally only valid in the state where they were issued, so if you are getting married out of state, you will need to obtain a license from that state. In some states, you can get the license from anywhere within that state, while in others, you must get it from the county in which you will be married.
Some states require residency, meaning that at least one spouse must be a resident of the state where the marriage will take place. Other states have no residency requirement but mandate a waiting period before nonresidents can apply for a marriage license. A few states also require witnesses, with one or two witnesses mandated to be present during the wedding ceremony for the marriage to be legally valid. Additionally, some states conduct mandatory blood tests before marriage to check for rubella, venereal diseases, and other genetic disorders.
After applying for a marriage license, there may be a waiting period before the county issues the certificate and the couple can be married. While some states allow couples to get married immediately after obtaining the license, others require a waiting period. For example, in New York, couples must wait 24 hours after receiving their license before exchanging vows and signing the license, while Wisconsin has a seven-day waiting period. It is important to note that marriage licenses have different expiration dates and each county within a state may have its own set of rules.
If you are planning a Quaker wedding, you will need to obtain a self-uniting marriage license. The process for obtaining this license varies from state to state and sometimes from county to county, so be sure to check the local requirements. Some states, like Maine, require a specific religious affiliation to obtain a self-uniting license, while others, like Pennsylvania, do not.
Finally, regardless of where you plan to marry, it is a good idea to get a prenuptial agreement. To draft an enforceable prenup, you must consider which state's laws will govern the document and research the legal requirements for prenups in that state.
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Plan for unexpected costs
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you're doing it out of state. There are a lot of details to consider, and it's important to be prepared for unexpected costs. Here are some tips to help you plan for potential hidden expenses:
First, it's crucial to understand what you can afford. Your daily expenses, such as rent and utilities, won't disappear just because you're planning a wedding. Be sure to factor in your regular costs, as well as any larger expenses on the horizon, such as a down payment on a home or medical bills. This will help you create a realistic wedding budget that doesn't leave you financially strained.
Next, do your research. Wedding budgets can vary significantly, from $5,000 to over $100,000. The average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2025 is $33,000, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the right budget for you. Look into what weddings typically include and consider using a sample wedding budget breakdown as a guide to help you allocate your funds effectively.
Now, let's get into some specific unexpected costs to consider:
- Transportation and rentals: Just because you've rented a venue doesn't mean transportation is included. Check if you need to cover the cost of transporting items to and from the venue, as well as any associated pickup fees. Additionally, don't forget about rental costs for items like linens, flatware, tables, and chairs if they're not provided by the venue.
- Last-minute guests: It's not uncommon for unexpected guests to be added at the last minute. Work with your wedding planner to include a buffer in your budget for extra meals, cake, and rental items to accommodate additional guests.
- Overtime charges: If your party goes longer than expected, you'll likely incur overtime costs for vendors like photographers, venue staff, and DJs.
- Alterations: Whether it's the wedding dress or groomsmen suits, alterations can be expensive. Budget accordingly, especially if you're making significant changes or working with a vintage piece.
- Cutting fees: If you bring in an outside caterer or cake company, the venue may charge a cutting fee, typically around $1-$2 per guest but can go as high as $7.
- Cleaning fees: Some venues add cleaning fees to the total cost of the rental. Ask if the quoted rental cost includes cleaning, damage deposits, and other additional costs.
- Tips: Many vendors expect to be tipped, and some may have it written into their contracts. Build in a buffer to cover tips for vendors and staff on the day of the wedding.
- Marriage license and certificate: Research the requirements for the state where you'll be getting married. Some states have residency requirements, waiting periods, or specific documentation needs. There may also be associated costs with obtaining the necessary license and certificate.
Remember, it's nearly impossible to budget for every single unforeseen cost, but by following the steps above and including a buffer in your budget, you can be prepared for unexpected expenses and ensure your wedding day is a success.
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Communicate with guests
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful experience, especially if you're inviting out-of-state guests. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with your guests and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Provide Clear Information:
It is essential to give your guests clear and detailed information about the wedding and their trip. This includes the location, date, and time of the wedding, as well as travel and accommodation options. You can include this information on your wedding website or insert it with your invitations. It's helpful to provide a range of hotel suggestions, including different price points, to accommodate different budgets. You can also suggest restaurants, attractions, and activities in the area to keep your guests entertained during their stay.
Send Save the Dates Early:
When planning an out-of-state wedding, it's a good idea to send out "Save the Dates" earlier than you would for a local wedding. This gives your guests more time to budget, request time off work, and make travel arrangements. It also ensures that they can book accommodations, especially in popular tourist areas where rooms may fill up quickly.
Block Hotel Rooms:
To make it easier for your guests, you can block out rooms in local hotels, ensuring they have guaranteed accommodation options. Many hotels offer discounted group rates for wedding parties, and you can often negotiate an \"open\" block, which means the rooms are held for a certain period, and any unused rooms are released at no charge to you. This way, your guests can benefit from a special rate when they book their stay. Be sure to provide guests with the relevant booking information and any necessary codes or passwords.
Arrange Transportation:
Consider arranging transportation for your out-of-state guests to simplify their travel experience. You can organise shuttles or buses to transport guests to and from the hotel and wedding events. If many guests are arriving at the airport simultaneously, you can also coordinate a shuttle to take them to their accommodations. Providing transportation options ensures that your guests can travel comfortably and reduces the stress of navigating unfamiliar areas.
Welcome Gifts and Packets:
A thoughtful touch is to leave welcome gifts or packets at your guests' accommodations. These can include simple goodies, flowers, snacks, or even certificates for spa treatments. The welcome packet should contain practical information such as a printout of the wedding itinerary, local area maps, and any other relevant details to make their stay more enjoyable and organised.
Individual Acknowledgement:
During your wedding speeches, consider individually acknowledging your out-of-state guests. This simple and free gesture shows that you recognise and appreciate the effort they made to attend your special day. It's a great way to make your guests feel valued and part of the celebration.
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Be flexible
Planning an out-of-state wedding requires a lot of flexibility. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Be Open to Different Dates and Vendors
You may need to embrace different dates, vendors, and details to secure your dream destination wedding. There may be different timelines and a lot of back-and-forth communication that you wouldn't typically encounter with local vendors. Remember, you don't have to settle for anything less than what you want, but being flexible will help you navigate the scheduling and wait times.
Give Yourself and Your Guests Extra Time
Planning an out-of-state wedding can be more time-consuming than a local one. Allow yourself extra time to research vendors, plan logistics, and make arrangements for guests travelling from out of town. Sending out "Save the Dates" and invitations earlier than usual is a good idea. This gives your guests time to budget, request time off work, and book their accommodations, especially if your wedding is in a popular tourist area.
Time Zone Differences
When booking meetings with vendors in another state, always verify the time according to the correct time zone. This will prevent any confusion or missed meetings due to time zone differences.
Plan the Days Leading Up to Your Wedding
There will likely be tasks that you can't finalise until you arrive at your destination, especially if you're handling some DIY elements. Scheduling these tasks in advance will ensure you have time for both wedding preparations and some relaxation.
Referrals and Venue Preferred Vendors
Finding vendors that align with your vision can be time-consuming. Once you find them, ask for vendor recommendations and referrals. Venue-preferred vendors will have experience working in your specific venue, making the process smoother.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Consider hiring a wedding planner, especially if you're short on time. A wedding planner can navigate the local wedding market and recommend reputable vendors, saving you time and stress.
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Get a prenup
A prenuptial agreement is a contract between you and your future spouse that is entered into before marriage. It is designed to protect all couples, regardless of their financial standing, age, or educational status. Prenups are no longer taboo, and the number of adults in support of prenuptial agreements is growing. In 2022, 15% of Americans who were married or engaged signed a prenup, compared to just 3% in 2010.
Prenuptial agreements promote healthy, critical conversations around money to ensure you and your partner are on the same page before getting married. They can address many different issues, including separate property, marital property, debt, joint bank accounts, spousal support, alimony, gifts and inheritance, business ownership, and financial disclosures.
When drafting a prenuptial agreement, it is important to consider what state law should govern the document. A Choice of Law provision specifies which state’s laws will apply in the agreement. It is also important to research the legal requirements for the state in which the prenup is being made. For example, in California, the final agreement cannot be modified for at least seven full days before the parties sign it.
To make sure you have covered all your bases, it is recommended to work with an experienced prenup attorney. Online services such as HelloPrenup offer state-specific prenups with attorney representation for a fixed fee.
It is important to note that prenuptial agreements do not cover matters related to child custody or visitation rights. Additionally, a prenup may be considered fraudulent and invalidated by a court if a partner has lied about their ownership of assets or failed to disclose all income during the signing of the agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
All US states require couples to acquire a marriage license to be considered legally married. However, the requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary depending on the state. Marriage licenses are generally only valid in the state where they were issued, so it is best to do some research before sending out wedding invitations. Some states require residency, witnesses, or a waiting period before the wedding.
Planning an out-of-state wedding may require more flexibility than a local wedding. It is important to give yourself and your guests extra time to plan. It is recommended to send out "save the dates" and invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding. You should also be prepared to do lots of research on local vendors and compare prices.
It is helpful to provide out-of-state guests with information about travel, hotel recommendations, and things to do in the area. This can be included on the invitation or wedding website. You could also block out rooms in local hotels for guests, or plan events before or after the wedding for guests to attend.
