Complete Guide to Getting Married in a Different State [2024]

If you’re asking, “Can I get married in another state where I don’t live?”, the short answer is yes.

However, it’s vital to take a couple of things into consideration. You’ll need to learn the state requirements for where you plan to get married and prepare well before the wedding ceremony (including getting a prenup).

Let’s dig in.

Why Have the Marriage Ceremony in Another State?

It’s quite common for couples to consider getting married in another state.

Perhaps your partner’s family lives across the country, or you might have your sights set on a destination wedding on a California beach.

However, for some, it’s a matter of state laws. Same-sex couples, for example, may look to get married in a state where same-sex marriage isn’t explicitly prohibited.

Others may turn to marry out of state because it’s easier, cheaper, and on their own terms (a la the infamous “Vegas elopement”).

Is a Marriage in One State Valid in Another?

Your marriage will be recognized across state lines, provided you’ve legally obtained a marriage license and certificate from the state where you got married.

What Is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a document acquired before your ceremony and confirms your eligibility to be married.

Think of it as an application. You and your partner provide a list of required documents (see Marriage Laws: State by State section below) to a local county clerk, who then issues the license as confirmation that you’re legally eligible to marry.

What’s the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?

Your marriage license essentially becomes your marriage certificate after it’s signed. In most states, you and your partner will sign the marriage license during your ceremony with the help of your wedding officiant.

Your officiant then submits the original signed document to the County Clerk’s office. The County Clerk’s office issues a certified copy of the marriage certificate that serves as proof of the marriage.

Can I Get a Marriage License Online?

Yes, many states accept online applications. You still need to provide proof of identity and submit a filing fee, but these may be submitted electronically.

For example, in California, some counties may allow you to submit your application online. However, you and your partner must appear together in person to obtain marriage licenses.

Requirements for marriage license applications vary by state and even county. While many allow online applications, others require both partners to apply in-person and together.

Do I Need to Get Married In Person?

In some cases, you or your fiancé may not be able to be physically present for your ceremony. For instance, if one of you is in the military or experiencing a debilitating illness.

In this case, you have the option of a proxy marriage. A proxy marriage allows you to be married without one or both partners being present.

Proxy marriages are legal in only a handful of states and under very select circumstances. See the state-by-state breakdown below in the Marriage Laws: State by State section for more information.

From Which State Should I Get My Marriage License?

It’s important to note one state’s marriage license does not have legal validity in another. So, for example, you cannot get a marriage license in Nevada and expect to use it in California to get married.

This means you must apply for a marriage license in the state where you and your partner plan to have your ceremony, not the state where you reside.

Additionally, some states require you to obtain a license for the specific county where the ceremony will take place. Certain states even require one member of the party be a legal resident of that state.

The key takeaway is that while marriage licenses are not transferable between states, a legal marriage in one state is legal across the entire country.

Do All States Require a Marriage License?

Nearly every state requires a marriage license except those recognizing common law marriages.

A common law marriage is a legally recognized union that does not require a marriage license or formal ceremony. Proof of marriage might include presenting as a married couple in public, maintaining a joint bank account, or owning property, depending on the state.

States still acknowledging common law marriage are:

• Colorado
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Utah
• District of Columbia

What if you live in a state that does not recognize common law marriage, like California, but plan to marry in a common law marriage state? You’ll still need to obtain a marriage license for your marriage to be recognized in California.

Do All States Require an Officiant?

Most states require an officiant to legalize a marriage, however there are some exceptions. Let’s first explore what it means to be an officiant.

What’s an Officiant?

A marriage officiant is a person who performs the wedding ceremony. They must be authorized to conduct the ceremony for the marriage to be legally valid.

Officiants come with many titles, but they fall broadly into two categories: religious officiants and civil officiants.

A religious officiant performs the ceremony on behalf of a religious organization, such as a church or synagogue. Conversely, a civil officiant has the legal authority to perform a marriage through a state or local government, free from religious affiliation.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to become a civil officiant through a number of online services. In theory, anyone could officiate your wedding as long as they’ve gone through the appropriate process and can show they’re legally qualified to do so.

Exceptions to the Officiant “Rule”

Certain states recognize marriages even without an officiant present. These are referred to as self-solemnizing/self-uniting weddings or “Quaker” weddings.

The concept of a self-solemnizing ceremony has roots in the Quaker religion spanning back hundreds of years. Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends. Because they believe only God can join a couple in marriage, they don’t involve any kind of intermediary (i.e. an officiant) in the marriage ceremony.

States recognizing Quaker weddings are listed below and include California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and D.C.

You’ll need to obtain a self-uniting marriage license in order to have a Quaker wedding. 

The process varies from state to state and sometimes county to county, so double-check your local requirements when deciding on a self-uniting ceremony.

Additionally, some states have stricter requirements than others for who’s allowed to obtain a self-uniting marriage license. Certain states require a specific religious affiliation (like Maine, where you must affiliate yourself as a member of the Quaker or Baháʼí faiths), while others, like Pennsylvania, allow anyone to obtain a self-uniting license.

Should I Get a Prenup If I’m Marrying in Another State?

You should get a prenup if you’re getting married, no matter what state you live in or where your wedding will be held. Prenuptial agreements promote healthy, critical conversations around money to ensure you and your partner are on the same page before getting married.

However, to draft an enforceable prenuptial agreement, it’s important to consider what state law should govern the document. Therefore, a Choice of Law provision specifies which state’s laws will apply in the agreement.

Also, research the legal requirements for the State’s prenups. For example, in California, the final agreement can’t be modified for at least seven full days before the parties sign it.

To make sure you have your bases covered, work with an experienced prenup attorney.

Marriage Laws & Requirements: State by State

Here’s a breakdown of what you and your partner should expect depending on your marriage state.

Note: These are the requirements to get a license to ensure your marriage is legally recognized across the country, even if you have a common-law marriage.

Alabama

Alabama is the only state that does not require a wedding ceremony. Rather than applying for a marriage license, couples complete a Marriage Certificate form. This must be signed in the presence of a notary and returned to the Probate Office.

Here’s what to keep in mind if you plan to marry in Alabama:

• ID Requirements: To obtain the certificate, both parties must provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security numbers.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• Certificate Expiration: The certificate must be filed within 30 days of signing.
• Waiting Period for Certificate: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witness Requirements: None.

Alaska

• ID Requirements: A picture ID or driver’s license and a birth certificate may be required to show proof of age.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17, with approval from a judge and parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 90 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 3 business days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witness Requirements: One.

Arizona

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or under 16-17 with parental/guardian consent. 
• License Expiration: The license expires after one year. However, it must be returned for recording within 30 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Arkansas

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport if over 21. Between the ages of 18-21, you’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate, an active military ID card, or a valid passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 17-year-old males and 16-year-old females with parental/guardian consent and a mandatory 5-day waiting period.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None if both parties are over 18.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

California

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 with legal guardian consent and court approval.
• License Expiration: 90 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes, for military weddings only.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: One required, maximum of two allowed to sign.

Interested in tying the knot in the Golden State? Check out this full breakdown of marriage requirements.

Colorado

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with approval from a juvenile court.
• License Expiration: Valid for 35 days and must be returned for recording within 63 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes, if one party cannot be present due to illness or is out of the state.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Connecticut

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as social security numbers (if applicable). 
• Residency Requirements: None, but you need to apply either in the town where one applicant lives or where you plan on getting married.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with consent of a legal guardian, under 16 with approval of the Probate Court.
• License Expiration: 65 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Delaware

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: Valid for 30 days, must be returned within 4 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: 24 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses at least 18 years of age.

District of Columbia

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: None.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Florida

• IQ Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport and social security numbers. You may also be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 17 with parental consent.
• License Expiration: Valid for 60 days and must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: There is a 3-day required wait time for Florida residents who have not completed a premarital course. There is no required waiting period for non-Florida residents.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None, though there are lines for two witnesses to sign.

Georgia

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None, though non-residents must apply in the county where their marriage is being performed.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 17 if an individual has been legally emancipated for at least 15 days, their spouse is not 4 years their senior, and they have completed the required premarital education.
• License Expiration: None, although the completed license must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None, however, two witness signatures may establish a marriage in the event the officiant neglects to return the marriage license for recording (see OCGA 19-3-30)

Hawaii

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport and proof of age. Certified copy of a birth certificate for those 18 and younger.
• State Residency: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old. The minimum age to be married is 15, with written consent from a parent/guardian as well as written approval from a judge in family court.
• License Expiration: 30 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Idaho

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: None, though the completed license must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Illinois

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, plus a certified copy of a birth record for those 18 years of age.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 24 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Indiana

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: None. Non-residents must apply where their wedding is taking place.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with court approval.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Iowa

Note that when applying for a marriage license in Iowa, you’ll also need the notarized signature of one adult witness to complete your application.

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with special permission from a judge and parental consent.
• License Expiration: None, though the license must be picked up within six months.
• Waiting Period for License: 3-5 business days depending on the county where you’ll wed.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Kansas

• ID Requirements: None, although you’ll need to provide your social security number.
• State Residency: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent. You may marry at 15 with approval from the district court.
• License Expiration: 6 months, and the completed license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.
• Required Wait Time: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes, if one party is present in addition to an officiant and two witnesses.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Kentucky

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 17 with court approval, or 15 to 16 in very select cases.
• License Expiration: 30 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Louisiana

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent and court approval.
• License Expiration: 30 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 24 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Maine

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 90 days and the license must be returned within 7 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes, except in select self-solemnizing cases.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Maryland

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None, though the license must be obtained from the county where the ceremony will take place.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17, with parental/guardian consent or proof the female is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
• License Expiration: 6 months.
• Waiting Period for License: 48 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Massachusetts

• ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Michigan

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, birth certificate, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: Residents must file their application in the county where they reside. Non-residents must file their application in the county where they will be married.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 33 days and the license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No, though only one of the partners needs to be present and have all the required paperwork along with a copy of the other person’s photo ID.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Minnesota

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 6 months and the license must be returned within 5 days of the ceremony.
• Wait Time for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No. However, if only one of the partners is available, the other must fill out a supplemental form and have it notarized.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses 16 or older.

Mississippi

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 21 years old, 17-20 with parental/guardian consent for males and 15-20 with parental/guardian consent for females (males under 17 requiring judicial approval).
• License Expiration: None.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Missouri

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with parental/guardian consent, 15 or under with a circuit court order.
• License Expiration: 30 days and the license must be returned within 15 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Montana

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old. Couples 16-17 must have parental consent, two counseling sessions, and court approval.
• License Expiration: 6 months, and the license must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Nebraska

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 19 years old, or 17-18 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: One year and the license must be returned within 15 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Nevada

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 with a court order if you’re a resident of Clark County, NV.
• License Expiration: One year.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes, except in special circumstances where someone is a member of the Quaker, Friend, or Bah’ai faiths.
• Witnesses Needed: One.

New Hampshire

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 90 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

New Jersey

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID and a driver’s license or passport, and social security card/number, plus proof of residency if both you and your SO are New Jersey residents.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 30 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes, only if one person is a member of the Armed Forces or National Guard and stationed overseas.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses at the ceremony, plus one witness over 18 must be present when applying for the marriage license.

New Mexico

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security card.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental consent, 15 with a court order.
• License Expiration: None; however, it must be returned 90 days after the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses.

New York

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 60 days or 180 days for active military personnel.
• Waiting Period for License: 24 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: One witness at least 18 years old.

North Carolina

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security card or tax form with number and name. If you’re between 18 and 21, you’ll also need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 if legally emancipated or with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

North Dakota

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 60 days and the license must be returned within 5 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Ohio

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: If you’re a resident, you must apply in the county where you live. If you are a non-resident, you must apply where the ceremony is taking place.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 with approval from a juvenile court.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Oklahoma

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with parental/guardian consent, or under 16 with court approval.
• License Expiration: 10 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None if you are over the age of 18. If you’re under the age of 18, there is a 72-hour waiting period.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Oregon

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 60 days and the license must be returned within 5 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Pennsylvania

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security card.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Wait Time for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: None if married by an officiant, two is self-solemnizing.

Rhode Island

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: State residents must apply for their license in the city/town where they live. If you are a non-resident, you must apply where the ceremony is taking place.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with a Minor’s Permit.
• License Expiration: 90 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses.

South Carolina

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport and social security card, and a birth certificate for minors aged 16-17.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: Varies by county. Some expire within 6 months while others never expire.
• Wait Time for License: 24 hours.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

South Dakota

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• State Residency: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parent/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 90 days and the license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Tennessee

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 30 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No, unless an individual is incarcerated or has a disability preventing them from appearing. In that case, a notarized statement is required with the person’s name, age, and current address, along with their next of kin’s information.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Texas

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 16-17 with parental consent or court approval.
• License Expiration: 90 days.
• Waiting Period for License: 72 hours unless you are active military.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes, but only for active military members stationed outside the country.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Utah

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 32 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Vermont

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: If you are a resident, you must get your license in the city/town where you reside. For non-residents, you can get your license from anywhere in the state.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Virginia

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old or 16-17 if individuals have been legally emancipated.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Washington

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Wait Time for License: 3 days.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

West Virginia

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and social security number.
• Residency Requirements: Residents should apply in the county where they reside. Otherwise, you can apply anywhere statewide.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 60 days.
• Wait Time for License: None if the couple is over 18 years old. If the partners are under 18, there is a 3-day waiting period.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: None.

Wisconsin

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, social security number, and certified birth certificate.
• Residency Requirements: Residents must apply in the county where they reside, while non-residents must apply in the county where they plan to be married.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
• License Expiration: 30 days, and the license must be returned within 3 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: 5 days (not including the day of application.)
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: No.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Wyoming

• ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Residency Requirements: None.
• Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent or court approval.
• License Expiration: One year and the license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony.
• Waiting Period for License: None.
• Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
• Officiant Required: Yes.
• Witnesses Needed: Two.

Final Thoughts on Marrying in Another State

All in all, marrying in a different state requires you to research ahead of time and have your marriage license squared away per local requirements. However, don’t forget the critical step of obtaining a prenuptial agreement.

If you need help crafting a prenup to enjoy a successful, long-term marriage, book a consultation with me and get set up on the right path.