Marriage license guides

Short answers to the questions couples ask most, built from our state and county data.

• Cheapest States to Get a Marriage LicenseMichigan has the lowest marriage license fee at $20, then Rhode Island and Indiana. See the 10 cheapest states and course discounts.
• Most Expensive States for a Marriage LicenseWashington charges the most for a marriage license, up to $172. Wisconsin and California follow. See the 10 priciest states and ways to pay less.
• How Much Is a Marriage License? Cost in Every StateA marriage license costs $20 to $172 depending on the state; the middle state fee is $53. Compare fees in every state and DC on one map.
• States With No Waiting Period to Get Married27 states let you marry the day you get your license, including Alabama, Arizona and Arkansas. See every waiting period and how to skip one.
• Premarital Course Discounts on a Marriage License9 states cut the marriage license fee after a premarital course. Minnesota takes the most off ($75). Hours, savings and wait rules.
• How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost?A courthouse wedding costs $110 in the middle county, license plus ceremony, across 113 counties that post a price. See the cheapest and priciest.
• Marriage License vs Marriage Certificate: What Is the Difference?A marriage license lets you marry; the certificate proves you did. A certified copy costs $10 in the middle county across 231 counties. Cost and steps.
• Getting Married in Another State as a Non-ResidentYou can usually marry in a state where you do not live, but some counties charge out-of-state couples more: up to $100 extra in Texas. Fees, waits and what to check.
• How Long Is a Marriage License Valid in Each State?Most marriage licenses last 60 days, but it ranges from 30 days to a full year, and 6 states' licenses never expire. Check every state.
• Minimum Marriage Age by State19 states and DC set 18 as the minimum marriage age. The lowest is 15 in Kansas, with parental consent. Consent and court rules by state.
• Do You Need Witnesses to Get Married?Most states that set a rule ask for 2 witnesses at the ceremony; 8 states ask for none, including Colorado and Idaho. See every state's rule.
• Which States Allow Proxy Marriage?Colorado and Montana allow proxy marriage under set conditions, and California and Texas allow it for service members. Rules for each state.
• Do You Need a Blood Test to Get Married?Blood tests for a marriage license are a thing of the past. 21 states confirm on official pages that couples skip the test. What you bring instead.
• Can You Apply for a Marriage License Online?3 places run statewide online marriage license applications and 26 states leave it to counties. See where you can start online and what still needs a visit.