Guide
Cheapest States to Get a Marriage License
Updated
The cheapest marriage license in the U.S. is in Michigan, where the fee starts at $20. Rhode Island ($24) and Indiana ($25) come next, against a middle state fee of $53.
These are the lowest standard fees each state allows. In states where counties set their own price, the low end of the range is shown, so check your county page for the exact amount.
10 lowest marriage license fees
The 10 cheapest states
| State | License fee | Waiting period | License valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $20–$30 | 72 hours (3 days) | 33 days |
| Rhode Island | $24 | Check the state page | 90 days |
| Indiana | $25–$65 | Same day | 60 days |
| Louisiana | $27.50 | 24 hours (1 day) | 30 days |
| Idaho | $28–$31 | Same day | Does not expire |
| New Jersey | $28 | 72 hours (3 days) | 30 days |
| Colorado | $30 | Same day | 35 days |
| Virginia | $30 | Same day | 60 days |
| Wyoming | $30 | Same day | 365 days |
| Illinois | $32–$75 | 24 hours (1 day) | 60 days |
A premarital course can beat them all
Several states cut the fee for couples who finish a premarital course. In Oklahoma the fee falls to $5, and in Georgia it falls to $16.
The premarital course guide covers how many hours each state asks for and whether the course also skips the wait.
Cheap license, other costs
The license is only part of the bill. A certified copy of your marriage record and a courthouse ceremony usually cost extra, as the courthouse wedding guide shows.
Some counties also charge non-residents more. If you are marrying away from home, read getting married in another state first.
State pages in this guide
Every figure here comes from the official statute or clerk pages linked on our state and county pages. Fees change, so confirm with your county before you apply.