You've planned the perfect wedding, but without this crucial document, your "I dos" won't count. As someone who recently navigated the marriage license maze, we are sharing everything, we wish we would known before applying.
✔ Age Limits: Most states require both parties to be 18+ (some allow 16-17 with parental consent).
✔ Relationship Rules: All states prohibit immediate family marriages; cousin marriage laws vary.
✔ Marital Status: Must be unmarried (bring divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable).
✔ Same-Sex Marriage: Legal nationwide since 2015 Obergefell ruling.
Pro Tip: Mississippi has unique rules – parental consent needed until age 21.
• Primary ID: Driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
• Social Security card (or number).
• Proof of divorce / annulment if previously married.
• Parental consent forms for minors (where applicable).
Nightmare Avoidance: Some counties require original documents - call ahead.
• Complete Forms: Many states offer online pre-application (but still require in-person visit).
• Pay Fees: $25-$90 (some states discount for premarital counseling).
• Wait Periods: Ranges from none (Nevada) to 6 days (Pennsylvania).
Hack: Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) processes licenses instantly - perfect for elopements.
• Officiant Rules: Some states require registration (especially for online-ordained ministers).
• Witness Requirements: Typically 1-2 adults (age varies).
Critical Step: Ensure your officiant files the license post-ceremony - your marriage isn't legal until they do.
• List new name on marriage license.
• Update Social Security first (takes 2+ weeks).
• Then driver's license, banks, etc.
Warning: Some states restrict name changes - Texas only allows traditional surname options.
• Military: Some states allow proxy marriages for deployed service members.
• International Docs: Non-English documents need certified translations.
• Common-Law: Only recognized in 8 states + DC.
Final Pro Tip: Bookmark your county clerk's website - requirements change frequently.
Do you have any questions about your specific situation? Drop them below in comment and we'll help based on our research across all 50 states. Always Keep your copies of everything - you'll need them for name changes and legal records. Thanks for reading this post on ShineMat.com. Have fun pals.
Who Can Legally Marry?
Before heading to the courthouse, ensure you meet these baseline requirements (varies by state):✔ Age Limits: Most states require both parties to be 18+ (some allow 16-17 with parental consent).
✔ Relationship Rules: All states prohibit immediate family marriages; cousin marriage laws vary.
✔ Marital Status: Must be unmarried (bring divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable).
✔ Same-Sex Marriage: Legal nationwide since 2015 Obergefell ruling.
Pro Tip: Mississippi has unique rules – parental consent needed until age 21.
The Documents You'll Need
Pack these essentials for your courthouse visit:• Primary ID: Driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
• Social Security card (or number).
• Proof of divorce / annulment if previously married.
• Parental consent forms for minors (where applicable).
Nightmare Avoidance: Some counties require original documents - call ahead.
The Application Process: What to Expect
• Find Your Office: Typically the county clerk where you're marrying.• Complete Forms: Many states offer online pre-application (but still require in-person visit).
• Pay Fees: $25-$90 (some states discount for premarital counseling).
• Wait Periods: Ranges from none (Nevada) to 6 days (Pennsylvania).
Hack: Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) processes licenses instantly - perfect for elopements.
After You Get Your License
• Expiration: Most last 30-90 days (check your state).• Officiant Rules: Some states require registration (especially for online-ordained ministers).
• Witness Requirements: Typically 1-2 adults (age varies).
Critical Step: Ensure your officiant files the license post-ceremony - your marriage isn't legal until they do.
Name Change Considerations
While optional, if you're changing your surname:• List new name on marriage license.
• Update Social Security first (takes 2+ weeks).
• Then driver's license, banks, etc.
Warning: Some states restrict name changes - Texas only allows traditional surname options.
Special Circumstances
• Military: Some states allow proxy marriages for deployed service members.
• International Docs: Non-English documents need certified translations.
• Common-Law: Only recognized in 8 states + DC.
Final Pro Tip: Bookmark your county clerk's website - requirements change frequently.
We almost missed our wedding date because we didn't know about Maryland's 48-hour waiting period - don't make our mistake.
Sarah K., recent bride
Do you have any questions about your specific situation? Drop them below in comment and we'll help based on our research across all 50 states. Always Keep your copies of everything - you'll need them for name changes and legal records. Thanks for reading this post on ShineMat.com. Have fun pals.
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