Marriage License Cost

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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^[1] provides good starting points to research the marriage license requirements state by state.

1.  www.marriagelicense.com/license.html

Check Out All Costs for Weddings		How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost?		How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost?		How Much Does a Wedding Reception Venue Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The hot summer weather is here. How much does central air conditioning cost? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the latest offerings and deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning. A BBQ grill can come in handy during the summer.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Low cost baby shower Paid: 600.00 I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit... [more] -Mommy to be Baby Shower Cost TSLIM Insulin Pump Paid: 1131.20 I have Federal Blue Cross, the most expensive Self Plan. The insurance company paid $5,584.20 for the TSLIM, and I paid $1,131.20 out of pocket. Medtronic Insulin pump was quoted at the same price... [more] -Read by EOB Insulin Pump Cost Prescription Eye Glasses Paid: 380.00 Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80. Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses... [more] -Lady 70 Eyeglasses Cost About the free dog food Paid: 100.00 I'm a 70 year old retired senior citizen I have two dogs Lily is Irish Terrier weighs about 15 lb very good dog Jade is a blue nose pitbull and she's 5 months old and weighs about 55 lb cost me $100 or better a month to feed them I like to ... [more] -Robert moneyhan Dog Food Cost DIY Front End Paid: 965.00 Front: 2xCV axel, 2xball joints, 2x Sway bar end links,sway bar bushings, 2xrotors, 2x brake pads. $500Rear: brake pads. $35New Tools (yay!):3 ton floor jack, 20v impact wrench, 2x Jack stands, tube lock-tite, can of pb blaster. $430.$965... [more] -Mr. Gillis Car Suspension Cost Fujitsu split single unit Paid: 3400.00 I was charged 3400 which include electrical work. The contractor was referred to me by a neighbor. I asked about a rebate and was informed the cost included any rebate money and he (the contractor) would take care of it... [more] -A wary lake resident Ductless Air Conditioner Cost