Louisiana Marriage Laws and Marriage Requirements

Valid US ID

You will need to bring a picture ID and a copy of your birth certificate to the Perish clerk’s office. The two other pieces of information you will need to have on hand is the bride and grooms parents’ names (including maiden and middle names) and their state of birth. You will also need to know both the bride and grooms SSN.

Residency

You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana in order to marry in Louisiana.

Waiting Period

There is a 72 hour waiting period for residents of Louisiana unless the waiting period is waived by a judge. This is particularly helpful for those on military leave. If none residents are looking to get married quickly then they will have to get married in the city of New Orleans, which is located in Orleans Parish. Within the framework of the Louisiana constitution each Parish can set the requirements for marriage, and in Orleans Parish the waiting period is waived for non residents.
Note: the waiting period still applies for those couples choosing a covenant marriage.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Unlike both Mississippi Marriage laws and Georgia marriage laws there is only a 30 day window in which you can marry. After the 30 days has elapsed you will have to reapply for a Louisiana marriage license.

Covenant Marriage

To have a covenant marriage in Louisiana both the bride and groom make a covenant stating that their marriage is a life long relationship. Both the bride and groom must attend pre marriage counseling together, which emphasizes both the nature and purpose of marriage. The premarital counseling must be done by a certified counselor.

Medical and Other Tests

There is no longer a blood test requirement.

Age Requirements

Under 16 Years of Age
If either the bride or groom are under the age of 16 the marriage will have to be okayed by a Judge
Ages 16 and 17
If either the bride or groom is 16 or 17 years old then there must be parental consent by both sets of parents. Both parents must be present to sign an office waiver.
18 or Older
Provided all other marriage laws are met, anyone over the age of 17 may wed.

Marriages by Proxy

Louisiana’s constitution does not provide for a proxy marriage. Though, unlike most states, only the bride or groom must appear before the parish clerk to receive their marriage license.

Previously Married

If previously married then a certified copy of the death certificate or a judgment of divorce must be presented to the parish clerk.

Fees and Taxes

Fees start at $25. Make sure you call the parish clerk to get the exact price for the parish you wish to marry in. As is the case with most clerk offices nation wide, there is a cash only policy in most parishes in Louisiana.

Marrying a Cousin

Yes you may marry a cousin in the state of Louisiana.

Common Law

There are no common law marriages in Louisiana.

Same Sex Marriages

In 2004 the Louisiana constitution was amended to strictly prohibit both civil unions and same sex marriages.

Wedding Officiants

In the state of Louisiana there are justices of the peace who can perform an elopement. Other than a Justice of the Peace and ordained minister who has officially registered as an officiant with the state may officiate weddings.

Miscellaneous

Unlike most states, it is not required that both the bride and groom be present at the Perish clerk’s office when picking up the marriage license.

Please note that all marriage laws can very from parish to parish, so make sure you contact the particular parish where you wish to wed in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the perish clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

If you are looking to get a copy of your marriage license you can either contact the parish you married in or contact the Vital records department at:

Care of the Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
fax: (504) 568-5391

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is required if the bride and groom choose to enter a covenant marriage.

Surrounding States Marriage Laws and Requirements

If you are looking for something different then the Louisiana marriage laws provided for then you might want to look at some of the marriage laws for the surrounding gulf cost states. Links to our marriage laws write ups are located here: Florida marriage laws, Mississippi Marriage Laws, Texas Marriage Laws, and Alabama Marriage Laws.

Mississippi State Marriage Laws and Requirements

Valid US ID

When filling out the paper work for your marriage license you will need to have a picture ID such as a driver’s license or a military id. If you do not have a picture id you can provide a legal document that contains a birth date i.e. birth certificate, tax form, educational documentation, insurance policies, or any other legal document containing proof of age. Mississippi does require that you have your parent’s addresses as well as your mother’s maiden name.

Residency

Neither the bride nor groom have to be a resident or past resident of the state of Mississippi. This is one of the reasons that Mississippi is a popular choice of an elopement.

Waiting Period

Mississippi does have a waiting period, so make sure you factor this into the planning process. The waiting period in MS is 72 hours. Many couples from surrounding states choose to take a daytrip a few weeks before their wedding to fill out the marriage license paper work. In special circumstances the waiting period can be waived for those over the age of 21, but the waiting period is only waived for those who live in Mississippi and must be authorized by a Judge.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Like the marriage laws of Georgia a Mississippi marriage license issued in the state of Mississippi never expires.

Medical and Other Tests

Mississippi is one of the few states that still require a blood test. The test does not have to be done in the state of Mississippi, but does have to be done within 30 days of the wedding. The cost for a submitting the results of the blood test is about $15.

Age Requirements

Mississippi is one of the few states that require parental consent for either the bride or groom who is under the age of 21. One seemingly out of date law requires that the groom be at a minimum of age 17 and that the bride be at least the age 15 to marry in the state.

Marriages by Proxy

Mississippi does not allow proxy marriage or common law marriages.

Previously Married

You will be required to provide the end date of any previous marriage when filing for your Mississippi marriage license. Some counties in Mississippi do require a certain elapsed time before remarrying after a divorce. Make sure you contact the county clerk’s office for exact details.

Fees and Taxes

There is a fee for both the blood test and the license. The blood test is about $15 and the marriage license fee is $22. The county clerk’s office will only accept cash as payment for the license.

Marrying a Cousin

You may not marry a cousin in the state of Mississippi.

Common Law

Mississippi marriage laws strictly prohibit common law marriages.

Same Sex Marriages

In 2004 the constitution of Mississippi was amended to explicitly prohibit same sex marriages. Further more, any same sex marriage or union conducted in anther state will not be recognized as a legal union by the state of Mississippi.

Wedding Officiants

Those who can legally officiate a wedding are clergy members, School board members, and most judges in the state of Mississippi.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county within the state of Mississippi, contact the clerk in the county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask the Clerk if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

You may obtain a copy of your Mississippi marriage certificate by writing the vital records department in Jackson Mississippi.
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Phone: (601) 576-7450

Premarital Counseling

There is not a premarital counseling requirement.

Surrounding State’s Marriage Laws and Requirements

Due to the fact the marriage laws in the state of Mississippi are rather strict, some might choose to marry in a surrounding state and just spend their honeymoon in one of Mississippi’s many resorts. If you are interested in the marriage laws of surrounding states then please visit these pages: Tennessee Marriage laws, Florida Marriage Laws, and Alabama Marriage Laws.

Are you looking to have the perfect wedding in the Peach State? Many couples choose to elope in Georgia because GA does not require any sort of waiting period. Besides just elopements in Georgia many couples have chosen Georgia as the place to conduct their destination wedding. Atlanta, which is located in Fulton county, and Stone Mountain are extremely popular destinations for those planning their honeymoon. Whether your Georgia wedding is going to be downtown Atlanta, located on top of Pine Mountain, or nestled somewhere on the Georgia coast you must first meet the Georgia Marriage Laws and requirements set fort by the State of Georgia. Once you have read through the laws below and have settled on the Georgia County you wish to marry in, then follow up that decision with a call to the County Clerks office just to make sure you have everything in place before getting to the County Clerks Office.

Valid US ID

In the state of Georgia you must bring identification so that your age can be validated. Acceptable forms of identification are your driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, military ID or some other form of legal documentation. Both the bride and groom will be required to bring one form of identification.

Residency

There is no residency requirement in Georgia, but if you are not a resident then you will have to obtain your Georgia marriage license from the county in which you are going to marry.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period in Georgia. Once the County Clerk’s Office has issued you your marriage license you may marry immediately afterwards.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Unlike most states, once a Georgia marriage license is issued it will not expire.

Medical and Other Tests

At one point the state of Georgia did require that both the bride and groom get a blood test, but as of mid 2003 that requirement was official dropped by the Georgia State legislator.

Age Requirements

You must be at least 16 years of age in order to obtain a marriage license in the state of Georgia. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, both parents and legal guardians must give their consent in person. If wedding applicants are underage and they have either already had a child together or either the bride is pregnant then parental consent is not needed. All that will be needed is either a copy of their child’s birth certificate or a letter from a certified Georgia physician stating that the bride is pregnant.

Marriages by Proxy

There are no proxy marriage allowed.

Previously Married

If either the bride or groom has been divorced in the last six months then a copy of the divorce decree will have to be brought to the County Clerk’s Office. Also, whether the marriage ended in death or a divorce you will have to be able to provided exact dates as to when your last marriage ended.

Fees and Taxes

The marriage license fee is normally $51.00 cash. As with most states only cash is an acceptable form of payment. If you have completed premarital counseling then the license is only $16.00, again cash only.

Marrying a Cousin

Yes you may marry a first cousin the Georgia.

Common Law

If you have a common law marriage from another state then it will be legally recognized in Georgia because of the full faith and credit requirement. Thought, Georgia itself does not recognize common law marriages unless it was officially recognized before Jan 1, 1997.

Same Sex Marriages

A constitutional amendment was passed in late 2004, which official band persons of the same sex to marry.

Wedding Officiants

The officiant can be a judge, city recorder, justice of the peace or a minister.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To receive a copy of your marriage certificate you will need to write the Georgia department of Pubic Health in Montgomery requesting a copy.
Georgia Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-3640
Phone: (404) 679-4701

Premarital Counseling

Though it is not officially required, premarital counseling is official endorsed by the state of Georgia. If you choose to get pre-marriage counseling then you will receive a discount of the marriage license. See “Fees and Taxes” above. Also, the premarital education must be completed within 12 months prior to the application for a marriage license and the couple must undergo the education together.

Surrounding State’s Marriage Laws and Requirements

If the Georgia marriage laws do not provided what you need to satisfy the requirements of your marriage then try checking the surrounding states. You can do so by looking at our marriage law write ups located here: Florida marriage laws, Tennessee marriage laws, North Carolina marriage laws, and Alabama marriage laws.

Are you in the process of planning a destination wedding in Alabama? Are you thinking of taking a long weekend to elope in Gulf Shores? Maybe you are planning a romantic wedding with a honeymoon at one of the 5 star spas nestled in the rolling hills of Birmingham. But, before you get to the fun of planning your dream wedding you will want to make sure you meet all the requirements for obtaining an Alabama marriage license. Below is a high level overview of marriage laws for the state of Alabama. Once you have decided in what county you will be getting married in you will want to call the County Clerk’s office to make sure everything is in order. Once all the legal requirements are out of the way you can begin the fun of planning your special wedding day.

Valid US ID

Alabama requires that you have a social security number in order to receive an Alabama marriage license. Along with the SSN you will need either to have a Driver’s license, resident ID, Passport or a birth certificate.

Residency

You do not have to be a resident of Alabama to receive and license in that state.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period in the state of Alabama other than a 60 day waiting period for those who are recently divorced. Once the County Clerk’s office has issued you a license your wedding ceremony can commence.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Once the County Clerk’s office has issued you a Alabama marriage license you have 30 days before it expires. Once the license has expired you will have to re-file with the Clerk’s office and pay for the coast of the marriage license again.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no medical exams or blood test required in the state of Alabama.

Age Requirements

Age 18 Years and Older
Once the bride and groom are 18 there is no parental consent needed to receive your marriage license.
Age 16 or 17
If you are under the age of 18 you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. Both parents must give their consent to the marriage.
Under Age 16
No one under the age of 16 may marry in the state of Alabama.

Marriages by Proxy

Alabama marriage laws do not provide for a proxy wedding.

Previously Married

You will have to present a death or a divorce decree if you were previously married. If the marriage ended in a divorce then there is an Alabama marriage law that requires a 60 day waiting period from the date your divorce was finalized.

Fees and Taxes

You will need to contact the county clerk’s office for exact fees for getting your marriage license. The starting price for a license is $43 dollars and some Clerk’s offices will accept credit cards though, most will have a sir charge for using a credit card. In Alabama you may get married in most court houses for an additional charge. Starting price is $63 for the Alabama marriage license, ceremony and a certified copy of the marriage license. It only takes one missing item for you to have to make a second trip to the County Clerk’s office so make sure you call ahead if you are planning to elope in Alabama.

Marrying a Cousin

You are allowed to marry a first cousin in the state of Alabama.

Common Law

Alabama marriage laws do provided for a common law marriage.

Same Sex Marriages

There are no same sex marriages in Alabama. In June 2006 over 80% of Alabama voters, approved a constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage.

Wedding Officiants

Other than current or retired Alabama judges, only licensed ministers, pastors of recognized religious societies, or clergy members my officiate a wedding in Alabama.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To receive a copy of your marriage certificate you will need to write the Alabama department of Pubic Health in Montgomery requesting a copy.

Alabama Department of Public Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
434 Monroe St.
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3017
Phone: 334-613-5300
Fax: 334-240-3097

Premarital Counseling

In spite of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Alabama does not officially endorse premarital counseling.

Whether you are planning a destination wedding on the outer banks of North Carolina, an intimate wedding in Charlotte, or planning to elope in the Smokey Mountain there are marriage requirements which will have to be met in order to satisfy the marriage laws of North Carolina. We recommend that you read through the high level North Carolina marriage laws provided below, and then follow that up with a phone call to the county clerks office to make sure everything needed to obtain your license is in order.

Valid US ID

Much like New York State Marriage Laws in North Carolina you must show proof of age in order for a county clerk to give you a marriage license. To validate your age in North Carolina you will need one of the following: Driver’s License, Military ID, State ID, Passport, or a certified United States birth certificate. On top of validating your age and identity you will also need a Social Security Number. To validate your SSN in NC you will need to either have the sate issues SSN card or any official document containing your SSN. A payroll stub or your W-2 can also be used to validate your SSN.

Residency

You neither have to be a North Carolina resident or a US resident to receive a North Carolina Marriage license.

Waiting Period

For those planning either to elope or to have a destination wedding in North Carolina you will be glad to know that there is no waiting period from the time the license is received from the county clerk’s office and when your wedding ceremony can take place.

Length Marriage License is Valid

The law in North Carolina provides for a 60 day window from the time your marriage license is issued. After 60 days you will have to re-file and re-pay all applicable fees associated with getting a North Carolina Marriage License.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no physical exams or blood tests required in the state of North Carolina.

Age Requirements

Age 20 Years and Younger
All applicants age 20 or less will be required to show proof of their age.

Age 18 Years and Older
Once the bride and groom are 18 there is no parental consent needed to receive your marriage license.

Age 16 or 17
Parental consent is needed is the bride or groom are ages 16 or 17.

Age 14 or 15
The law does provide for a 14 or 15 year old to marry. Both parental consent and a court order is needed for marrying at such a young age.

Under Age 14
No one under the age of 14 can marry in the state of North Carolina.

Marriages by Proxy

There are no proxy marriages in NC, but you may still receive a North Carolina marriage license if only the bride or groom is present at the county clerk’s office. The county clerk will need a notarized affidavit from absent partner.

Previously Married

If your previous marriage ended in divorce within the last 60 days then you will need to present the divorce decree to the county clerk. If your previous marriage ended in either death or divorce and more than 60 has elapsed, then you will just need to be able to supply the dates to the clerk.

Fees and Taxes

There is a $50 fee for marrying in North Carolina. The county clerk will only accept cash. Make sure you call the county clerks office before going to request your marriage license. Fees could very well change without notice.

Marrying a Cousin

You are allowed to marry a first cousin, but you may not marry a sibling or anyone closer than a first cousin .

Common Law

North Carolina marriage laws do not provide for a common law marriage.

Same Sex Marriages

North Carolina has a Defense of Marriage Act – DOMA which strictly prohibits same sex marriage.

Wedding Officiants

A licensed clergymen, ordained minister, or magistrate may officiate a wedding in North Carolina.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To obtain a copy of your North Carolina marriage license you will need to contact the North Carolina Vital Records department at:
NC Vital Records
P.O. Box 29537
Raleigh, NC 27626-0537
Phone: (919) 733-3526

Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is not required by law in North Carolina, but every bride and groom should still attend marriage counseling with a minister or clergy member.

New York State offers so much when it comes to having a perfect wedding. Whether you are planning a destination wedding in New York, planning to elope, or planning a wedding in your home town the state of New York is dotted with wonderful wedding locations. New York City has Central Park; some of the favorite Central Park locations are the Tavern on the Green, The Boat House restaurant, and the historic Central Park Church. Besides Central Park the Empire State building also allows for weddings to take place on the main observation deck. If a city wedding is not for you then maybe the beautiful backdrop of Niagara Falls would be more your style. Whatever you choose the first thing you need to check off your wedding planning list is making sure you can get a New York State marriage license and that you meet all the requirement needed to satisfy both state marriage laws and county marriage laws.

Valid US ID

New York State requires identification for both verifying your age and identify. Your identity can be validated by either a drivers license, passport, immigration record, or a employment picture ID. Your age can be validated by a document such as a birth certificate, naturalization record, census record or a baptismal record. You will need these pieces of identification for both the bride and groom.

Residency

No. There is not a residency requirement to marry in the state of New York.

Waiting Period

There is a 24 hour waiting period from the exact time the New York State marriage license is issued. There are some provisions for waiving the 24 hours, but you will have to get a New York Supreme Court judge to sign off. If the bride or groom are under the age of 16 then a family court judge from the county of there residence is required.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Once the 24 hour waiting period has elapsed the license will be good for 60 days.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no blood tests or medical exams required in order to receive a license in New York.

Age Requirements

Age 18 Years and Older
Once the bride and groom are 18 there is no parental consent needed.
Age 16 or 17
For those trying to marry at the age of 16 or 17 then there will need to be a parental consent for filled out by both parents.
Age 14 or 15
The law does provide for a 14 or 15 year old to marry. Both parents of the bride and groom will have to give consent. On top of the parental consent either a New York State Supreme Court justice or a local Family Court judge will have to give their consent.
Under Age 14
No one under the age of 14 can marry in the state of New York.

Marriages by Proxy

New York State Marriage Laws do not provide for a proxy marriage.

Previously Married

If either the bride or groom where previously married then they will need to show documentation of how the previous marriage ended.

Fees and Taxes

A New York marriage license will coast between $40 and $50 dollars. Unlike most County Clerk Offices some of New York’s County Clerk Offices require a money order and will not accept cash or personal check.

Marrying a Cousin

You are allowed to marry a first cousin in the state of New York.

Common Law

There are no common law marriages allowed in New York.

Same Sex Marriages

Same sex marriages are not allowed in New York.

Wedding Officiants

An officially ordained clergy member or public official in the State of New York may perform marriages. Public officials include mayors, city clerks, deputy city clerks, appointed marriage officer, justice, or judge. New York city requires that any officiant be registered with the City of New York. Also ship captains may not perform marriages in the state of New York.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To get a copy of your marriage license you will need to write to New York state department of health at the address below.
Vital Records Section
New York State Department of Health
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12237-0023

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling in not required or officially promoted by the state of New York.

Tennessee has much to offer when it comes to a destination wedding. There are several very romantic destinations within Tennessee that are just perfect for hosting your special day. The Chattanooga area provides both the beauty of Lookout Mountain and the serine beauty of a Fall Riverboat wedding on the Tennessee River. As well as the Chattanooga area Tennessee has Gatlinburg which is nestled in the Smokey Mountains and is the gateway city to the Smokey Mountains. Gatlinburg has for decades been a favorite spot for those couples wanting to elope. But, before you get too carried away with finding what city in Tennessee you want to get married in you will first want to make sure that you satisfy all the requirements need for marriage in the state of Tennessee. We recommend that you read through the high level Tennessee state marriage laws provided below, and then follow that up with a phone call to the county clerks office to make sure everything needed is in order.

Valid US ID

If you are a United States citizen you will need a Social Security Number to get married in the state of Tennessee. As well as the SSN you will need either a birth certificate that has been certified or a driver’s license. If you are not a US citizen you can present a valid passport with a current visa to the county clerk’s office.

Residency

You neither have to be a Tennessee or United States resident to marry in Tennessee.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting for a marriage license in state of Tennessee. Though if you are a resident of Tennessee and want to get the premarital counseling discount then you will need to finish your pre-marriage counseling within a year of your wedding date. See the fees and taxes section below.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Your marriage license will be valid for thirty 30 days from the time it is issued, and will be good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no medical test required.

Age Requirements

At the age of 18 no parental consent it needed. Before the age of 18 all applicants must be accompanied by their parents, legal guardian, next of kin, or person having custody of the applicant and that person must, under oath, state that the applicant is at least 16 years old and that person must give their consent to marry.

Marriages by Proxy

No a proxy marriage in its purist sense is not allowed in Tennessee. Though, if one of the marriage license applicants is incarcerated or has a disability which prevents then from appearing before the county clerks office then a notarized statement containing the applicants name, age, current address and the names and address of the parents, guardian or next of kin can be presented before the county clerk.

Previously Married

If you have been previously divorced then you will need to supply a copy of the divorce decree.

Fees and Taxes

Marriage License fees will range from $97.50 to $99.50. The state of Tennessee will take $60 off of any marriage license if you have taken the voluntary premarital counseling and provide a Certificate of Completion form that has been signed by the course provider. If you are not a resident of the state the cost is only $38.50.

Marrying a Cousin

Yes. You may marry a first cousin in the state of Tennessee.

Common Law

There are no common law marriages in the state of Tennessee, but the state will recognize a common law marriage from other states.

Same Sex Marriages

There is no same sex marriage in Tennessee.

Wedding Officiants

1. Pastors, ministers, preachers, priests,
   rabbis, and other spiritual leaders of every religious
   belief, that is older than 18 years old. The qualified officiants must be ordained with the customs of a religious group.
2. Any member of a county legislative body or any county executives
   Former or otherwise may officiate. Current and former judges, governors, and current county clerks, current or former speakers of the senate or house my officiate.
3. Mayors of municipalities.

Miscellaneous

Please leave a comment and let me know if you have any other information that might be useful. Two usefull links for obtaining Tennessee marriage laws information are the Nashville, Tennessee County Marriage Law information page and the Hamilton County Marriage Laws page.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

You must contact the county you married via mail and request including the bride’s full maiden name, the groom’s name, the date of the marriage and $5.00 for each copy requested. Please contact the county clerk’s office for more details.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is not required in Tennessee, but there are discounts provided by the state if you do receive counseling. See the Fees and Taxes above.

Florida Marriage Laws and Requirements

Valid US ID

In some Florida counties they will require a certified copy of both the bride and grooms birth certificate. Other than the birth certificate you will need a social security card and a picture ID such as a passport, or driver’s license.

Residency

There is no residency requirement in order to get married in Florida.

Waiting Period

For Florida residents there is a 3 day waiting period from the time you receive your marriage licensee. The 3 day waiting period is waived if both the bride and groom have received premarital counseling from a certified premarital course provider. Also, for none residence the waiting period is waived.

Length Marriage License is Valid

The state provides for a 60 day window from the time the marriage license becomes effective. In the case that the 60 window is exceeded you will have to pay all fees again, and go through the process of getting a new license.

Medical and Other Tests

No medical tests are required.

Age Requirements

As long as the bride and groom are 18 years of age or older then they may marry without parental consent. At the age of 17 parental consent is needed in order to marry. Either both parents or the parent who has sole custody must give consent. The state of Florida does provide for those under the age of 17 and who have children to marry. The existence of a child must be verified by a doctor and the marriage must be okayed by a judge.

Marriages by Proxy

Proxy marriages are not allowed in Florida.

Previously Married

If remarrying after a divorce or the death of a spouse and it is within 30 days of the death or divorce, then you must provide the Judgment of Divorce or the Death Certificate. Outside of the 30 days you will only need to supply the dates of the divorce or death.

Fees and Taxes

A Florida marriage license, for those who have not taken the state recommended premarital counseling course, will cost $93.50. If you have taken the course it will be discounted $32.50, which would bring the cost to $61. You may only pay in cash. They accept no other form of payment.

Marrying a Cousin

Yes. Florida marriage laws do provide for marrying a cousin, but if you do I would not tell anyone.

Common Law

There are no common laws marriages in the state of Florida.

Same Sex Marriages

Under no circumstance are you allowed to marry someone of the same sex.

Wedding Officiants

There are three groups which can perform marriages in Florida. They are Justices of the peace, any ordained or licensed clergy member, and notary publics.

Miscellaneous

You must read the Florida Marriage handbook before you can receive a license. The handbook is a 17 page booklet that explains the legal agreement that is taking place when you marry. Please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To obtain a copy of your Florida marriage certificate you can contact the Department of Children and Families Division of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville FL.

Premarital Counseling

The State of Florida does not require premarital counseling as a prerequisite for receiving a Florida marriage license. Though, the state will take $32.50 off the cost of the marriage license if you do obtain some pre marriage counseling.

Wisconsin Marriage Laws and Requirements

Valid US ID

You will have to have a social security number while registering. The bride and the groom must bring their drivers license or either two pieces of mail to validate their current address. You must also bring a certified birth certificate when you apply. You will need to know the full names of your parents. This also includes the maiden names of both the bride and grooms mothers. You will want to contact the County Clerks office for any specifics before making the trip. Remember each County has their own set of requirement which must be met.

Residency

You do not have to be a resident to marry in the state of Wisconsin. Though, if you are a resident either the bride or groom must register in a county where they have been a resident for at least 30 days. Once registered, the wedding may take place in any county in Wisconsin.

If you are from out of state, then you must apply for the Wisconsin marriage license in the county the wedding will take place.

Waiting Period

There is a 5 day waiting period. The day of registration is not included in the 5 day waiting period.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Once issued a Wisconsin marriage license is only valid for 30 days.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no medical tests required to marry in Wisconsin.

Age Requirements

No one under the age of 16 may marry. If either of the people getting married are between the ages of 16 and 18, then they must have a consent form signed by both parents (if living) or a legal guardian. This form must be signed before the County Clerk.

Marriages by Proxy

Wisconsin does not allow proxy marriages under any circumstances.

Previously Married

Wisconsin marriage laws require that if there was a previous marriage then there must be proof presented to the county clerks office showing how and when the marriage ended. If the marriage ended in a divorce or an annulment then the Judgment of divorce papers or annulment papers will be needed to receive a marriage license in Wisconsin. In the case of a divorce or annulment there is a 6 month waiting period for getting remarried in Wisconsin. If you are remarrying after the death of a spouse then you will need to bring the death certificate when you are filling for a marriage license.

Fees and Taxes

$80 is the average cost in the state of Wisconsin to receive a marriage license. Fees do vary from county to county, so make sure you contact your county clerk’s office for details. Checks and credit cards are not accepted, so make sure you stop by the ATM before heading over to your county clerk’s office.

Marrying a Cousin

In the state of Wisconsin you may not marry a blood relative that is any closer in relationship than a second cousin. This law is in place out of concern for any children you may have. The only time you may marry a first cousin or sibling is the state of Wisconsin is when the bride is over the age of 55. But seriously, if you are considering marrying your sister or first cousin, then you should probably reconsider.

Common Law

Common law marriages are not allowed.

Same Sex Marriages

Wisconsin does not permit same sex marriages.

Wedding Officiants

Those who can officiate your wedding are either a clergy member or religious appointees, a judge, or a commissioner of the court. Due to certain religious customs Wisconsin does allow for the bride and groom to officiate their own wedding.

Miscellaneous

If at the time of filling for a license you will need to supply the officiant’s phone number and address.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

To obtain a copy of your Wisconsin marriage certificate you must contact the Vital Records department in Madison.

Premarital Counseling

The Wisconsin legislators have bounced around the idea of requiring premarital counseling in the state. As of now there is no law requiring premarital counseling, but we would most certainly recommend that the bride and groom take the time to consider whether counseling would be a wise choice.

Again please contact the clerk’s office in the county you wish to marry to make sure that the Wisconsin premarital counseling laws have not been changed since the creation of this outline.

California Marriage Requirements

Valid US ID

California does require that the bride and the groom present a valid ID to the County Clerk’s Office while applying for a California marriage license. For a piece of identification to be valid it must have a picture, the date of birth, and a issue and an expiration date. Examples of a valid id are California issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, or a military ID. Depending on what California counties you are planning to wed in it might be required that you have a copy of both the bride and groom’s birth certificate.

Residency

There is no residency requirment for obtaining a marriage license.

Waiting Period

No waiting period is required in the state of CA. This is one fact that makes California such a popular wedding destination.

Length Marriage License is Valid

From the time the license is issued you have 90 days for the marriage license to be signed. If the 90 window is passed you must purchase a new license from the County Clerk’s Office.

Medical and Other Tests

There are no required medical tests.

Age Requirements

If either the groom or the bride is under 18 years of age then one of the minor’s legal guardians, or parents must go to the County Clerk’s office. Due to the age requirement a certified copy of a birth certificate is required for the underage bride or groom. California state law also requires that the couple meet with a counselor as well as the must appear before superior court judge.

Marriages by Proxy

Proxy marriages are only allowed for military personnel who are deployed far away with in a war or conflict. This situation allows for the military personal to give their power of attorney to someone else, which will allow for that person to stand for them during their wedding ceremony.

Previously Married

Most counties require a copy of the final judgment if the marriage was annulled. Regardless’ of how the marriage ended you will be required to know exact dates any previous marriage ended.

Fees and Taxes

All fees for a marriage license may vary by county, but the price starts at $45.00. Remember that as a rule most states require cash for the purchase of a marriage license.

Marrying a Cousin

California allows for the marrying of a cousin.

Premarital Counseling

Pre-marital counseling is only required for those marrying under the age of 18.

Common Law

The state of California does not provide for a Common Law marriage.

Same Sex Marriages

Yes. Same sex marriages are allowed in the state of California.

Wedding Officiants

Any member of the clergy may perform a wedding. Also, any judges retired or active, a US magistrate retired or active, as well as, any legislator who is currently in office.

Miscellaneous

Please leave a comment and let me know if you have any other information that might be useful. Also, please remember that marriage laws very from county to county, so make sure you contact the particular county you wish to marry in for exact details. Also make sure you ask if you have any questions because chances are the county clerk will only give you the very basics as far as requirements go. If you have any questions or concerns then you will have to ask some very direct question.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

You will not receive a marriage license copy until you request and purchase one from the County Clerk or County Recorder as office.