Marriage license fees vary by state and county, typically ranging from $20 to $100

The cost of a marriage license depends entirely on where you live. Each state sets its own fee, and many states let individual counties charge different amounts within that range. Some states charge a flat fee statewide; others give counties room to set their own price. A few states charge nothing at all, while others charge over $100.

You cannot know your exact cost until you contact the specific county clerk's office where you plan to get married or where you live. That office handles marriage licenses in your area and can tell you the current fee in minutes. Most county clerk websites list the fee online, or you can call during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Marriage license fees are set by state and county, so the cost depends on your location, not on where you get married.
  • Most states charge between $20 and $100, but some charge nothing and a few charge more than $100.
  • Your county clerk's office is the only source for your exact fee, processing time, and what documents to bring.
  • Some counties offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course, which can save $10 to $50.
  • The fee you pay at the clerk's office covers the license itself; it does not include fees for the person who performs the ceremony.

How state and county fees work

States set a maximum fee that counties can charge, but not all counties charge the maximum. For example, California allows counties to charge up to $91, but some charge less. New York allows up to $40. Texas allows up to $84. Within those caps, each county decides its own price.

A handful of states charge no fee at all. South Carolina, for instance, does not charge for a marriage license. A few other states charge very low fees—under $10. On the other end, some counties in high-cost states charge $100 or more.

The fee you pay covers the cost of the license document itself and the clerk's time to process it. It does not cover the cost of having someone perform the ceremony—that is a separate expense you arrange with an officiant like a minister, judge, or notary.

Discounts for premarital counseling

Many states and counties reduce the marriage license fee if you and your partner complete a premarital counseling course. The discount typically ranges from $10 to $50 off the regular fee. Some states call this a "waiting period waiver" because completing the course also waives the waiting period between when you get the license and when you can use it to marry.

The counseling course is usually a few hours long and covers communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. Some are offered online, others in person. You will need a certificate of completion to show the clerk when you pay for your license.

Not every county offers this discount, so ask your county clerk whether it is available in your area and what course providers they recognize. Some counties accept any accredited course; others have a specific list.

What to expect when you pay the fee

When you go to your county clerk's office to get a marriage license, you will pay the fee at that time. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card—most offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm. You will also need to bring identification and your partner's identification, usually a driver's license or passport.

The clerk will ask for basic information: your full legal name, date of birth, address, and your partner's same details. You will sign the process in front of the clerk. Some counties require both partners to be present; others allow one partner to explore on behalf of both. Ask your clerk what your county requires.

After you pay and sign, you will receive the marriage license document. This is the official paper you or your officiant will sign during the ceremony. Keep it safe—you will need it at the wedding.

Waiting periods and when you can use the license

Some states impose a waiting period between the day you receive the license and the day you can legally marry. This waiting period is usually one to five days. A few states have no waiting period at all. Some states waive the waiting period if you complete premarital counseling.

The waiting period is separate from the fee. You still pay the full fee even if a waiting period applies. The waiting period exists in some states as a cooling-off measure, though it is rarely enforced in practice.

Ask your county clerk what the waiting period is in your area and whether you can waive it. If you are planning a wedding on a specific date, you need to know this timing so you get the license early enough.

Additional costs you might encounter

The marriage license fee itself is usually the only cost at the clerk's office. However, some counties charge a small fee for certified copies of the license after you are married. This is optional—you only pay for copies if you need them for legal purposes like changing your name or updating insurance.

If you lose the license before the wedding, some counties charge a replacement fee, usually $5 to $15. If you need an expedited or rush processing, some counties charge extra for that service, though most process licenses within a few days at no extra cost.

Remember that the marriage license fee does not include the cost of the officiant who performs the ceremony. Judges, ministers, notaries, and other officiants set their own fees separately. That is a conversation between you and whoever you choose to marry you.

How to find your county's exact fee

The fastest way to learn your fee is to search online for "[your county name] clerk marriage license fee." Most county clerk websites list the fee, required documents, and hours of operation on their marriage license page.

If the website does not have the information, call the clerk's office directly. Have your county name ready. The clerk can tell you the fee, what documents to bring, whether both partners need to be present, and how long processing takes. Many offices can process a license the same day you explore.

If you are getting married in a different state or county from where you live, contact the clerk in the county where you plan to marry. That is the office that will issue your license, and their fee is the one you will pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license online?

No. You must go to your county clerk's office in person to sign the process and pay the fee. Some counties let you read the process form ahead of time to fill it out, which speeds up the process, but you still have to appear in person to sign it and pay.

What if I cannot afford the fee?

A very small number of counties waive or reduce the fee for people with financial hardship, but this is rare. Ask your county clerk whether a fee waiver is available. If not, the fee is the only cost at the clerk's office, and it is usually under $100. Some couples save the fee by completing a premarital counseling course, which reduces the cost by $10 to $50 in many counties.

Do I have to get the license in the state where I am getting married?

Yes. You must get the license from the county clerk in the county where the ceremony will take place. If you are marrying in a different state from where you live, you will travel to that state's clerk office to get the license.

How long is a marriage license valid?

This varies by state. Most states allow you to use the license for 30 to 90 days after you receive it. Some states allow up to a year. Ask your clerk how long your license is valid so you know the important date for the ceremony.

What happens if I lose the license before the wedding?

Contact your county clerk when ready. Most offices can issue a replacement quickly, usually for a small fee of $5 to $15. Bring your identification and explain that you lost the original. The clerk will issue a new one, and you can proceed with your wedding.