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Updated Mar 06, 2025How to Get Married in Nebraska—The Pros Weigh In
Here's how to properly plan your Nebraska nuptials.
As you plan your wedding in The Cornhusker State, you're likely thinking about the type of wedding you want (a big party versus something more intimate), the kind of budget you're working with and who's on your guest list. It's also important to know how to get married in Nebraska.
Marley Bredehoeft, the event logistics planner at the Omaha-based 402 Events, notes that there are misconceptions about planning a Nebraska wedding. "One of the biggest misconceptions about Nebraska weddings seems to be that they are still all rural, basic (but still lovely) weddings, but the reality is we have a thriving and luxurious industry here as well."
If you're planning on getting married in Nebraska, there are plenty of options to choose from. Read on for expert advice, including getting a State of Nebraska marriage license and the best time to plan your nuptials.
In this article:
- How to Get a Marriage License in Nebraska
- Notable Wedding Locations in Nebraska
- How to Plan a Wedding in Nebraska Step-by-Step
How to Get a Marriage License in Nebraska
Getting a Nebraska wedding license is done through the county clerk's office. The marriage license can only be used for ceremonies performed in Nebraska. When applying for a license, both parties must appear in person together. You need to complete the application form and bring it with you to the office. You also need to bring a valid ID (like a driver's license, state ID or passport) and the $25 marriage license fee. According to Nebraska marriage laws, the license must be used within one year of issuance.
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Notable Wedding Locations in Nebraska
There are plenty of location options for your Nebraska nuptials. A diverse variety of Nebraska wedding venues include country clubs, farms, hotels and outdoor event spaces. Below are a few expert-recommended places to get married in Nebraska.
Omaha
"There are many things to consider when planning, but location is one to start with. Where will your guests be coming from? Out of town? "Omaha has the largest airport easily accessible to other major cities," says Rylee Webb, owner of Rylee Paige Events. "The Omaha and Lincoln areas offer the most diverse venues for couples to choose from. Looking for a country club? Barn? Hotel? Outdoor venues? Omaha has all of these to choose from!"
Palmyra
"Palmyra, Nebraska, is further away but does have some incredible hidden gem venues like Glacial Till Vineyard and The Acreage, but it is far more difficult for guests to get there," Bredehoeft explains. "At the end of the day, it's always what the couple prefers."
Nebraska City
Just an hour from Lincoln, Nebraska City is a town with multiple beautiful venue options, including an indoor/outdoor venue, Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm and historic event space Red Gala.
South Sioux City
Located just across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa, is another great option for a wedding. The Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront has a luxurious feel, several ballroom event spaces and a beautiful riverfront view.
How to Plan a Wedding in Nebraska Step-by-Step
These are the considerations you'll want to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Nebraska.
1. Set a Budget
The first step to getting married in Nebraska is to set a budget. The Knot Budget Advisor helps couples learn more about wedding costs in their marrying location based on data from real couples.
2. Consider the Weather
"Weather is important and unpredictable in Nebraska! Think about this when choosing a venue. Is there a backup plan if your wedding day is raining? Snowing? Seasons are drastically different in Nebraska," Webb explains. "Planning an outdoor fall wedding? You will want to consider what the natural colors of the trees around are going to be before choosing your wedding colors. My recommendation—tour your venue on your wedding date (or close to it) to get an idea of what the nature around will look like!"
3. Plan for a Smaller Guest Count
"Nebraska is blessed with a large number of lovely venues, but they don't always have the size required for some guest counts," Bredehoeft says. "Most Nebraska venues are going to cap out at 200–250 comfortably, but should probably be on the 200 count end. The venues that hold larger groups tend to be less wedding venues so they require a heavier lift in bringing in amenities."
4. Keep Football Season in Mind
"Nebraska is a major college football state, and maybe surprisingly, it does hugely impact the wedding season," Bredehoeft says. "A lot of people getting married in Nebraska are themselves fans or have family who are fans, so if watching the game is important to you, then we don't ever suggest a fall wedding. If you do pick a fall wedding, some venues or hotels (especially in Lincoln) are going to have far less availability or higher prices to accommodate the influx of people in town for the game."
5. Hire Local Vendors
Find local planners, photographers, florists, bakers, entertainment and more using The Knot Vendor Marketplace. "Nebraska has a great wedding professional community. Your local vendors can connect you with other local vendors they recommend for a seamless wedding planning experience," Webb recommends.
