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?

Marriage licenses and certificates

Your marriage will be recognized across state lines, provided that 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 are 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 is 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?

Couple searching for 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.

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. 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 that 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 that 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?

United States map showing which ones require a marriage license

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

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 that still acknowledge common law marriage are:

  • Colorado
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • South Carolina
  • Texas

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.

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 or explore a reputable online prenup service.

Marriage Laws & Requirements: State by State

Couple researching marriage laws 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: Two.

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 18 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.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 years old 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 under 18 with court approval.
  • License Expiration: 90 days.
  • Waiting Period for License: None.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • 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 are 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, or 16-17 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: Yes. A third party can apply on the couple’s behalf and must bring proper ID for the couple and the fee.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • 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 or 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.

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.

Hawaii

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

  • 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 one parent/guardian must be present.
  • License Expiration: None, though the license must be picked up within six months.
  • Waiting Period for License: 3 business days.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No. However, if one person can’t be present, they can sign the license application before a Notary Public at a different location.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: One witness over the age of 18.

Kansas

  • ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID and social security card.
  • 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: No.
  • Officiant Required: No.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses over the age of 18.

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 or 17 with court approval.
  • 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 and social security number.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
  • 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.
  • 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 15-17, with parental/guardian consent or proof that the female is pregnant or has given birth to a child.
  • License Expiration: 6 months.
  • Wait Time 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, unless one of the partners is in the military or incarcerated and a Massachusetts resident.
  • 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, or 16-17 years old with parental consent.
  • 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 over the age of 18.

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, 18-20 with parental/guardian consent.
  • 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 card.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old, 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
  • License Expiration: 30 days and the license must be returned within 15 days of the ceremony.
  • Waiting Period for License: None.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: Yes.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses over the age of 18.

Montana

Montana is the only state that requires a blood test for marriage. In this case, women under 50 must submit to a Ruebella blood test to obtain a marriage license. The test may be waived with approval.

  • ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • Residency Requirements: Non-residents must obtain a license in the county where they are getting married.
  • 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: Yes.
  • 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.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old or 17 with parental/guardian consent.
  • License Expiration: One year.
  • Waiting Period for License: None.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: One witness.

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, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent and court approval.
  • License Expiration: 90 days and the license must be returned within 6 days of the ceremony.
  • 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.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old.
  • License Expiration: The application is valid for 6 months, while the license itself is valid for 30 days.
  • Waiting Period for License: 3 days.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: 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.
  • Residency Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirement: 18 years old without parental consent.
  • 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 over 18 years old.

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.
  • 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 must also have a birth certificate translated into English if one or both parties aren’t from the US.
  • 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 witnesses who are at least 18 years old.

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: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: None.

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.
  • License Expiration: 90 days.
  • Waiting Period for License: None.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses over 18 years old.

South Carolina

  • 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.
  • 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: None.

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 and 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 that prevents 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 under 18 with 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: 30 days.
  • Waiting Period for License: None.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses over 18 years old.

Vermont

  • ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • 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, or 16-17 with parental/guardian consent.
  • 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 under 18 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 or 17 with parental/guardian consent.
  • License Expiration: 60 days.
  • Wait Time for License: 3 days.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No, unless you are both unable to apply at the same time, one person may fill out an absentee form.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses.

West Virginia

  • ID Requirements: A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, social security number, and parents’ names.
  • 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 and under 16 with circuit judge approval.
  • 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 72-hour 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.
  • 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: 6 days.
  • Proxy Marriages Legal: No.
  • Officiant Required: Yes.
  • Witnesses Needed: Two witnesses.

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.
  • 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 witnesses.

Final Thoughts on Marrying in Another State

Abstract couple in clouds and in love planning to marry

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.

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