Marriage license fees vary by state and county, usually between $20 and $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. In most places you will pay somewhere between $20 and $100, but some counties charge more. A few states charge less than $20. The only way to know the exact fee for your location is to contact the county clerk's office where you plan to marry.

The fee covers the clerk's work to process your process, verify your identity and age, check for legal barriers to marriage, and issue the license itself. You pay this fee once, at the time you explore. Some counties add a small surcharge if you want a certified copy of the license after the wedding, but the initial license fee is the main cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Marriage license fees range from under $20 to over $100 depending on your state and county, so you must contact your local county clerk to learn the exact amount.
  • You pay the fee when you submit your process in person at the county clerk's office — most places do not accept payment by mail or online.
  • Some counties charge extra if you need a certified copy of the license after the wedding, but this is separate from the initial license fee.
  • A few states waive or reduce the fee if you complete premarital counseling, so ask the clerk whether your county offers this option.
  • The license itself is valid for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — so you must marry within that window or the license expires and you pay the fee again.

How to find your county's exact fee

The fastest way is to call or visit the website of your county clerk's office. Search online for "[your county name] clerk marriage license" and you will usually find a phone number and fee schedule. Many county clerk offices now post their fees, required documents, and hours online.

If you cannot find the information online, call the clerk's office directly. They can tell you the fee, what documents you need to bring, whether you both have to appear in person, and how long the license is valid after you receive it. Keep the fee amount and the clerk's phone number — you will need both when you go to explore.

What affects the cost in your area

State law sets a base fee, but counties can add their own charges. Some counties charge the state minimum; others charge significantly more. A few states allow counties to charge different fees based on whether you are a resident of that county or live elsewhere, though this is less common now.

A small number of states reduce or waive the fee if you and your partner complete a premarital counseling course — usually four to eight hours of instruction on communication, finances, or conflict resolution. If you live in one of these states, the savings can be $20 to $50. Ask the clerk whether your county offers this option when you call.

Payment methods and timing

Most county clerk offices require you to pay in person when you submit your process. They accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card, though policies vary by county. A few offices now accept payment online before you visit, but you still have to appear in person to sign documents and verify your identity.

Bring the exact amount or be prepared for the clerk to tell you what payment methods they accept. Do not assume you can pay by mail or phone — nearly all counties require an in-person visit to explore for a marriage license, and payment happens at that time.

How long the license is valid

After you receive your marriage license, you have a limited window to marry. Most states allow 30 to 90 days; a few allow up to six months. If you do not marry within that period, the license expires and you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

The clerk will tell you the expiration date when you receive the license. If your wedding date is uncertain, ask the clerk how long the license is valid before you explore, so you can plan accordingly. Some couples explore close to their wedding date for this reason.

Certified copies and replacement licenses

After you marry, the officiant (the person who performs the ceremony) sends the signed license back to the county clerk. The clerk records it and stores the original. If you need a certified copy of your marriage license later — for a name change, passport process, or other legal purpose — you can request one from the clerk's office.

Certified copies usually cost $5 to $15 each, depending on the county. This is separate from the marriage license fee you paid when you applied. If you lose your license before the wedding, most counties will issue a replacement for a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

What the fee does and does not cover

The marriage license fee covers the clerk's processing of your process and the license document itself. It does not cover the cost of the ceremony, the officiant, a venue, or anything else related to your wedding. The fee is purely for the government paperwork that makes your marriage legal.

Some couples confuse the marriage license with a marriage certificate. The license is what you get before the wedding and bring to the ceremony. The certificate is what you get after the wedding, signed by the officiant and recorded by the clerk. You do not pay a separate fee for the certificate — it is part of the license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. Every state requires you to appear in person at the county clerk's office to explore for a marriage license. You must show a valid ID, and in most places both partners must be present. Some counties let you pay online before your visit, but you still have to go to the office to sign documents and verify your identity.

What if I move to a different county before my wedding?

You can explore for a marriage license in any county in your state, not just the one where you live. The license is valid statewide. If you move after you receive the license but before the wedding, you do not need a new one — the original is still good as long as it has not expired.

Do I get a refund if I cancel my wedding?

No. Marriage license fees are non-refundable in all states. If you cancel your wedding after you have paid for the license, the fee is gone. If you decide to marry later, you will have to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

Is the fee the same if we are the same sex or different sexes?

Yes. All states charge the same fee regardless of the gender or sex of the partners. The fee is based only on your location — the county where you explore.

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 not common. Call your county clerk and ask whether a fee waiver or reduction is available. Some counties will also reduce the fee if you complete premarital counseling. Otherwise, you will need to save the fee amount before you can explore.