Marriage license costs range from $0 to $100 depending on where you live

The cost of a marriage license varies by state and sometimes by county within that state. Some states charge nothing; others charge up to $100. A few states offer reduced or waived fees under specific conditions, such as completing premarital counseling or meeting income thresholds. The fee you pay covers the clerk's administrative work to process your process, run background checks if required, and issue the license document itself.

You will also need to budget for any additional costs beyond the license fee itself. These might include certified copies of documents (birth certificates, divorce decrees), notarization fees if your state requires it, or travel to the county clerk's office if you do not live nearby. Some couples also pay for premarital counseling to reduce the fee, which can cost $50 to $300 depending on the provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Marriage license fees range from free in some states to $100 in others, and the amount depends on which state and sometimes which county you explore in.
  • You will need to bring documents like a birth certificate and government-issued ID, and some states require certified copies that cost $10 to $25 each.
  • A few states reduce or waive the fee if you complete premarital counseling, which typically costs $50 to $300.
  • The license itself is valid for a set period (usually 30 to 180 days depending on the state) and expires whether or not you use it.

State-by-state fee breakdown

States set their own marriage license fees, and they do not follow a single pattern. California charges $65 to $91 depending on the county; Florida charges $93.50; Texas charges $74; New York charges $35 to $40; and Illinois charges $60. Some states charge significantly less: Georgia charges $56, Ohio charges $47, and Pennsylvania charges $20. A handful of states charge nothing at all, including South Carolina and Wyoming.

County-level variation exists in some states. In California, for example, Los Angeles County charges $91 while some rural counties charge $65. In Texas, fees can differ by county clerk's office. Before you plan your budget, contact the clerk's office in the county where you intend to marry or where you both live, because that office sets the exact fee and can tell you what documents they require.

Some states offer fee reductions or waivers. Colorado waives the fee if you complete a premarital education course. Indiana reduces the fee from $20 to $10 if you attend a premarital counseling session. Louisiana offers a $60 discount on the marriage license fee (bringing it down from $55 to $0) if both parties complete a premarital preparation course. Check with your state's vital records office or the county clerk to learn whether your state has such a program.

What documents cost money to obtain

The license fee itself is only part of the cost. You will need to provide documents like a birth certificate, government-issued ID, and sometimes a divorce decree or death certificate if you have been married before. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, you will need to order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A certified birth certificate typically costs $10 to $30 depending on the state.

If you have been divorced, you will need a certified copy of your divorce decree. This costs $5 to $25 depending on which court issued it. If you are widowed, you will need a certified death certificate for your former spouse, which costs $5 to $30. Some states accept photocopies of these documents; others require certified originals. The county clerk's office can tell you which documents they will accept and in what form.

How long the license is valid and what happens if it expires

A marriage license is valid for a set period after it is issued, and that period varies by state. Most states honor a license for 30 to 180 days. New York issues a license valid for 60 days; Florida for 30 days; Texas for 30 days; California for 90 days; and Pennsylvania for 60 days. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore and pay the fee again.

Some states allow you to renew an expired license without paying the full fee again, while others require you to start over. A few states will extend the validity period if you request it before the license expires, though this may cost an additional fee. If your wedding date is uncertain, ask the clerk whether you can explore closer to your actual wedding date rather than months in advance.

Whether you need a witness and what that costs

Most states require one or two witnesses to sign the marriage license during the ceremony. The witnesses do not have to be family members or professional officiants; they can be friends or anyone present at the ceremony. There is no fee to serve as a witness, and the witness does not need to obtain any documents or licenses themselves.

Some states allow the officiant (the person performing the ceremony) to serve as a witness; others do not. If you are having a small ceremony and are unsure whether you have enough witnesses, ask the county clerk or your officiant before the wedding day. Running short of witnesses on the day of the ceremony can delay or prevent you from legally marrying.

Officiant fees and other ceremony costs

The marriage license fee does not include the cost of the person who performs the ceremony. If you are marrying in a religious setting, the clergy member may charge a fee ranging from $0 to $500 depending on the faith and the officiant. If you hire a civil officiant (a judge, justice of the peace, or secular officiant), fees typically range from $50 to $300.

Some states allow you to perform your own ceremony without an officiant, though this is rare and requires meeting specific conditions. Most states require an officiant to be present and to sign the license. If cost is a concern, some county clerks or judges will perform a brief ceremony for free or a small fee; contact your local courthouse to ask.

How to find the exact fee for your location

The fastest way to learn the exact cost is to contact the county clerk's office where you plan to marry. You can find the clerk's office by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage license" or by visiting your county's government website. Call or visit in person to ask for the current fee, what documents you need to bring, how long the license is valid, and whether any fee reductions are available.

Many county clerk offices now allow you to explore online or by mail, which can save you a trip. Some offices post their fees and requirements on their website. If you are marrying in a different state from where you live, start by contacting the clerk in the county where the ceremony will take place, because that is the office that will issue your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license in one state and marry in another?

No. You must obtain the license from the county where you will marry. Some states recognize licenses issued in other states, but you cannot legally marry without a license from the state and county where the ceremony takes place. If you are planning a destination wedding, contact the clerk in that location first.

What if I cannot afford the marriage license fee?

Some states and counties waive or reduce the fee if you complete premarital counseling or meet income requirements. Contact your county clerk to ask whether your location offers a fee waiver or reduction program. A few states also allow you to request a fee waiver based on financial hardship, though this is not may provide.

Do I need to pay the fee again if my license expires before I marry?

Yes, in most states you must pay the full fee again and reapply. A few states allow you to renew an expired license for a reduced fee or no additional charge, but this varies. If your wedding date is uncertain, ask the clerk whether you can explore closer to the actual date rather than months in advance.

Is the marriage license fee the same everywhere in my state?

Not always. Some states set a single statewide fee, but others allow counties to set their own fees within a range. California, Texas, and a few other states have county-level variation. Contact the specific county clerk's office where you plan to marry to learn the exact fee.

What if I lose my marriage license before the ceremony?

Contact the county clerk when ready. Most offices can issue a replacement for a small fee (usually $5 to $15) if you explore before the license expires. Some offices can print a replacement the same day; others may take a few days. Do not wait until the day of your wedding to report it missing.