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] and About.com^[2] provide good starting points to research the marriage license requirements state by state.

1.  www.marriagelicense.com/license.html
2.  marriage.about.com/cs/marriagelicenses/a/usmarlaws.htm

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

It's October already. Do you know where your snow tires are? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When was your last mammogram? It's a Sunday afternoon in the fall. Ready to tailgate? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Rain and winter are coming. Make sure your roadside assistance plan is up to date

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

Locksmith Paid: 95.00 I left my keys inside... [more] -Pepi44 Locksmith Cost Commercial and residential power washing and window cleaning Paid: 350.00 This company is truly amazing, I've never felt so satisfied after seeing the transformation of my home. I had green grime and algae growing rampid in the front my home. Within a few hours my home along with my deck was spotless... [more] -Emanuel 1 Window Cleaning Cost ER visit. Paid: 9040.00 Thought I was having a heart attack, went to ER... [more] -Omie EKG Cost Tune up Paid: 384.00 Feel ripped off.Nearly $400 for a tune up. All that was done was a spark plug replacement and fuel induction service... [more] -Sam Wise Tune-up Cost dented our friendhip Paid: 300.00 I was asked to be MOH and other bridesmaid was out of town. She agreed to be financial co-host. Offered bride shower for 12-15 people. She said she would invite 40. My small house could barely accommodate... [more] -70s gal Bridal Shower Cost Pet sat 2 dogs small poodle and medium Maltese Paid: 140.00 Friday night to Monday AM, fed both dogs a total of 6 times, administered allergy eye drops to 1 of dogs, total of 6 times and spent the night with them 2 nights... [more] -Pet Content While You're Away Pet Sitting Cost