Getting married is no doubt a joyous occasion, and while it’s easy to get wrapped up in the more fun aspects of wedding planning — like finding the perfect florist or sampling wedding cake tasters — it’s important not to forget about the more nitty-gritty details, like getting a marriage license.
A marriage license is an official document issued by a state authority that grants you and your partner the legal right to marry. It serves as a form of public record and is different from a marriage certificate, which is only provided after the wedding has taken place.
Fortunately, getting a marriage license isn’t typically a time-consuming process, though the exact steps involved can vary depending on factors like the state you live in. In this post, we’ll discuss how long it typically takes to obtain a marriage license and everything else you need to know about the process.
Once you have submitted your marriage license application, you can expect it to be approved within three to six days, as long as your documents and details are all in order.
However, the exact time it takes can vary depending on where you reside. You may be allowed to pick up the marriage license on the same day of your application — states like Nevada, Kentucky, and Idaho offer this immediate issuance, while other states have mandatory waiting periods in place. As an example, Iowa has a waiting period of three days before your license can officially become valid.
Your office’s specific procedures, their opening hours, and how busy they are can also affect how long it takes to obtain a marriage license. During the office’s peak times or staff shortages, you may have to wait several weeks; that’s why it’s vital to plan ahead.
How Do I Apply for a Marriage License?
Marriage license applications are typically reviewed and approved quickly. However, you also need to factor in the time it takes to fill out the application itself and prepare the
necessary paperwork.
Certain states, such as Montana, used to require you to undergo premarital blood tests, which significantly extended the time involved to get your license. However, as of 2025, this practice has been stopped in virtually all places.
You should always thoroughly check your state’s specific regulations in advance when applying for a marriage license. You can usually find this information readily online on official state government websites, though you can also reach out to your local county or city clerk’s office directly.
While every state does differ, you can generally expect the application process to involve the following steps:
- Ensure you meet the state’s legal requirements: The requirements to get married can vary, though most states require you to be at least 18 years old and not already married.
- Prepare all relevant documentation: Most states will expect you to provide proof of residency, your birth certificate, and some form of official photo identification, like your driver’s license. If you are divorced or widowed, you will typically need to provide proof of this, too.
- Apply for the license: You will need to get in touch with your local county clerk’s office to discuss the specifics of the application process. You will typically need to both apply in person together at the office, though some do offer an online application process. Make sure to have the necessary documents prepared.
- Pay the application fee: Expect to pay a processing fee upon completion of the marriage license application. The exact cost can vary depending on your location, but it usually ranges between $20 and $110.
- Wait for your license to be issued: As we touched on earlier, your license will usually be issued within a few days of your application being approved.
How Long Does a Marriage License Last?
Once your marriage license has been issued, it’s important to check how long it is valid for. In many states, licences only last for a set amount of time before they expire — typically between 30 days and a year from the issue date. If you do not get married within this time frame, you will have to go through the application process again.
When Should I Apply for a Marriage License?
In general, you should aim to apply for a marriage license at least two weeks in advance of your wedding, especially in states that have waiting periods in place. To be on the safe side, aim to apply around four weeks in advance.
Planning for Your Big Day: Find Out How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License
Planning for your big day can feel daunting at times, but it’s important not to leave applying for your marriage license to the last minute.
Once your marriage license has been issued, you can then feel at ease and put all your attention on what actually matters: Tying the knot with your loved one and celebrating the years you have spent together!