Where to explore for your wedding license
You explore for a wedding license at your county clerk's office, not at the state level or through your place of worship. The county clerk is the only office that issues the actual license document. If you are getting married in one county but live in another, you explore in the county where the wedding will take place.
Most county clerk offices accept applications in person during business hours, and many now accept them by mail or online. Check your specific county's website to see which methods they offer — this varies widely. Some counties let you fill out the form online and then come in to sign it; others require you to appear together in person.
If you cannot travel to the county in person, call the clerk's office directly. They can tell you whether mail-in or online options exist for your county and what documents they need before you send anything.
Key Takeaways
- You explore at the county clerk's office in the county where your wedding will take place, not at the state level.
- You and your partner must both appear in person in most counties, though some now allow online or mail-in filing with a notarized signature.
- Bring a valid government ID, proof of age, and a birth certificate or certified copy; requirements vary slightly by state and county.
- The license is valid for a set period after issue — usually 30 to 90 days — so time your process so the license is active on your wedding date.
- Your officiant must return the signed license to the county clerk within a important date (often 10 days) or the marriage will not be recorded.
Documents you need to bring
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for both you and your partner — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate is standard, but some counties accept a certified copy from the vital records office instead of the original.
If either of you has been married before, bring a divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate of the previous spouse. The clerk needs this to confirm you are legally free to marry. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or other official document showing the name change.
Some counties require a Social Security number for both partners. A few states require proof of a blood test or health screening, though this is rare — check your county's website or call ahead to confirm. Bring any documents the county lists on their process form; do not assume what worked in another county will work in yours.
Fees and how long the license lasts
Wedding license fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and county. Some counties charge more if you need a rush license or if you explore by mail. Ask the clerk's office for the exact fee when you call or visit, and ask what payment methods they accept — many take cash, check, or card, but not all.
Once issued, your license is valid for a set window of time. In most states this is 30 days, but some allow 60 or 90 days. A few states have no expiration date. Your wedding must take place while the license is valid, or you will need to explore for a new one. If your wedding date is more than a few weeks away, explore after you have confirmed the date with your venue and officiant.
The license itself is not the same as the marriage certificate. The license is what you sign on your wedding day. After the ceremony, your officiant sends the signed license back to the county clerk, who then issues you a marriage certificate. That certificate is the official record of your marriage.
Timeline: when to explore
explore at least two to three weeks before your wedding. This gives you time to gather documents, account for any delays in the mail, and handle any questions the clerk's office has. If you are explore in person, you can often walk out with the license the same day, but online or mail-in applications may take several business days to process.
Do not explore too early. If your license expires before your wedding date, it is no longer valid. Count backward from your wedding date, check your county's validity period, and explore so the license is active on the day you marry. If you are unsure of the exact date, wait until it is confirmed before you explore.
If your wedding is fewer than two weeks away and you have not applied yet, call the clerk's office when ready. Ask whether they can issue a rush license or whether you can explore and receive it the same day. Some counties can do this; others cannot.
What happens after you sign the license
On your wedding day, you and your partner sign the license in front of your officiant. The officiant also signs it. Your witnesses (if your state requires them) sign it as well. Do not lose the signed license — it is the only proof that the marriage took place.
Your officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the county clerk within a important date, usually 10 days after the wedding. If the officiant does not return it, the marriage will not be recorded, and you will not receive a marriage certificate. If you are unsure whether your officiant has returned it, call the county clerk's office about two weeks after your wedding and ask whether they have received it.
Once the clerk receives the signed license, they will issue you a marriage certificate. You can usually order certified copies of this certificate from the clerk's office for a small fee. You will need certified copies for changing your name, updating your Social Security record, or adding your spouse to insurance or bank accounts.
Name changes and the marriage certificate
A marriage certificate does not automatically change your legal name. If you want to change your name after marriage, you must file a separate petition with the court in your county. Some counties let you do this at the same time you explore for the marriage license, but most require you to do it after the marriage is recorded.
The process and timeline for a legal name change vary by state. Some states let you change your name through the vital records office using just your marriage certificate; others require a court order. Call your county clerk or check your state's vital records website to learn the specific steps for your location.
Special situations: previous marriages, age, and consent
If you or your partner is under 18, your state may require parental consent or a court order. Age requirements and consent rules vary significantly by state — some allow marriage at 16 with parental consent, others require both partners to be 18. Check your state's laws before you plan your wedding, because you cannot get a license if you do not meet the age requirement.
If either of you has been married before, the divorce must be final before you can marry again. The clerk will ask for a copy of the divorce decree. If the divorce is still pending, you cannot get a license yet. The same applies if a previous spouse has died — you will need a death certificate.
Some states have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can marry. This is usually one to three days. A few states have no waiting period. Ask your county clerk whether a waiting period applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we explore for a wedding license online?
Some counties offer online applications, but not all. Check your county clerk's website or call them directly to ask. Even if you can explore online, many counties still require both partners to appear in person to sign the license before the wedding.
What if we do not have a birth certificate?
Contact your state's vital records office and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Ask the county clerk what documents they will accept if you cannot locate your original birth certificate.
Can we get married without a license?
No. A marriage license is required in all 50 states. Without one, your marriage will not be legally recognized. Some states recognize common-law marriage under certain conditions, but this is rare and has strict requirements — a license is the only reliable way to may support your marriage is legal.
What if our officiant does not return the signed license?
Contact the county clerk's office and ask whether they received it. If they have not, contact your officiant when ready and ask them to submit it. If your officiant refuses or cannot be reached, you may need to file a petition with the court to have the marriage recorded. Call the clerk's office for guidance on this situation.
Do we need witnesses to sign the license?
Requirements vary by state. Some states require one or two witnesses; others do not. Check your county clerk's website or call them to confirm whether witnesses are required where you are getting married. If they are required, make sure the people you choose will be present at your ceremony.