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What Makes Our Marriage Legal ?

Every state in the United States requires a license to legalize Marriage. You cannot get married without it. We'll tell you how to get that license in a minute. But follow the way this works...So you have your license. Now you get married. After the ceremony, both spouses and the Officient sign the marriage license (some states require a witness). The Officient then files for a certified copy of the marriage license and a marriage certificate. Often we get email asking the difference between the Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate. The marriage certificate is more of a keepsake.  You will receive an original of both the certified license and the marriage certificate. This can take anywhere from to two weeks to a months time. Ask for a few extra copies of the marriage license (there is an extra fee) because whomever decides to change his/her name, must provide an original copy for official name changes with your Social Security and Driver's license.

However, obtaining the Marriage License is the responsibility of the bride and groom to-be. Typically, (and we emphasize typically because rules vary from state to state and even county to county) both parties about to marry need to sign the application in person. Where do you go?...to your local town/city clerk's office or sometimes you must file in the county in which you plan to marry. It's always a good idea to call ahead of time to find out the exact requirements. For example, proof of identity is always a requirement, but this may be your driver's license or your birth certificate. Sometimes there is a waiting period after applying and before receiving your license and sometimes there is a waiting period after receiving your license...can get a little tricky. And those of you who can't wait to tie the knot, there's plenty of states that require no waiting at all, not to mention, no blood test.

For general marriage license requirements we provide you with a state by state chart. This is for general information only. Remember, this is no substitute for calling your town/city/county clerk's office. Find out the specifics and don't wait until the last minute. One last thing...you'll most likely have to pay the license fee in cash. You're better off not having to deal with waiting for your check to clear. Most don't accept personal checks anyway. 

 

Before you review this chart please make sure you've read this short article:
What Makes Our Marriage Legal?
This information is general in nature. Requirements may vary from county to county within states.
Please call your town / county / city clerk
to ask details about specific requirements for your wedding ahead of time.
Disclaimer: The information provided on 1800bride2b.com is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general
information related to legal issues commonly encountered.
State Age Cost for license- May vary within
each state
Waiting period between
applying & receiving license
Waiting period to marry after receiving license

License valid

Blood test
Alabama 18 yrs $25 none none 30 days yes
Alaska 18 yrs $25 3 days none 90 days no
Arizona 18 yrs $50 none none 1 year no
Arkansas 18 yrs $35 none none 60 days no
California 18 yrs $50-80 none none 90 days no
Colorado 18 yrs $20 none none 30 days no
Connecticut 18 yrs $30 none none 65 days yes
Delaware 18 yrs $30 none 1 day if resident 30 days no
District Columbia 18 yrs $35 3 days none no expiration yes
Florida 18 yrs $88.50
$56 if couple takes 4 hr course
none 3 days (Florida
residents only)
60 days no
Georgia 18 yrs $30 average none none no expiration yes
Hawaii 18yrs $50 none none 30 days no
Idaho 18yrs $28 none none 1 year yes
Illinois 18yrs $15-30 none 1 day 60 days no
Indiana 18 yrs $18 none none 60 days yes
Iowa 18 yrs $30 3 days none 20 days no
Kansas 18 yrs $50 3 days none 6 months no
Kentucky 18 yrs $34 3 days none 30 days no
Louisiana 18 yrs $25 none 3 days 30 days yes
Maine 18 yrs $20 3 days none 90 days no
Maryland 18 yrs $35 2 days none 6 months no
Massachussetts 18 yrs $4 3 days none 60 days yes & medical certificate
Michigan 18  yrs $20 3 days none 33 days no
Minnesota 18 yrs $70 5 days none 6 months no
Mississippi 21 yrs $20 3 days none 90 days yes
Missouri 18 yrs $50 3 days none 30 days no
Montana 18 yrs $30 none none 180 days yes
Nebraska 19 yrs $15 none none 1 year no
Nevada 18 yrs $35 none none 1 year no
New Hampshire 18 yrs $45 3 days 3 days 90 days no
New Jersey 18 yrs $28 3 days none 30 days no
New Mexico 18 yrs $25 none none 1 year no
New York 18 yrs $25-30 none 1 day 60 days no
North Carolina 18 yrs $40 none none 60 days no
North Dakota 18 yrs $35 none none 60 days no
Ohio 18 yrs $30 5 days none 60 days no
Oklahoma 18 yrs $25 none none 30 days yes
Oregon 18 yrs $60 3 days none 60 days no
Pennsylvania 18 yrs $25-40 3 days none 60 days no
Rhode Island 18 yrs $24 none none 90 days no
South Carolina 18 yrs $25 1 day none no expiration no
South Dakota 18 yrs $40 none none 20 days no
Tennessee 18 yrs $31-39 none none 30 days no
Texas 18 yrs $31 none 72 hours 30 days no
Utah 18 yrs $40 none none 60 days no
Vermont 18 yrs $20 none 1 day 60 days no
Virginia 18 yrs $20 none none 60 days no
West Va 18 yrs $23 none 3 days 60 days yes
Washington 18 yrs $51 3 days none 60 days no
Wisconsin 18 yrs $50-80 6 days none 30 days no
Wyoming 18 yrs $25 none none no expiration no

 


            

Bride to be ®
The official Website and Magazine / USA

                              HOMEJOIN NOWMY LOGINADVERTISERS
 

       Follow us on facebook

Bride To Be - The official Website and Magazine / USA

Wedding Professionals  Advertise  The Bride To Be Channel ®

 

    The Bride To Be Channel - Wedding Planning - Honeymoon Travel,  Photographers, Reception Locations, Invitations - 1800Bride2B.com - bridetobe.com - honeymoonchannel.comThe Bride To Be Channel - Wedding Planning - Honeymoon Travel,  Photographers, Reception Locations, Invitations - 1800Bride2B.com - bridetobe.com - honeymoonchannel.com
 

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