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| | | Every state requires a couple to obtain a marriage license in order to have a legally binding wedding ceremony. Some states require a medical examination or blood tests in order to obtain a license. All require proof of identification and a license application fee. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Fees for marriage licenses range from a low of $10 (Colorado) to as much as $100 (Minnesota). The cost varies based on county, city or municipality, residential status, and in some cases, completion of a pre-marital counseling or education course. A few states, such as Hawaii ($60), have standard, statewide fees.
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| What should be included: | - The fee paid should cover application processing and at least one copy of the marriage license. Some states or counties may provide two copies, one for each person.
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| Additional costs: | - Many offices accept cash only, or may charge a credit card processing fee.
- Some states allow a couple to keep their marriage application confidential, but will charge a fee ranging from $5 to $10 to have the information redacted from public record.
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| Discounts: | - Marriage licenses are typically good throughout the state in which it was obtained. In states that allow cities or counties to set individual fees, it is possible to save money by obtaining a license in a city or county with a lower fee. For example, a marriage license costs $50 in Boston but only $25 in Cambridge.
- Certain states will provide discounts to couples who complete pre-marital courses. In Minnesota, the marriage license fee is usually $100, but is reduced to $30 with proof of completion of a 12-hour counseling course.
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| Shopping for a marriage license: | - Licenses are issued by state, county, city or town Clerk-Recorder offices or by the Department of Health.
- Most states require a couple to apply in person. In some cases, there may be a waiting period of up to 3 days.
- Marriage licenses are typically good for between 30 and 90 days. Some cities require the couple to send back any license that has not been used before its expiration date.
- Several websites, including MarriageLicense.com and About.com provide good starting points to research the marriage license requirements state by state.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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