Quick Guide To Marriage Laws in All 50 States
This quick guide is perfect for starting your research to making sure your elopement is legal in whatever state you choose to get married in. You might be surprised that many states don’t require witnesses! However, several states do have waiting periods which could disrupt travel plans. As always, use this guide is a reference starting point but reach out to your photographer/officiant and the local county in which you’ll be getting married in for further details.
Alabama
Accepted Identification: for those 19 years of age and older, you must bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – valid driver’s license, non driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, military identification, or school record.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Alabama to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None. However, some counties require a 3 day waiting period for non Alabama residents. Contact the specific county for more information.
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Alaska
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Alaska to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 90 days after license is issued.
Arizona
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Arizona to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 360 days after license is issued.
Arkansas
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Arkansas to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None if over 18
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
California
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of California to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 1 required witness but may have up to 2
License Expiration: 90 days after license is issued.,
Colorado
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Colorado to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 35 days after license is issued.
Connecticut
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You will also need your social security numbers.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Connecticut to recieve a marriage license. Application must be done in the town that you’ll be getting married in.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 65 days after license is issued.
Delaware
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Delaware to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 24 hour waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Washington D.C.
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Washington D.C. to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License never expires once issued
Florida
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You may be required to bring your birth certificate as well.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Florida to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: No waiting period for non Florida residents. For Floridians getting married in Florida, they must either complete a premarital course or wait a required 3 day wait period.
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Georgia
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Georgia to recieve a marriage license. You will be required to complete the application in the county that you will be getting married in.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License never expires once issued.
Hawaii
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You will also need to verify proof of age, typically with a birth certificate.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Hawaii to recieve a marriage license. A license is valid on any of the islands.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Idaho
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. Original or certified copy of birth certificates is also required.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Idaho to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License never expires once issued.
Illinois
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 24 hour waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Indiana
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Indiana to recieve a marriage license. If you are a nonresident, you will be required to apply for your marriage license in the town that your wedding is occuring.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Iowa
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Iowa to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 1 witness
License Expiration: License never expires once issued.
Kansas
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You will also be required to present your social security card.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Kansas to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes
License Expiration: 6 months after license is issued.
Kentucky
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. Along with your original birth certificate and social security card.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Kentucky to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Louisiana
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Maine
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Maine to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 90 days after license is issued.
Maryland
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need to supply your social security number.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 2 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 6 months after license is issued.
Massachusetts
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need to provide your social security number.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Massachusetts to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Michigan
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also want to bring along your birth certificate and social security card.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Michigan to recieve a marriage license. Non residents will need to apply in the county they are getting married.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 days waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 33 days after the license is issued.
Minnesota
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Minnesota to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: License is valid for 6 months from date of issue.
Mississippi
Age Requirement: Per the state, the legal age to marry is 21 years old. Those under 21 must have parental consent. The minimum age for males is 17 and minimum age for females is 15.
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Mississippi to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License does not expire.
Missouri
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your birth certificate to show proof of age.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Missouri to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Montana
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your birth certificate to show proof of age.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Montana to recieve a marriage license. Non residents will need to apply in the county they are getting married in.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: Yes – Women under 50 years of age are required to take Rubella blood test. They can request to waive it.
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 180 days after license is issued.
Nebraska
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your birth certificate to show proof of age.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Nebraska to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: Expires 1 year after license is issued.
Nevada
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Nevada to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: Expires 1 year after license is issued.
New Hampshire
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your birth certificate to show proof of age.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of New Hampshire to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 days before license is valid
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 90 days after filing of the application
New Jersey
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll need your social security card as well.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of New Jersey to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 1 witness when APPLYING for your marriage license
License Expiration: Expires 6 months after license is issued.
New Mexico
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of New Mexico to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License does not expire. It does need to be returned within 90 days of your ceremony.
New York
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of New York to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 24 hours
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 1 witness
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
North Carolina
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. Also bring along your social security card.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
North Dakota
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of North Dakota to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses when application is filed
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Ohio
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your social security numbers.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to recieve a marriage license. For non residents, you’ll be applying in the place that your ceremony is taking place.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Oklahoma
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of STATE to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 10 days after the license is issued.
Oregon
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Oregon to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Pennsylvania
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your social security cards.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after the license is issued.
Rhode Island
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also be required to provide your birth certificate.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Rhode Island to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 90 days after license is issued.
South Carolina
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of South Carolina to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 24 hours
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: License does not expire.
South Dakota
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of South Dakota to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 20 days after license is issued.
Tennessee
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Texas
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Texas to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 90 days after license is issued.
Utah
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your social security number.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Utah to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Vermont
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Vermont to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Virginia
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Washington
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Washington to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 3 day waiting period
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
West Virginia
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID. You’ll also need your social security card and your parent’s names.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: No
License Expiration: 60 days after license is issued.
Wisconsin
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to recieve a marriage license. For non residents, you’ll need to apply in the county where you are getting married.
Required Wait Time: Yes, 5 days however you can waive it at an additional cost
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: 30 days after license is issued.
Wyoming
Accepted Identification: Bring one of the following government issue photo ID’s – passport, driver’s license, non driver’s license, or military ID.
State Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Wyoming to recieve a marriage license.
Required Wait Time: None
Blood Test Requirement: No
Witnesses Needed: Yes, 2 witnesses
License Expiration: License expires after 1 year.
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Wow! This is great! Such a comprehensive guide to marriage laws in the US!
this is super helpful especially when you’re not sure where you want to get married!
Wow this is awesome. So informative and easy to comprehend
Talk about an amazing resource for eloping couples! Wow!
Wow this is an amazing guide for eloping couples!! Such a great idea!
Holy cow – I can’t believe you compiled this all. This must have taken SO long, but it’s so darn handy. Thank you!
WOW! This is amazing! Thank you for putting this together!
Essential information for those who who elope!
Oh man this is so useful to know. Thank you for literally researching the laws in 50 different states, that must have been so much work!