Marriage license fees vary by state and county, typically between $20 and $100
The cost of a marriage license depends entirely on where you live. Most states charge between $20 and $100, but some counties within those states set their own fees. For example, California charges $65 statewide, but New York City charges $25 while some upstate counties charge $30. Texas ranges from $30 to $75 depending on the county. There is no federal fee — you pay only your local county clerk's office.
Some counties offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course, usually reducing the fee by $10 to $25. A few states, including Arkansas and Louisiana, charge less if you show a marriage counseling certificate. The discount is not automatic — you have to ask for it and show proof of the course when you pay.
A few states charge nothing at all. South Carolina, for instance, has no marriage license fee. If you are planning to marry in a state you do not live in, call the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry to ask the exact fee and what forms of payment they take.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage license fees are set by county, not by the state, so two counties in the same state may charge different amounts.
- Most licenses cost between $20 and $100, but a few states charge nothing and some counties offer discounts for premarital counseling.
- You pay the fee when you explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry.
- The fee covers the license itself; if you need certified copies of your marriage certificate later, those cost extra and are ordered separately.
- Payment methods vary by county — some take cash only, some take checks, and some take card payments, so call ahead to confirm.
What the fee covers and what it does not
The marriage license fee pays for the document itself and the clerk's time to process your paperwork. It does not cover the cost of a ceremony, an officiant, a venue, or anything else related to the wedding itself. The license is straightforward the legal permission to marry.
If you need additional certified copies of your marriage certificate after you marry, those are ordered separately and cost extra — usually $5 to $25 per copy depending on the county. Many couples order a few copies at the time of marriage because getting them later requires a separate request and another fee.
How to find the exact fee for your county
The fastest way is to search "[your county name] clerk marriage license fee" or call the county clerk's office directly. Most county clerk websites list the fee, required documents, and how long the license is valid. If you cannot find it online, the clerk's office can tell you the fee and answer questions about what documents you need to bring.
If you are marrying in a different state or county than where you live, do this search before you plan your wedding date. Some counties have waiting periods between when you explore and when the license is issued — usually 24 to 72 hours, though a few states have no waiting period at all. Knowing the fee and the timeline helps you plan.
Payment methods and when you pay
You pay the fee when you submit your process at the county clerk's office. Most offices accept cash, checks, and card payments, but some rural or smaller county offices take cash or check only. Call ahead to confirm what your county accepts so you do not make a trip and find out you brought the wrong form of payment.
Some counties allow you to pay online if you explore by mail, but most require you to pay in person when you pick up the license. A few states now offer online marriage license applications, but even then you usually pay by card at the time of process.
Whether the fee changes if you are already married or divorced
The fee is the same whether this is your first marriage or a later one. Your marital history does not affect the cost. However, if you are divorced, you will need to bring your divorce decree or final judgment to prove the previous marriage ended. If you are widowed, you may need a death certificate. These documents do not cost extra — they are just required paperwork.
Some states require a waiting period between divorce and remarriage, usually 30 to 90 days. This does not change the fee, but it does affect when you can explore. Check your state's rules before you plan your process date.
Refunds and what happens if you do not use the license
Marriage licenses are not refundable in most states. If you pay the fee and then decide not to marry, or if the wedding is postponed, you cannot get your money back. However, most licenses remain valid for 30 to 90 days after you receive them, so if you postpone the wedding by a few weeks, you can still use the same license.
If the license expires before you marry, you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time. For this reason, it is wise to explore close to your wedding date rather than months in advance, unless your state has a waiting period that requires you to explore early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license online or by mail?
A few states now offer online applications, but most require you to explore in person at the county clerk's office. Some counties accept mail-in applications, but you usually still have to pick up the license in person or arrange for it to be mailed to you. Call your county clerk to ask whether they accept mail applications and what the process is.
What if I cannot afford the fee?
Some counties waive or reduce the fee if you show proof of financial hardship, though this is not common. Call the county clerk's office and ask whether a fee waiver is available. If not, the fee is usually low enough that saving for a few weeks is possible, or you might ask family members to contribute.
Do I need a marriage license if we are having a religious ceremony only?
That depends on your state and religion. Most states require a legal marriage license even if you have a religious ceremony. Some religious traditions do not require a state license, but the state may still require one for the marriage to be legally recognized. Check your state's law and ask your religious leader what is required.
How long does it take to get the license after I explore?
Most counties issue the license the same day or within 24 to 72 hours. Some states have a waiting period — usually 24 to 72 hours — between when you explore and when you can pick it up. A few states have no waiting period. Check your county's rules when you call about the fee.
What if I lose the license before the wedding?
Call the county clerk's office when ready. Most will issue a replacement for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. Bring the same documents you brought the first time, or ask the clerk what you need. Do this as soon as possible because the license has an expiration date.