Kentucky · 2026
Kentucky Marriage License: Cost and Requirements
A marriage license in Kentucky costs $60, and there is no waiting period. The license is good for 30 days.
- License fee$60
- Waiting periodNo waiting period
- Valid for30 days
- Minimum age17 with consent; 18 without
- Course discountNo discount
- Witnesses2 required
- Blood testNot required
- Apply onlineNo, apply in person
Kentucky marriage license fees by county
Fees for the 6 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.
| County | License | Certified copy | Courthouse ceremony | Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | $60 | $5 | $40 | No waiting period |
| Fayette County | $60 | $5 | — | No waiting period |
| Kenton County | $60 | $5 | — | No waiting period |
| Warren County | $60 | $5 | Not offered | No waiting period |
| Boone County | $60 | $5 | — | No waiting period |
| Franklin County | $60 | $5 | Not offered | No waiting period |
— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.
Kentucky marriage license rules
License fee
$60 (KRS 64.012)
County clerks charge $60 (Jefferson and Franklin), up from $50 on June 27, 2025. the posted text of KRS 64.012(1)(n) (effective July 15, 2026) lists $26.50 for the clerk's marriage-license service; the $60 figure is from county clerk pages citing SB 114.
Source: web.archive.org
Premarital course discount
No discount
The county clerk fee statute lists a single marriage-license fee with no premarital-course provision.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Waiting period
No waiting period
Kentucky has no waiting period.
Source: web.archive.org
How long the license is valid
30 days
The license is good for 30 days, counting the day it is issued, and only in Kentucky.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Minimum age and parental consent
17 with consent; 18 without
No license is issued to anyone under 17. A 17-year-old needs a family or district court order granting permission to marry, and 15 days must pass after the order.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
What to bring
Both applicants show documentary proof of age, such as a driver's license, passport, birth record or other government ID. A Social Security card or other government ID is requested, but the number is not recorded on the license.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Blood test
Not required
No blood test is required.
Source: web.archive.org
Do both of you have to appear?
Yes
Both applicants must appear in person.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Applying online
No, apply in person
Both parties must be present at the clerk's office for the license to be issued. Some clerks let you fill out a worksheet ahead of time.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Who can officiate
Ministers or priests of any denomination, Kentucky judges and justices (including eligible retired ones), county judges/executive, and authorized justices of the peace and fiscal court commissioners; certain religious societies may also solemnize.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Witnesses
2 required
At least two people besides the couple and the officiant must be present.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Out-of-state couples
Couples who are both 18 or older can apply in any Kentucky county; the license can only be used in Kentucky.
Source: web.archive.org
Who issues the license
County clerk
Any Kentucky county clerk can issue a license when both applicants are 18 or older.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov
Not in our data yet: proxy marriage. Ask your county office.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a marriage license in Kentucky?
$60. County clerks charge $60 (Jefferson and Franklin), up from $50 on June 27, 2025. the posted text of KRS 64.012(1)(n) (effective July 15, 2026) lists $26.50 for the clerk's marriage-license service; the $60 figure is from county clerk pages citing SB 114.
Is there a waiting period in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky has no waiting period.
How long is a Kentucky marriage license valid?
30 days. The license is good for 30 days, counting the day it is issued, and only in Kentucky.
How old do you have to be to get married in Kentucky?
No license is issued to anyone under 17. A 17-year-old needs a family or district court order granting permission to marry, and 15 days must pass after the order.
Does Kentucky require a blood test?
No. No blood test is required.
Do you need witnesses to get married in Kentucky?
At least two people besides the couple and the officiant must be present.
Sources
- Issuer (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Fee (web.archive.org)
- Course discount (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Waiting period (web.archive.org)
- Validity (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Age (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Id rules (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Officiants (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
- Franklin County Clerk: Marriage License ($60) (franklincountyclerk.ky.gov)
- KRS Chapter 402 (Marriage) (apps.legislature.ky.gov)
Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.
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