Marriage License

Marriage License

Guidelines

  1. Both individuals must be age 18 years or older.
  2. If an individual is under age 18 years, the individual’s custodial parent or legal guardian must be present.
  3. The applicants cannot be related through and including first cousins.


Requirements

  1. Both individuals must be present at the time of the application. *
  2. Proof of identification and age (a valid driver’s license or Government-issued form of identification) must be provided at the time of the application.
  3. The Social Security Number of each individual must be provided (the actual Social Security Card is not necessary).
  4. The application must be used within 30 days after issuance (see below for more information).

* If Either Party is unable to appear in the Recorder’s Office to apply, due to Military Service, ADA Qualifying Disability, or Incarceration, an Affidavit of Absent Applicant may be provided.

Fees (Cash or Credit/Debit only)

Marriage License                      $51.00

Credit/Debit Bank Fee              $2.00

Parent/Guardian Fee                $1.00 (for each Parent/Guardian)

Certified Copy                              $9.00 (after the ceremony)

Military Certified Copy              (No Charge)

Return and Record the Marriage License

  1. The person performing the ceremony must complete the license at the ceremony.
  2. The completed license MUST be returned to the Recorder of Deeds office within 15 days of the ceremony.
  3. TIP: Most newlyweds prefer to return their completed license themselves.  This ensures that the license is recorded within the required time frame and provides the applicant with the opportunity to purchase the needed certified copy.


Extended Ceremony Date, Lost, or Unused Marriage License

  1. The ceremony must be completed within 30 days after the application leaves the Recorder of Deeds office.
  2. The license application may be completed before the allotted 30 days; however, the license cannot be released from the Recorder of Deeds office. The license will be held at the Recorder of Deeds office for the applicants until within 30 days of the ceremony. The license can then be picked-up by either applicant (it is not necessary for both applicants to pick-up the license).
  3. If the license is lost, destroyed, or not used, the applicant MUST return to the Recorder of Deeds office to complete an affidavit.

 

Consumer Notice

After your ceremony, if you are contacted by a business offering government services for a fee, such as name changes for social security purposes, please contact the government agency regarding the procedures.  Dealing directly with the government offices generally will not involve any cost.