Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024How Much Does a Marriage License Cost by State?
Nothing in life is free, not even making it official. Here's how much you can expect to pay for a marriage license by state.
Photo: milaphotos | Shutterstock
Planning your wedding involves a lot of details (some more exciting than others) but there's also a decent amount of paperwork you'll need to make things official. Chief among them? A marriage license. One of the top searches amongst married couples is, unsurprisingly: How much does a marriage license cost? The answer—it varies from state to state depending on where you're getting married.
Because you already have a million things on your plate, we've done the work for you and researched marriage license costs by state along with some other helpful info, too. PS: If you're still searching for the right wedding officiant, find a trusted pro on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
In this article:
- Does It Cost Money to Get a Marriage License?
- Marriage License Cost by State
- Does Marriage License Cost Vary by County?
- Why Does a Marriage License Cost Money?
- How to Pay for a Marriage License?
- Do You Have to Pay Again if Your License Expires?
- How Much Does a Copy of a Marriage License Cost?
Does It Cost Money to Get a Marriage License?
Yep—as they say, nothing in life is free. Not even marrying the love of your life. Getting a marriage license costs money in every state, and the exact fee varies depending on where you apply. The range is between $20 (Michigan) and $110 (Wisconsin).
Most states require this payment to cover the cost of processing your application, and you'll need to make this payment before the license can be issued. Some locations may also have additional fees if you apply late or need expedited processing. Keep these fees in mind when planning your wedding costs.
Marriage License Cost by State
Here's a breakdown of marriage license costs by state, listed in alphabetical order:
-
Alabama Marriage License Cost: $40–$80
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT Arizona Marriage License Cost: $72–$83
California Marriage License Cost: $60–$110
Delaware Marriage License Cost: $70–$120
Florida Marriage License Cost: $93.50
Georgia Marriage License Cost: $50–$60
-
Idaho Marriage License Cost: $30
Illinois Marriage License Cost: $60–$75
Indiana Marriage License Cost: $25 (in-state) / $650 (out-of-state)
Kansas Marriage License Cost: $85.50
-
Louisiana Marriage License Cost: $27.50 (base fee)
Maryland Marriage License Cost: $35–$85
-
Michigan Marriage License Cost: $20 (in-state) / $30 (out-of-state)
Minnesota Marriage License Cost: $115 (discount with premarital counseling)
Mississippi Marriage License Cost: $20–$23
-
North Dakota Marriage License Cost: $65
FOR YOU Ohio Marriage License Cost: $36–$76
Oklahoma Marriage License Cost: $50 ($5 with premarital counseling)
Pennsylvania Marriage License Cost: $50–$80
South Carolina Marriage License Cost: $30–$100
Tennessee Marriage License Cost: $100 (discount with counseling)
Texas Marriage License Cost: $60-$81 (discount with counseling)
Utah Marriage License Cost: $40–$50
Does Marriage License Cost Vary by County?
The pricing listed above is the general cost by state, but the county you choose to marry in can have different fees, too. Some US counties charge different fees based on local administrative costs, ordinances and additional or optional services like expedition or extended office hours. So be sure to do your due diligence and check with your county's office or website for the exact fee.
Why Does a Marriage License Cost Money?
Why do you have to pay for love? Essentially it's because the filing and processing of your application requires labor and labor isn't free. Your fee covers the costs of things like copies, filing, verifying and producing your actual physical license.
How to Pay for a Marriage License?
When it comes to paying for your marriage license, most states will accept cash, checks or money orders. While some might also accept credit cards or debit cards, this varies widely. (Though it's safe to assume Venmo or Zelle aren't an option.) Definitely check with your local office before showing up to make sure you're prepared with the right form of payment.
Do You Have to Pay Again if Your License Expires?
Unfortunately, if plans change and your license expires before you can actually have the ceremony, you'll have to reapply and repay. Most marriage licenses have a range of 30 to 90 days of validity so be sure to keep that in mind.
How Much Does a Copy of a Marriage License Cost?
If you happen to lose your marriage license or need additional copies of it for things like legally changing your name or applying for loans, you can typically obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the license was originally issued. The cost for a certified, original copy ranges from $5 to $25.
Pro tip: Always make sure to request extra copies if you anticipate needing them for name changes, legal paperwork or simply for your records.
Planning your wedding includes lots of paperwork and logistics, but knowing the cost of a marriage license is one less thing to worry about. If you're still finalizing your plans, check out more marriage license basics.
