Licenses
The Master Guide to Getting Your Marriage License in All 50 States
Getting ready to say "I do" starts with a little bit of paperwork. While every state has its own unique set of rules, most courthouse requirements follow a similar pattern.
The "Don’t Forget It" Marriage License Checklist
Missing one document can result in a wasted trip to the courthouse. Before looking up your state below, ensure you have these essentials:
Valid Photo ID: Driver’s license, State ID, or Passport.
Social Security Number: Usually just the number, but bring the card if you have it.
Previous Marriage Info: Exact dates of divorce or death certificates if applicable. (Read our guide on Navigating Name Changes After Divorce for more info).
Certified Birth Certificate: Many states require an original with a raised seal.
Payment: Fees range from $25 to $115. Many offices are cash-only, so come prepared!
State-by-State Requirements & Costs (2026)
Alabama
Cost: $70–$80 (filing fee).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Alabama Public Health
Alaska
Cost: $60.
Waiting Period: 3 business days.
Link: Alaska Vital Statistics
Arizona
Cost: $83.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Arizona Superior Court
Arkansas
Cost: $60.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Arkansas Dept. of Health
California
Cost: $80–$100.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: California Public Health
Colorado
Cost: $30.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Colorado Public Health
Connecticut
Cost: $50.
Waiting Period: None.
Delaware
Cost: $50 (Residents) / $100 (Non-residents).
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
Link: Delaware Courts
Florida
Cost: $86 ($61 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: 3 days (for residents).
Link: Florida Court Clerks
Georgia
Cost: $56–$76 ($16–$26 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Georgia.gov
Hawaii
Cost: $65.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Hawaii Dept. of Health
Idaho
Cost: $30.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Idaho Vital Records
Illinois
Cost: $30–$60.
Waiting Period: 1 day.
Link: Cook County Clerk
Indiana
Cost: $25 (Residents) / $65 (Non-residents).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Indiana Courts
Iowa
Cost: $35.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Iowa Dept. of Health
Kansas
Cost: $85.50.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Kansas Judicial Branch
Kentucky
Cost: $50–$60.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Kentucky Court Clerks
Louisiana
Cost: $27.50–$35.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
Maine
Cost: $40.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Maine Vital Records
Maryland
Cost: $35–$85.
Waiting Period: 48 hours.
Link: Maryland Courts
Massachusetts
Cost: $25–$50.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Mass.gov
Michigan
Cost: $20 (Residents) / $30 (Non-residents).
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Michigan Vital Records
Minnesota
Cost: $125 ($50 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Minnesota Vital Records
Mississippi
Cost: $37.
Waiting Period: None.
Missouri
Cost: $45–$60.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Missouri Dept. of Health
Montana
Cost: $53.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Montana Public Health
Nebraska
Cost: $25.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Nebraska Dept. of Health
Nevada
Cost: $102 (Clark County).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Clark County Clerk
New Hampshire
Cost: $50.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: NH Secretary of State
New Jersey
Cost: $28.
Waiting Period: 72 hours.
Link: NJ Dept. of Health
New Mexico
Cost: $25.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Bernalillo County
New York
Cost: $35–$40.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
Link: NY Dept. of Health
North Carolina
Cost: $60.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: NC Register of Deeds
North Dakota
Cost: $65.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: ND Vital Records
Ohio
Cost: $50–$75.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Franklin County Probate
Oklahoma
Cost: $50 ($5 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Oklahoma County Clerk
Oregon
Cost: $60.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Oregon Health Authority
Pennsylvania
Cost: $80–$100.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Phila.gov
Rhode Island
Cost: $24.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: RI Dept. of Health
South Carolina
Cost: $50–$95.
Waiting Period: 24 hours.
South Dakota
Cost: $40.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: SD Dept. of Health
Tennessee
Cost: $100 ($40 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Tennessee Vital Records
Texas
Cost: $60–$85.
Waiting Period: 72 hours.
Link: Texas Vital Statistics
Utah
Cost: $40–$50.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Salt Lake County Clerk
Vermont
Cost: $60.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Vermont Dept. of Health
Virginia
Cost: $30.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Fairfax Circuit Court
Washington
Cost: $64–$70.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: King County Marriage
West Virginia
Cost: $56 ($36 with premarital course).
Waiting Period: None.
Link: WV Secretary of State
Wisconsin
Cost: $100–$120.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
Link: Wisconsin Vital Records
Wyoming
Cost: $30.
Waiting Period: None.
Link: Wyoming Dept. of Health
Next Steps After Getting Your License
Once you have the paper in hand, the work isn't quite done! Check out these related resources to finish the job:
Disclaimer: Fees and requirements change frequently at the local level. Please verify with your specific county clerk before traveling to their office.
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