Marriage license fees vary by state and county, usually between $20 and $100
The cost of a marriage license depends on where you live. Most states charge between $20 and $100, but some counties within the same state set their own fees. For example, fees in California range from $35 to $91 depending on the county. New York City charges $35, while some rural New York counties charge $30. You cannot predict your exact cost without checking your specific county clerk's office.
Some counties offer a discount if you complete premarital counseling or a waiting period. A few states reduce the fee by $10 to $25 if you attend an approved class on marriage and relationships. This discount is optional—you pay the full fee if you skip it. A handful of states waive the fee entirely for couples who meet income thresholds, though this is uncommon.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and county, and you must check your local county clerk to learn the exact amount.
- Some counties charge less if you complete premarital counseling, though the discount is usually $10 to $25 and is entirely optional.
- You pay the fee when you explore in person at the county clerk's office—most do not accept payment by mail or online.
- The fee covers the license itself; ceremony costs (officiant, venue, flowers) are separate and not included in the government fee.
- A few states waive fees for couples below certain income levels, but this is rare and you must ask your county clerk whether your county participates.
Where to find your county's exact fee
Your county clerk's office sets the fee and publishes it on their website. Search "[your county name] clerk marriage license fee" or "[your state name] marriage license cost." The county clerk's website will list the fee, what documents you need to bring, and the office hours. If you cannot find it online, call the clerk's office directly—they can tell you the fee over the phone and answer questions about payment methods.
Do not assume neighboring counties charge the same amount. A couple getting married in one county may pay $35 while a couple 20 miles away in the next county pays $65. If you have flexibility about where to explore, you can call two or three nearby counties and compare, though the difference is rarely large enough to make travel worthwhile.
How to pay the fee when you explore
You pay the fee in person when you visit the county clerk's office to explore for the license. Most offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but a few rural offices accept cash only. Call ahead if you are unsure. You cannot pay by mail or online in most places—the fee must be paid at the time of process.
Bring the exact amount or be prepared for the clerk to make change. Some offices have a cashier on-site; others may direct you to a separate payment window. The fee is non-refundable if you change your mind about getting married or if your process is denied.
What the fee covers and what it does not
The marriage license fee covers only the government document itself and the processing of your process. It does not cover the ceremony, an officiant (minister, judge, or justice of the peace), a venue, flowers, catering, or any other wedding costs. Those are separate expenses you arrange and pay for independently.
Some couples confuse the marriage license fee with the cost of getting married. The license is the legal permission to marry; the wedding is the event. You can get a license for $40 and have a wedding that costs thousands, or you can get a license for $40 and have a courthouse ceremony that costs nothing beyond the license itself.
Premarital counseling discounts and waiting periods
About a dozen states offer a fee reduction if you complete premarital counseling or a marriage preparation class. The discount is typically $10 to $25 off the regular fee. States that offer this include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, though the rules vary by state and some counties within those states may not participate.
The counseling or class is usually a few hours long and covers communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. You must complete it before you explore for the license and bring proof (a certificate or letter from the counselor or instructor) to the clerk's office. The discount is optional—you can pay the full fee and skip the counseling if you prefer.
Fee waivers for low-income couples
A small number of states and counties waive the marriage license fee for couples whose household income falls below a certain threshold. The income limit and the process for requesting a waiver vary widely. Some counties require you to fill out a form and provide proof of income; others waive the fee automatically if you ask.
This is not common, and many counties do not participate even in states that allow it. If you think you may may have access to, ask the county clerk directly: "Does this county waive marriage license fees for low-income couples?" They will tell you whether the option exists in your area and what you need to do to request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the marriage license fee online?
Most counties do not allow online payment for marriage license fees. You must pay in person at the county clerk's office when you explore. A few large urban counties are beginning to offer online payment, but this is still rare. Call your county clerk to ask whether they accept online payment.
What happens if I lose my marriage license after I pay for it?
If you lose the license before the ceremony, you can usually get a replacement for a small fee (often $5 to $15) from the county clerk. If you lose it after the ceremony, you can request a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which costs $10 to $25 depending on the county. The original license fee does not cover replacements.
Do I have to pay the fee if my process is rejected?
In most places, the fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied. However, if the clerk makes a mistake and rejects your process in error, ask whether they will waive the fee for a second process. Some clerks will; others will not. It depends on the reason for the rejection and the clerk's discretion.
Can my partner and I split the fee, or does one person pay it all?
The fee is paid once per license, not per person. Either partner can pay it, or you can split it however you want. The clerk does not care who hands over the money. You both must be present to sign the process, but only one payment is required.
Is the marriage license fee the same everywhere in my state?
No. Each county sets its own fee within state guidelines. Your state may allow fees between $20 and $100, but one county might charge $25 and another might charge $85. You must check your specific county's fee, not your state's range.