When to Apply for a Marriage License: Perfect Timing for Your Wedding Day

There’s a lot to plan when you’re getting married: venue, outfits, guest list. But one thing that often slips under the radar until it’s almost too late? The marriage license.

Each state has its own rules, from waiting periods to expiration windows. That means timing your application is less about ticking a box and more about getting it just right.

Too early, and the license might expire. Too late, and you could be scrambling days before your ceremony.

This guide lays out exactly when to apply for your marriage license depending on where you’re getting married.

No guesswork, no last-minute stress, just a simple, clear path to getting it done on time. Because your focus should be on celebrating, not paperwork.

When Do You Get a Marriage License Before the Wedding?

The short answer: most couples should apply for their marriage license 2-6 weeks before their wedding date.

But that window varies significantly depending on where you're getting married.

Marriage licenses come with two critical timing factors you need to understand:

• Validity period: How long your license remains valid after issuance (typically 30-90 days)
• Waiting period: Mandatory time between receiving your license and when you can legally marry (0-6 days in most states)

You’ll need to hit the sweet spot where your license is still valid on your wedding day, and where you’ve left enough time for any waiting period or unexpected delays.

Applying too early risks your license expiring. Applying too late can create a last-minute rush.

Check your state’s requirements carefully and plan backward from your ceremony date, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season or need to travel to the issuing office.

How Early Can You Get a Marriage License in Your State?

The validity period of a marriage license, how long it’s valid after issuance, varies by state, directly impacting how early you should apply.

Here’s a breakdown of marriage license validity periods by state:

Note: Always verify with your local county clerk’s office, as local regulations may vary.

If you’re marrying online through Courtly, we assist in timing your application based on your issuing US county to ensure your license remains valid for your scheduled ceremony.

Can You Apply Too Early?

Yes, absolutely. Applying too early is one of the most common mistakes couples make.

If your state has a 30-day validity period and you apply two months before your wedding, your license will expire before you can use it.

Best approach: Work backward from your wedding date, considering your state’s validity period. For example:

• Wedding date: September 15
• State validity period: 60 days
• Earliest application date: July 17 (60 days before)

This ensures your license remains valid through your wedding day.

Marriage License Waiting Periods by State: What You Need to Know

While applying too early can result in an expired license, waiting too long can be equally problematic due to state-mandated waiting periods.

After you receive your marriage license, some states require you to wait a specified number of days before you can legally marry. This waiting period is non-negotiable in most cases.

Here are the states with mandatory waiting periods:

Note: Some counties may offer waivers for waiting periods under specific circumstances (e.g., military service), but these are rare and must be approved in advance.

If you’re getting married in Wisconsin, for example, you’ll need to plan your license appointment at least six days ahead. Showing up the day before won’t work—even if everything else is ready to go.

Marriage License Processing Times and Delays

Even if your state doesn’t enforce a waiting period, your license might not be issued instantly. Processing times depend heavily on your county’s office capacity, location, and the season.

Here’s what you might encounter:

• Same-day issuance: Rare, but available in places like Las Vegas, some Arizona counties, and parts of Colorado and Texas.
• 1–3 business days: Typical in larger cities or counties with efficient systems.
• Up to 2 weeks: Common during peak wedding months or in rural counties with reduced office hours.

Always call ahead to confirm. A five-minute phone call can prevent a two-week delay.

The Sweet Spot: When to Apply for a Marriage License

If you’re wondering how early is too early, or too late, to apply, most couples will be in the clear if they apply for their marriage license 3 to 4 weeks before their wedding date.

This sweet spot works because it:

1. Keeps you well within all state validity windows (including the shortest, 30 days)
2. Covers every state-mandated waiting period
3. Leaves room for unexpected delays or corrections
4. Gives time to double-check documents or resubmit if needed
5. Clears your checklist before the final wedding week chaos

Planning a destination wedding or marrying outside your home state? Research local rules 2–3 months in advance, but still apply within this 3–4 week window unless otherwise advised by the county clerk.

Special Circumstances That Affect Timing

Some couples need to plan a little differently. Here are a few situations where your timeline might shift:

• Military deployments: Some states allow early applications or offer proxy marriages. Call your county for options.
• International travel: Add buffer time if either of you must travel across borders. Apply as soon as you’re eligible.
• Medical situations: Some counties allow emergency licenses with a doctor’s note if health issues demand a fast ceremony.
• Extra documentation: Same-sex couples and international applicants may encounter counties that require more paperwork.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Marriage Licenses

Avoid these frequent timing errors that trip up even the most organized couples:

1. Not accounting for holidays or weekends: County clerk offices typically close on federal holidays and weekends. If your application falls on or before a long weekend, you might face unexpected delays.

2. Forgetting about peak season backlogs: Summer and Valentine's Day weddings are incredibly popular, creating backlogs in processing. During these periods, add an extra week to your timeline.

3. Applying in the wrong county: Some states require you to apply in the county where you'll marry, while others allow you to apply anywhere in the state. Verify this before making plans.

4. Not bringing the right documentation: Showing up without proper ID or other required documents can delay your application. Research requirements thoroughly beforehand.

5. Misunderstanding residency requirements: Non-residents may face different rules or fees in some states. If you're planning a destination wedding, check if there are special considerations for out-of-state couples.

Your Step-by-Step Marriage License Checklist

To help you avoid any last-minute issues, follow this timeline when planning your marriage license:

2–3 Months Before the Wedding

• Research the license requirements for your exact county (not just your state)
• Gather required documents like valid ID, birth certificates, or divorce decrees if previously married
• Check current fees and accepted payment methods

1 Month Before the Wedding

• Book an appointment with the county clerk, if required
• Make sure both partners are available to apply together (most states require both to be present)
• Confirm the clerk’s office hours, location, and any holiday closures

Pro tip: Some counties let you pre-fill your application online to save time at your appointment

3–4 Weeks Before the Wedding

• Apply for your the marriage license within your state’s validity window
• Pay any necessary fees
• Ask how to return the completed license after your ceremony (mail or in person)

After Receiving the License

• Store it safely and make a photocopy for backup
• Bring it to the ceremony; your officiant must complete and sign it

After the Ceremony

• Ensure the license is signed by your officiant and witnesses
• Return it to the county clerk within the deadline (usually 5–10 days)
• Order certified copies for legal tasks like name changes, updating documents, or securing your official online marriage certificate

State-Specific Marriage License Information

Marriage license rules vary widely across the US Here’s what to expect in some of the most commonly searched states.

New York Marriage License Information

In New York, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days and have a 24-hour waiting period. The process typically works like this:

• Both partners must appear in person at any town or city clerk in New York State
• Cost is approximately $40 (varies slightly by location)
• Processing is usually same-day, but the ceremony can’t take place until 24 hours after issuance
• Licenses must be used within New York State

Indiana Marriage License Information 

In Indiana, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days with no waiting period. Requirements include:

• Both applicants must appear in person with a valid government-issued photo ID
• Cost ranges from $18–$60 depending on residency
• Indiana residents must apply in their county of residence
• Non-residents can apply in the county where they’ll marry

California Marriage License Information

California marriage licenses are valid for 90 days with no waiting period.

• Both parties must appear in person at a county clerk’s office
• No residency requirement
• Cost ranges from $90–$110, depending on the county
• Same-day issuance is common if all documents are in order
• You can marry anywhere in California once the license is issued

Texas Marriage License Information

In Texas, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days, but there is a 72-hour waiting period unless waived.

• Both applicants must appear in person at any county clerk’s office
• Texas residents and non-residents can apply
• Standard fee is around $82
• 72-hour waiting period can be waived for military or judicial reasons
• Ceremony must take place within Texas

Nevada Marriage License Information

Nevada has no waiting period, and licenses are valid for up to 1 year—making it a popular choice for destination weddings.

• Apply in person at a county clerk’s office (Las Vegas is the most common)
• No blood tests or residency requirements
• Cost is approximately $102
• License is issued immediately
• You can marry anywhere in Nevada once issued

Florida Marriage License Information

Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. Residents must observe a 3-day waiting period unless they complete a premarital course.

• Apply in person at a county clerk’s office
• Non-residents are exempt from the waiting period
• License fee is around $86, reduced to $61 with premarital counseling
• Valid statewide for in-person ceremonies

New Jersey Marriage License Information

New Jersey has a 72-hour waiting period, and licenses remain valid for 6 months. Application details:

• Apply together in person at the registrar in the municipality where either applicant resides
• If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, apply where the ceremony will occur
• Cost is approximately $28
• Process takes at least 3 days due to the mandatory waiting period

Utah Marriage License Information

In Utah, there’s no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 32 days. Getting married online in Utah is also a popular option due to its flexible laws and virtual accessibility.

Key points:

• Both applicants must appear in person with valid ID (online options available in some counties)
• Cost is around $40–$60 depending on the county
• License can be used anywhere in the state
• Same-day issuance is common

Final Thoughts: Timing Your Marriage License Application

Getting your marriage license might feel like just another checkbox, but timing it right ensures your wedding is legally recognized—without any last-minute stress.

Here’s the winning formula:

1. Confirm your state’s license validity period
2. Factor in any required waiting periods
3. Leave buffer time for processing and hiccups
4. Aim to apply 3–4 weeks before your wedding

Taking care of your marriage license early means one less thing to stress about. If you’re marrying online through Courtly, the platform helps you time your application based on your ceremony date and local laws, so you’re never left guessing.

With these guidelines, you can confidently cross this step off your list and focus on what really matters, celebrating your commitment to each other.

Note: Marriage license rules can change. Always check with your local county clerk for the latest details before locking in your timeline.

FAQs

What do you need in Indiana to get a marriage license?

In Indiana, you'll need:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Social Security numbers (or a signed affidavit if not issued one)
• Birth dates and places of birth
• Date and location of the upcoming ceremony
• Details of any previous marriages, including how they ended
• Payment for the license fee ($18–$60, depending on residency and county)

How long does it take to get a marriage license in NY?

In New York, the application typically takes 20–30 minutes if all documents are ready. The license is issued the same day, but a 24-hour waiting period applies before it can be used. After that, it remains valid for 60 days.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in NJ?

In New Jersey, there’s a 72-hour mandatory waiting period from the time of application. The application itself takes about 30 minutes. After the wait, the license is valid for 6 months.

What do you need for a marriage license in NY?

To get a marriage license in New York, both parties must appear in person and provide:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate, valid passport)
• Social Security numbers (no physical card required)
• Divorce or annulment papers if previously married
• $40 fee (may vary slightly by location)
• No blood tests required