The Quick Guide To Wedding License Duration

The time it takes to get a wedding license varies depending on your state or county and the location's office hours and procedure. In New York, you can walk in and get a license within 60 days of the wedding day, but no later than 48 hours before. In California, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days. In Arizona, it took much longer as they had to make an appointment. In Florida, the marriage license expires 60 days after issuance.

Timeframe: 10 days to a year

The timeframe for obtaining a wedding license can vary depending on location and state. In some places, you can get a marriage license within 10 days, while in others, it may take up to a year.

In California, for example, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days. In Florida, it needs to be submitted before the marriage license expires, which is 60 days after issuance.

In New York, you can walk in and get a marriage license, but it has to be within 60 days of the wedding day, but no later than 48 hours before.

The actual time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in Arizona, the filling out of the paperwork was quick, but they still had to wait before their turn and were with the clerk for maybe 20-30 minutes.

It's important to plan ahead and file as early as 90 days or at least one week before your wedding to ensure you have enough time to apply, receive, sign and submit your marriage license.

Application: 90 days or 1 week before

Applying for a marriage license is a crucial step in the process of planning your wedding. It's important to be aware of the specific time window around your wedding date within which you must apply, receive, sign and submit your marriage license.

You should plan to file as early as 90 days or at least one week before your wedding. This will give you ample time to complete the application process and receive your license without any last-minute stress.

The actual time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days, depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in some places, you may be able to pick up your license in person at the time of application, while in others, you may need to wait a few days for it to be mailed to you.

It's also important to note that marriage licenses can expire, so you must get your timing right for the jurisdiction. Make sure to check the specific requirements and time limits for your state or county to ensure that your license is valid and ready for use.

In addition to obtaining the physical paperwork for your marriage location, it's important to set your wedding date and be aware of the specific time window within which you must apply, receive, sign and submit your marriage license.

Filing: 10 days or 60 days

The time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in California, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days. In Florida, it needs to be submitted before the marriage license expires (i.e. 60 days after issuance).

Every state is different. In New York, you can walk in and get it, but it has to be within 60 days of the wedding day, but no later than 48 hours before.

The actual time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in Arizona, they made an appointment and it took much longer. The actual filling out of the paperwork was quick and they were able to do it before their appointment, but they still had to wait before their turn and they were with the clerk for maybe 20-30 minutes.

Don't wait until the last minute to get organized. Plan to file as early as 90 days or at least one week before your wedding.

Office hours: Varies

The time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in California, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days. In Florida, it needs to be submitted before the marriage license expires (i.e. 60 days after issuance).

The actual time it takes to get a marriage license can vary depending on your state/county. Every state is different. For example, in New York, you can walk in and get it, it has to be within 60 days of the wedding day, but no later than 48 hours before.

In Arizona, they made an appointment and it took much longer. The actual filling out of the paperwork was quick and they were able to do it before their appointment, but they still had to wait before their turn and they were with the clerk for maybe 20-30 minutes.

You should plan to file as early as 90 days or at least one week before your wedding. Furthermore, a marriage license can expire so you must get your timing right for the jurisdiction. Don't wait until the last minute to get organized.

Location: May affect turnaround time

The turnaround time for obtaining a wedding license can vary depending on the location and office hours. In some places, you can walk in and get the license within 60 days of the wedding day, but it should not be later than 48 hours before. However, in other places, you may need to make an appointment, and the process can take much longer.

The actual filling out of the paperwork is usually quick, but there may be a wait before your turn and you may be with the clerk for 20-30 minutes. The time between filing your application and receiving your license can take a few days depending on the location's office hours and procedure. For example, in California, the completed marriage license needs to be returned to the clerk recorder's office within 10 business days. In Florida, it needs to be submitted before the marriage license expires (i.e. 60 days after issuance).

It is important to be aware of when to apply for a marriage license around your wedding date. You should plan to file as early as 90 days or at least one week before your wedding. Additionally, a marriage license can expire so you must get your timing right for the jurisdiction.

The marriage license fee and methods of payment vary by office and range from $35 to $150. It is important to note that most marriage licenses are only valid for a period of time and then expire, anywhere between 10 days and a year, during which you must have the wedding ceremony, sign the license (together with your officiant and witnesses), and file for a certified marriage record.

Frequently asked questions