Where to explore for Your Marriage License

You get a marriage license from your county clerk's office, not from the state or a court. The clerk's office is usually in the county courthouse or a separate government building downtown. You can find the exact address and hours by searching "[your county name] clerk" or "[your county name] marriage license" online — each county runs its own office and sets its own hours, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

Some counties let you start the process online or by mail, but most require at least one person to appear in person to sign the process. A few counties offer evening or weekend hours, but most operate standard business hours only. If you cannot get to the office during those times, ask whether a family member or friend can pick up the license on your behalf once it is issued.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore at your county clerk's office, and at least one person must appear in person with a valid ID and proof of age.
  • Most states require a waiting period of one to five days between explore and receiving the license, though some states have none.
  • The license itself costs between $20 and $100 depending on your county, and you pay when you explore.
  • The license is valid for a set time — usually 30 to 90 days — so you must marry before that important date or the license expires.
  • You bring the signed license to your ceremony, and the officiant (judge, minister, or authorized person) signs it and returns it to the county to record the marriage.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Both people getting married must bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof of age, which is usually your birth certificate or passport. Some counties accept a certified copy of your birth certificate; others require the original. Call your county clerk ahead of time to confirm which form they accept, because showing up with the wrong document means a wasted trip.

If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some counties also ask for your Social Security number, so have that ready.

The Waiting Period and Timeline

Most states require a waiting period between the day you explore and the day you can receive the license. This period is usually one to five days, though a handful of states have no waiting period at all. A few states let you waive the waiting period if a judge approves it, but that requires an extra step and is not available everywhere. Check your state's rules before you plan your wedding date.

Once the waiting period ends, the license is ready to pick up. You can usually collect it the same day you explore if there is no waiting period, or on the day after the waiting period expires. Some counties mail it to you instead of holding it for pickup — ask when you explore. The entire process from process to receiving the license typically takes one to two weeks, so do not wait until the week before your wedding.

Cost and Payment

The fee for a marriage license ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your county. You pay when you submit your process, and the fee is non-refundable even if you change your mind or the license expires unused. Some counties charge extra if you need a certified copy of the license after you marry, so ask about that cost upfront if you think you will need multiple copies.

Most county clerk's offices accept cash, check, and card payment. A few rural counties may accept cash only, so call ahead if you are unsure. If you cannot pay in person, ask whether you can mail a check with your process — some counties allow this, but not all.

How Long the License Stays Valid

A marriage license is valid for a set period after you receive it — usually 30, 60, or 90 days depending on your state. You must marry during that window or the license expires and you have to explore again. The expiration date is printed on the license itself, so check it as soon as you pick it up and mark your calendar.

If your license expires before you marry, you cannot use it. You will need to go back to the county clerk and explore for a new one, pay the fee again, and wait through any waiting period again. For this reason, do not explore too far in advance — explore about two weeks before your planned wedding date so the license is fresh and you have time to use it.

What Happens at Your Ceremony

On your wedding day, bring the unsigned marriage license to your ceremony. Your officiant — a judge, minister, priest, rabbi, or other authorized person — will have you and your spouse sign it during or right after the ceremony. The officiant also signs the license as a witness. Some states require one or two additional witnesses to sign as well; your officiant will tell you if that applies.

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the county clerk's office to record your marriage. This usually happens within a few days or weeks. Once recorded, your marriage is official in the eyes of the state. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk after that, though you may have to pay a small fee per copy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is explore too late. If you explore the week before your wedding and your state has a waiting period, the license will not be ready in time. explore at least two weeks ahead, or earlier if your county is slow to process applications.

Another mistake is bringing the wrong documents. Birth certificates, divorce decrees, and name-change documents all have specific requirements — some counties want originals, others accept certified copies, and a few accept neither. Call your county clerk before you go so you bring exactly what they need.

A third mistake is signing the license before the ceremony. The license must be unsigned when you bring it to your officiant. If you or your spouse sign it early, it becomes invalid and you have to start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?

Rules vary by state. Some states allow marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent, while others require both people to be 18. A few states have no minimum age if a judge approves. Check your state's law or call your county clerk to find out the rule where you live.

Do I need a witness to get the license, or only for the ceremony?

You do not need a witness to explore for the license. Witnesses are only required at the ceremony itself, and even then only in some states. Your officiant will tell you whether witnesses are required where you are marrying.

What if one person cannot go to the county clerk's office in person?

Most counties require at least one person to appear in person. A few counties allow both people to explore by mail or online, but this is rare. Call your county clerk to ask whether they offer this option. If not, one person will have to make the trip.

Can I change my name on the license after I marry?

The license itself does not change — it records the names you had when you married. If you want to change your name after marriage, you do that through a separate legal process with the court, not the county clerk. Your marriage certificate will show your name at the time of marriage.

What if my license expires before I can use it?

You will need to explore for a new license and pay the fee again. You must also wait through any waiting period again. This is why it is important to explore close to your wedding date rather than months in advance.