Valid US ID

Colorado requires a valid ID to issue marriage licenses. This means a government-issued ID such as a passport, drivers’ license or military ID. If either of the couple have been divorced, the state requires that the date and location be recorded under oath. You will also need to know your social security number, so unless you have it memorized, bring your card along as well.

Residency

Colorado does not require that either of the couple be a current or past resident to get married within the state.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period in Colorado. Although it may not be the most romantic scenario, you can easily get married in a single afternoon in the state. You will, however, need to plan ahead if you want to reserve a location and officiant.

Length Marriage License is Valid

A Colorado-issued marriage license is valid for up to 30 days after signing. After this period expires you must return the license and apply again.

Medical and Other Tests

Colorado does not require any sort of blood or other medical testing prior to marriage.

Age Requirements

Anyone over the age of 18 can marry freely in Colorado. If you are under the age of 18 procedure differs by county. Your local county clerk will be able to tell you what form of consent is required. Generally, you will simply need parental consent, but in some cases judicial approval is also needed.

Marriages by Proxy

If one of the couple cannot attend the wedding for a legitimate reason such as imprisonment or illness, proxy marriages are allowed in Colorado. A notarized application must be submitted and approved, and the present member of the couple must submit identification for both. Colorado does not allow a proxy wedding where both members of the couple are absent.

Previously Married

Colorado doesn’t require proof of divorce, but previously married individuals must declare themselves as such and provide the date and location of their divorce.

Fees and Taxes

Marriage license fees vary by county in Colorado. Some charge as little as $10, but the standard fee is $30. Bring cash, as the vast majority of county clerk’s offices do not accept cards or checks.

Marrying a Cousin

Colorado permits the marriage of first cousins with no restrictions, but does not permit marriage of closer relations.

Common Law

Colorado recognizes common law marriages if certain criteria are met. A common law marriage occurs when two individuals over the age of 18 inhabit the same residence and present themselves as married. A common law marriage does not require a ceremony and can be dissolved through divorce.

Same Sex Marriages

Colorado does not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, nor recognize same-sex marriage.

Wedding Officiants

Colorado requires that a witness be on hand for the license application to be signed, as well as during the ceremony. Colorado allows a wide variety of officiants, including the couple themselves. This means that the bride and groom can marry themselves, but does not apply to non-ordained friends and family. Other acceptable officiants include a current or retired judge, a magistrate, ordained members of any religion or members of a Native American tribe with the power to marry others.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

Once the ceremony is over, newlyweds must turn over their marriage license to the officiant, who will send it to the proper state office. At this time, the bride must choose what her married name will be, and fill it out on the license. A marriage certificate will be issued upon receipt of the finished marriage license.

Premarital Counseling

Colorado does not provide pre-marital counseling, but services are available in most large cities like Denver and Boulder. Premarital counseling is recommended as an excellent resource for young couples who want to avoid the common pitfalls of newlyweds.

Valid US ID

Ohio requires a valid government-issued ID from both parties, including a drivers’ license, passport or military ID. The marriage license application will also require your social security number, so be sure to bring your social security card or memorize the number. Anyone under 21 must bring a birth certificate.

Residency

You don’t have to be a past or current resident of Ohio to marry within the state. However, you must obtain your license from the county in which you will be married.

Waiting Period

Ohio does not have a waiting period once a marriage license application is accepted.

Length Marriage License is Valid

A marriage license in Ohio is valid for sixty days. If you do not hold a ceremony within that time frame, or wish to marry in a different county, you will need to fill out a new application from scratch.

Medical and Other Tests

Ohio does not require any medical tests or other examinations prior to marriage. However, a license will not be issued to anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a marriage can later be declared null and void if a similar situation arises during the ceremony. Ohio also prohibits the marriage of anyone with communicable syphilis.

Age Requirements

Anyone under 21 years of age must bring a birth certificate with them. Adults over the age of 18 are free to marry, but 16 or 17 year-old girls will need consent from either a parent or legal guardian. The law stipulates that men must be 18 to marry, and male minors will need to seek judicial approval, as well as in certain outstanding cases such as a pregnant minor. Underage applicants may also need to attend premarital counseling before being issued a license.

Marriages by Proxy

Proxy marriages, where one member of the couple is absent and a substitute takes his or her place, are not allowed in Ohio.

Previously Married

If you have been married before, Ohio requires that applicants bring proof of the end of their prior marriage, either through a death certificate or divorce papers.

Fees and Taxes

The fees for a marriage license vary by county, but generally the county probate court will charge $50. Be sure to bring cash, as only a few counties in Ohio accept money orders, and none accept checks or credit cards. Since these fees are not constant throughout Ohio’s 88 counties, it is best to call the probate court ahead of time to find out how much you need to bring.

Marrying a Cousin

Ohio does not permit the marriage of relatives closer than second cousins. This means that first cousin marriages are banned, and the marriage can be annulled if such a union is discovered.

Common Law

A common law marriage, where a couple can be declared married without a ceremony, is only valid in Ohio if declared before October 10, 1991. Otherwise they are not recognized.

Same Sex Marriages

In November 2004, Ohio citizens amended the state constitution to declare that marriage is between one man and one woman. As such, Ohio will not issue a marriage license to a same sex couple and will not recognize same sex couples as married.

Wedding Officiants

Ohio allows ordained clergy members to officiate at wedding ceremonies, so long as the county probate court has their credentials. The clergy can be of any denomination, and couples looking for a secular wedding can also use a justice of the peace.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

The officiant at the wedding will be able to complete the license upon marriage and send it to the county probate court. Couples can then expect to receive their certificate in the mail.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling may be required for underage couples, but is otherwise not mandatory in Ohio.

Valid US ID

Michigan requires a valid photo ID for all marriage license applications. This includes passports, drivers’ licenses and military ID. Both of the engaged couple must also present their birth certificates and also their parents’ information. This includes addresses and maiden names.

Residency

Michigan residents can apply for a marriage license in a county in which one of the engaged couple lives. They can then marry anywhere in the state. Non-residents, however, must apply in the county where they will be married. Non-residents also pay higher fees.

Waiting Period

Michigan has a three day waiting period, which does not include the day the marriage license application is filled out. This can be waived for extenuating circumstances, but don’t count on it if you’re in a hurry.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Michigan marriage licenses are valid for 30 days. If the license expires or you decide to marry in another county, you will need to apply again and go through another waiting period.

Medical and Other Tests

Michigan does not require any medical or blood tests to complete a marriage license application.

Age Requirements

The legal age of marriage in Michigan is 18. If either of the couple is underage, his or her parents will need to attend the application process with the same ID requirements as listed above and give consent. A probate court will need to approve any marriage of a teenager aged 15 or younger.

Marriages by Proxy

Only one member of a couple needs to be present to fill out a marriage license application in Michigan, but both must be present at the wedding ceremony. As such, proxy marriages are not allowed.

Previously Married

Requirements of proving marital status vary by county. If you have a prior marriage, you will at least need to know when it ended and where. Some counties also need to see actual divorce papers or a death certificate to verify marriage eligibility. If your marriage ended within the last six months, you must bring documentation state-wide. Be sure to call the county clerk ahead if in doubt.

Fees and Taxes

Different Michigan counties charge different fees. The most widespread fee is $20 for state residents and $30 for non-residents. Since some counties charge more, it’s best to come prepared. Also note that county clerk offices only accept cash, so don’t come armed with only checks and credit cards.

Marrying a Cousin

Michigan does not permit the marriage of relatives who are closer than second cousins. If it is discovered after a marriage is solemnized that the couple are first cousins, the marriage will be declared null and void.

Common Law

Common law marriages occur when a couple has been living together and presenting themselves as married for a certain amount of time. Michigan does not recognize any common law marriages prior to 1957.

Same Sex Marriages

Michigan citizens passed a law in 2004 banning same sex marriage. No marriage license will be issued to same sex couples, and homosexual marriages are not recognized.

Wedding Officiants

Michigan allows a wide variety of officiants in marriage ceremonies. Most judges can marry couples, as well as mayors, magistrates, clergy and county clerks. Some cultures are also allowed to marry according to their traditions. Michigan requires a witness during the ceremony, although the witness does not need to be 18.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

A marriage license signed by the officiant and a witness and completely filled out can be sent into the proper county clerk’s office. A marriage certificate will then be mailed out upon reception.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is not required in Michigan, but couples may wish to take advantage of the three day waiting period to prepare themselves for marriage. Counseling services are available in most major cities.

Virginia Marriage Laws and Virginia Marriage License Requirements

Valid US ID

In order to obtain a marriage license, you will need to present valid ID such as a driver’s license. You can also use any state-issued or military ID or passport. Copies of both of the engaged parties’ birth certificates are also required, as are their social security numbers.

Residency

Virginia thrives on tourist vacations, and so does not require that either of the engaged couple be current or prior residents to marry.

Waiting Period

Virginia does not enforce a waiting period on eager couples. The ceremony can take place as soon as the license is signed, although you may want to choose a more romantic spot than the county clerk’s office.

Length Marriage License is Valid

Virginia marriage licenses expire 60 days after being issued, and can only be used within the state. After the 60 days are up, or if you decide to marry in another state, you will need to apply again.

Medical and Other Tests

Virginia does not require any additional tests or medical examinations to obtain a marriage license. However, if it appears that one of the engaged couple cannot consent due to mental infirmity or intoxication, a license may be denied pending further examination.

Age Requirements

If both the bride and groom are above 18 years old, they are free to marry. If, however, one or both are younger than 18 they will need signed parental consent. The minimum age of marriage is 16. If one or both of the couple are under 16 and the girl is pregnant, she will need to show proof of pregnancy from a doctor and have parental consent to be married.

Marriages by Proxy

Virginia does not allow proxy weddings, in which someone stands in for the bride, groom or both.

Previously Married

If you have been married in the past, you will want to bring proof of divorce, as it is required in some Virginia jurisdictions.

Fees and Taxes

It costs $30.00 to obtain a marriage license in Virginia, and the highest legal amount that can be charged is $50.00. You will need to bring cash, as it is the only accepted form of payment.

Marrying a Cousin

Virginia permits the marriage of first cousins, but does not permit the marriage of closer relations such as siblings, uncles to nieces or grandparents to grandchildren. This applies to adopted or half-relations as well.

Common Law

A common law marriage is a legally recognized marriage where no ceremony has taken place. This usually occurs through long cohabitation in the same house. Common law marriages, however, are not allowed in the state of Virginia.

Same Sex Marriages

Virginia does not recognize same-sex marriage, nor hold civil union ceremonies for homosexual couples.

Wedding Officiants

The most common officiant in Virginia is an ordained minister. The minister needs to have proof of ordination but can be from any denomination. If you would like to be married by a minister from a specific church, denomination or religion you will need to plan ahead and book a suitable officiant. Couples can also be wed by a judge or marriage commissioner. Witnesses are not required at marriage ceremonies in Virginia.

Obtaining a Copy of Marriage Certificate

Couples wishing to obtain a marriage license should bring all applicable paperwork and payment to a county clerk. The marriage license will be issued if all requirements have been met, and can then be used statewide. Once the marriage is complete, couples will be given a marriage certificate as legal proof of their union.

Premarital Counseling

Virginia does not require premarital counseling. There are, however, counselors within the state that specialize in premarital counseling if you are interested in getting your marriage off to a strong start.

Surrounding States Marriage Laws and Requirements

If the marriage laws and requirements of Virginia do not suit your needs, but you want to get married in that part of the country you might want to look at the marriage laws for either North Carolina Marriage Laws and Requirements or Tennessee Marriage License Requirements.

Louisiana Marriage Laws and Louisiana Marriage License 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 Mississippi Marriage License 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 Marriage License Requirements doe 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 License Requirements and laws 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 Atlanta 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 and Alabama Marriage License Requirements for the state. 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 surcharge 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 and other North Carolina Marriage License Requirements. 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.