Marriage License
A marriage license is an official document issued by the county clerk’s office that authorizes a couple to marry one another. You must apply for a marriage license within a specific period (varies by state) before the wedding ceremony. The marriage license must be signed by both individuals and the wedding official after the ceremony and submitted to the proper government agency.
Marriage licenses cost anywhere from $35 to $115 and carry specific conditions, which vary by state. You will likely need your birth certificate, driver’s license, and proof of divorce (if you were previously married), in order to apply for a marriage license. Some states also require blood tests from both parties.
Keep in mind that the waiting period and expiration date to use a marriage license also varies by state. So, it’s a good idea to check with the local county clerk in the county where you plan to marry to learn the conditions of use for their marriage licenses.