Marriage License Fees

Guide

Most Expensive States for a Marriage License

Updated

Bar chart of the 10 highest marriage license fees by state, led by Washington at $172

Washington has the most expensive marriage license in the country, at up to $172 depending on the county. Wisconsin ($110–$150) and California ($58–$129) are next.

That is several times the middle state fee of $53. The chart uses the highest standard fee each state allows.

10 highest marriage license fees

  1. Washington$172
  2. Wisconsin$150
  3. California$129
  4. Minnesota$125
  5. Delaware$120
  6. South Carolina$115
  7. Nevada$102
  8. Tennessee$99.50
  9. Arizona$98
  10. Pennsylvania$90
Highest standard fee in each state. Ranges reflect county differences. Bars start at zero.

The 10 most expensive states

StateLicense feeCourse discount
Washington$162–$172Check the state page
Wisconsin$110–$150Check the state page
California$58–$129Check the state page
Minnesota$125$75 off
Delaware$70–$120Check the state page
South Carolina$50–$115Check the state page
Nevada$102Check the state page
Tennessee$97.50–$99.50$60 off
Arizona$83–$98Check the state page
Pennsylvania$90Check the state page

Paying less in a high-fee state

Minnesota charges $125, but couples with at least 12 hours of premarital education pay $50. Ask your county clerk which course providers it accepts before you sign up.

The cheapest states guide shows the other end of the scale.

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.