Where to Get Your Marriage License State by State

Overview of Marriage License Requirements by State

Marriage licenses are documents issued by state and local governments that authorize two people to marry. Every state in the U.S. has its own rules about how to obtain a marriage license, including where to get one, what documents you need to bring, waiting periods, and fees. This guide provides information about the process in all 50 states.

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Marriage licenses differ from marriage certificates. A marriage license is the permission document you get before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the official record created after the wedding ceremony is completed and signed by the officiant. Most couples need a marriage license in hand before their wedding can take place legally.

The process generally involves these steps: finding the correct county or local office, gathering required documents, visiting in person to submit your information, paying a fee, and waiting for any required waiting periods to pass before the license becomes valid. Some states allow one person to pick up the license, while others require both people to appear together.

Fees range from about $5 to $100 depending on the state. Waiting periods vary from zero days to five days. Some states offer discounts if couples complete premarital education courses. Understanding your specific state's requirements helps you plan your wedding timeline accurately.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your county clerk's office at least two months before your planned wedding date. This gives you time to gather documents, complete any waiting periods, and handle unexpected delays. Most counties provide their requirements online, by phone, or in person.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, and California

Alabama: Marriage licenses are obtained through the probate court in the county where you plan to marry. Alabama requires both people to appear in person. The state has no waiting period. Costs range from $20 to $30 depending on the county. Required documents typically include a valid government-issued ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card. Alabama recognizes marriages for people 16 and older with parental or judicial consent, or 18 and older without consent. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

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Alaska: The Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health issues marriage licenses in Alaska. Couples may obtain a license through any health department office in the state, not necessarily in the county where they marry. Alaska has no waiting period. The fee is $25. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID and proof of age. Alaska allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. The license is valid for one year.

Arizona: County assessor's offices issue marriage licenses in Arizona. Couples may obtain a license in any Arizona county. There is no waiting period. The fee is $35. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID. Arizona permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. A unique Arizona feature: the state does not require blood tests, and couples may choose between a standard license or a covenant marriage license (which involves additional legal responsibilities).

Arkansas: Circuit clerk offices in each county issue marriage licenses. Both people must appear in person. Arkansas requires a three-day waiting period from the date of application to the date the license becomes valid. The fee ranges from $20 to $27. Required documents include valid government ID and a Social Security card. Arkansas allows marriage at age 16 with parental or judicial consent, or 17 with parental consent, or 18 without consent. The license is valid for 30 days once the waiting period ends.

California: County clerk offices issue marriage licenses. Couples may obtain a license in any California county. California has no waiting period. The fee is approximately $91 to $100. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID and a Social Security card or taxpayer ID number. California requires proof of age and residency documentation. The state allows marriage at age 18 or older without restrictions. Licenses are valid for 90 days. California also offers the option to skip the public ceremony and have a private, confidential marriage recorded.

Practical Takeaway: These five states have different rules, so verify your specific state's requirements before gathering documents. State government websites list the exact office locations and hours. Plan for in-person visits well in advance, as some county offices have limited hours or high volume during wedding season.

Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, and Georgia

Colorado: County clerk and recorder offices issue marriage licenses in Colorado. Couples may obtain a license in any county. There is no waiting period. The fee ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the county. Both people must appear in person with valid government-issued ID. Colorado allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. The state requires that at least one person be a Colorado resident. Licenses are valid for 35 days from the date of issue.

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Connecticut: Town clerk offices issue marriage licenses in Connecticut. Couples must obtain the license in the town where they plan to marry or in the town where one person resides. Connecticut has a one-day waiting period. The fee is $75. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card. Connecticut allows marriage at age 16 with parental and judicial consent, 16 with parental consent for those who are pregnant, or 18 without consent. Licenses are valid for 65 days.

Delaware: Division of Vital Statistics in each county issues marriage licenses. Couples may obtain a license in any Delaware county. There is no waiting period. The fee is $65. Both people must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card. Delaware allows marriage at age 16 with parental and judicial consent or 18 without consent. The state requires that you have not been married or have been divorced or widowed for a specific time period. Licenses are valid for 30 days.

Florida: County clerk offices issue marriage licenses in Florida. Couples may obtain a license in any Florida county. Florida has no waiting period, but the state offers a discount if couples complete a four-hour premarital preparation course—the fee drops from $120 to $61.50 with the course completion certificate. Both people must appear in person. Identification and Social Security card are required. Florida allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. Licenses are valid for 60 days.

Georgia: Probate court offices issue marriage licenses in Georgia. Couples must obtain the license in a Georgia county. Georgia has no waiting period. The fee ranges from $25 to $37 depending on the county. Both people must appear in person with valid government ID. Georgia allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. The state conducts background checks as part of the process. Licenses are valid for 30 days. Georgia requires that neither person have a marriage that is still legal and binding.

Practical Takeaway: Florida's premarital course discount represents significant savings. Connecticut's one-day waiting period is one of the shortest in the nation. Each state in this group allows one person to pick up the license first in some situations—verify your state's specific rules about who must appear in person and when.

Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa

Hawaii: Department of Health, Vital Statistics Office issues marriage licenses in Hawaii. Couples may obtain a license through any island's health department office. Hawaii has no waiting period. The fee is $65. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. Hawaii allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent or 18 without consent. The state has residency requirements for certain circumstances. Licenses are valid for 30 days. Hawaii also has streamlined options for couples with legal name changes or transgender status changes on their birth certificates.

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Idaho: County clerk offices issue marriage licenses in Idaho. Couples may obtain a license in any Idaho county. Idaho has no waiting period. The fee ranges from $15 to $35 depending on the county. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID. Idaho allows marriage at age 16 without restrictions, or younger with parental and judicial consent. The state does not require specific documents beyond ID, making it one of the simpler processes. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Illinois: County clerk offices issue marriage licenses in Illinois