Marriage license requirements vary from state to state. Some states require blood tests and extended waiting periods before you can say your vows, while others just require a few documents before they allow you to sign on the dotted line. There are a few things that each state has in common, so before you get hitched, make sure you meet these requirements!
Before you can be issued a marriage license, you must make sure you meet the basic marriage requirements for the specific state and county that will be issuing your marriage license. Learn more about those here.
- Each place has their own age requirements, but generally you must be at least 18 years old before you can be issued a marriage license without the permission of your legal guardian or a judge.
- Both parties must be present for the license to be issued, although there are some exceptions for extenuating circumstances in certain locations.
- You both have to be of sound mental capacity and must demonstrate an ability to consent.
- You can't be too closely related. In some places, you can marry as closely as your first cousin.
- If either of you have been married before, you must show proof that the marriage has been dissolved. This can be done through a divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate.
What type of documentation should you bring with you to be issued a marriage license?
- Photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
- Proof of citizenship
- Birth certificate
- Results of blood tests, if they are required in your state
When you know you have met these requirements, and have all of your documents, you should have your marriage license issued by the county clerk or clerk of the court in the location where you plan to be married. If you are from Texas, but plan to be married in Arkansas, you will have your licensed issued in Arkansas. Marriage licenses are honored in all 50 states, so your marriage will be recognized when you head back home.
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There is a fee for the license, and this also varies by state and county. In some places you can get married immediately after your license is issued, but in others you have a waiting period between applying for your license and receiving it. This can span from 24 hours to 5 days. In most states, a marriage license does have an expiration date. This means that you have anywhere from 20 days up to a year before you have to file your marriage license with the courts. Some places do not have an expiration date, again, just check the laws in the location where you intend to wed.
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After you obtain your license, the ceremony must be performed by someone with the authority to perform a marriage ceremony. For non-religious ceremonies, this can be the justice of the peace, a judge, or court clerk with that authority. For religious ceremonies, the ceremony must be performed by a member of the clergy. You should also have 1 to 2 witnesses present. Sometimes witnesses are required to sign your license before it can be filed.
If you aren't sure who you want to make your wedding official, find an officiant in your location on Wedding and Party!
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