Waiting Period after Applying to Get Married

Plan Ahead:

Some states require a waiting period after applying for a marriage license but before receiving the license. At this juncture you don’t want to cut yourself short on time.

Here is a list of marriage license waiting periods, and the states that have them. Please check with your county clerk’s office before you rely on these rules.

Marriage Waiting Period after Application:

• 1 day: South Carolina

• 3 days: Alaska, District of Columbia, Florida (upon completion of a pre-marital preparation course), Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington

• 5 days: Minnesota

• 6 days: Wisconsin

Marriage Waiting Period after Receiving Marriage License:

• 1 day: Delaware, Illinois, New York

• 2 days: Maryland

• 3 days: Iowa, Louisiana, Texas

Expiration Date of Marriage License:

• 10 days: Oklahoma

• 20 days: South Dakota

• 30 days: Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin

• 33 Days: Michigan

• 35 Days: Colorado

• 60 days: Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia

• 65 days: Connecticut

• 90 days: Alaska, California, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Texas.

• 6 months: Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey

• 1 year: Arizona, Nebraska, Nevada, Wyoming

• No expiration: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina

Copy of Certificate of Marriage License

You may request a copy of your marriage certificate in person, online or by mail.

Please Note: State and county marriage license Law requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office where you will be married for the most up-to-date information.