Planning a wedding can be an exasperating experience. Minor details are often overlooked, causing additional stress for the bride and groom. One of the main things to remember is to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. Any couple wishing to get married in the United States must apply and be approved for a marriage license to legally become husband and wife.
Age
In most states, the minimum age to apply for a marriage license--without parental permission-- is 18 years old. Nebraska is the only state that requires applicants to be at least 19 years old. With parental permission, you can apply for a marriage license at 16 or 17 years of age in most states. The court may also allow you to marry at a younger age if special circumstances such as a pregnancy are involved.
Proof of Identification
Both parties must show proper identification when applying for a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, your social security card and your birth certificate when applying for a marriage license. If applying for a marriage license in a different country, you may also need your passport.
Termination of Prior Marriages
You must provide proof of termination of any prior marriages. If your previous spouse died, a death certificate is needed to verify termination of the marriage. If the marriage ended in divorce, a certified copy of your divorce decree will suffice. Alabama, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin also have a mandatory remarriage waiting period that must expire before applying for a marriage license.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are required in Mississippi, Montana and the District of Columbia to test for illnesses such as tuberculosis, venereal disease, and HIV or AIDS. Also, in the state of New York, African and Hispanic Americans are required to be tested for sickle cell.
Marriage License Fees
The fee to obtain a marriage license ranges from $4 to $100 depending on the state. Call ahead to see what form of payment the clerk's office accepts. Some offices only accept cash, while others ask that you pay by credit card or money order.
