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Future Mrs. Goss
Devoted September 2016

Marriage license

Future Mrs. Goss, on June 7, 2016 at 12:14 AM Posted in Planning 0 12

I'm so new to all this wedding stuff, how exactly does the marriage license work. Especially if we are long distance? Not sure how it works at all, do we have to go to the city we are getting married in? Where do we go, I'm so oblivious so I figured I'd just ask the experts! Smiley smile

12 Comments

Latest activity by Nancy Taussig, on June 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM
  • Kristy
    Master November 2015
    Kristy ·
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    You have to show up together.

    Give a quick google search such as "My city marriage license" and it will tell you exactly where to go.

    Laws differ from state to state. Some states have waiting periods and some don't. You need to get the license in the state (and probably the same county, but I'm not entirely sure) that you plan to get married in.

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  • Cassidy
    Dedicated July 2016
    Cassidy ·
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    I know it varies but for ours you have to get it in the county either of you live in (proof via driver license)

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  • Kristy
    Master November 2015
    Kristy ·
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    ^ That is not always the case. i.e.) weddings in Vegas Smiley winking

    Just google the phone number for your local office and call if you can't get all the info you need online, OP

    ETA: Call the office where you plan on getting married.

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  • Melanie
    Dedicated June 2016
    Melanie ·
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    In my state you have to get the marriage license in the state the marriage will take place in (something to consider if you are in different states), but it can be in any county within the state. There is also a 3 day waiting period. I just googled the marriage license requirements and found them from my county's website. If you have trouble finding what you need online, you can probably go to your local courthouse and ask the register what you need to do

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  • The Trap Selena
    Master March 2016
    The Trap Selena ·
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    Just google "marriage license (your city and state). I did that when I was curious and it took me directly to the page for the Register of Deeds...everything I needed to know was there. It's a pretty cut and dry process where I live...no waiting period and it's valid for 60 days. You can fill out the application online and all you have to do is go downtown and take the oath and sign the papers. However, it's not the same everywhere.

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  • Natalie
    Master May 2015
    Natalie ·
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    Yes check online for the city where you will be getting married, but make sure you visit in the actual city/county/government website not a third party. There is a lot of misinformation online, and marriage license requirements are different depending on your town/county/state.

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  • Mrs. Britt
    VIP August 2016
    Mrs. Britt ·
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    Definitely check online. For example, we are getting married in DC (don't live there but we are getting married in the district) and they grant marriage licenses same day and only one of you needs to be there to grab it.

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  • patches
    Super June 2016
    patches ·
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    Indiana is in the county or residence for either of you, if you live out of state it has to be in the county the ceremony will take place. Some states offer the application online to fill out ahead of time and then showing up in person to show required documents and receive the license.

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  • beautyofdreams
    VIP August 2016
    beautyofdreams ·
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    Definitely check with the circuit court of the county you are getting married in. I am getting married in Baltimore but live in northern va. We don't the time to make it to baltimore before 4pm when the office closes m-f BUT they have an option for those that do not live in the county they are getting married in. Its a marriage application form for those outside the county. I had to print it out, fill out with everything except signature. I had to take it to my circuit court in my current county (much better than going to the county we are marrying in from a time perspective). I signed the document in front of the lady. Only one of us had to present. She stamped it with the seal and I mailed off the application with a $50 money order to the circuit order in the county of our wedding. They can mail your license back to you if you want but we are actually going to pick it up when we have our venue walk through next week! Hope this helps!

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  • Mrs. P
    Expert October 2015
    Mrs. P ·
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    I'd google it, and if you're still confused, call. I called because I wanted to make 100% sure that my DH didn't need to be there with me (per the rules of the county in which we got married) and they were very helpful. For us we needed to get the marriage license in the county we were getting married in, since it was different than where we live.

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  • PaleoPrincess
    Expert July 2016
    PaleoPrincess ·
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    Google, it varies so much from place to place! Some counties require you both to show up, and some require waiting periods or blood tests.

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  • Nancy Taussig
    Nancy Taussig ·
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    A FL marriage license can be used anywhere in the state (not county specific).

    Although some counties allow you to pre-fill the application online, you both must appear to swear the info is correct and to sign it.

    FL residents have a 3-day waiting period, but non-residents do not.

    License is good for 60 days and must be returned to the same courthouse within 10 days after the wedding.

    Cost is approx. $95 (varies by county because sales tax varies by county).

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