How to Get Your Marriage License in 2020
You may have seen my reels on the subject, but here’s a written-out version of how to obtain your marriage license in the middle of a Pandemic.
1) Apply online no more than 90 days prior to your wedding date.
You would typically do this anyway even if we were not in the middle of a pandemic. But what most folks don’t know is that you need to apply no more than 90 days prior to your wedding date. The reason being is that this document is only valid for that period of time, and if you do not get married within those 90 days, you will need to apply (and pay) for another document. And let’s be honest - no one wants to re-file paperwork, bring identification, and so on and so forth.
2) Make an Appointment, make an appointment, make an appointment!
This is a new thing that my couples are finding they are having to do, where before this was not required. You could apply online, and visit your local registrar or county clerk’s office at your leisure to obtain your marriage license. But of course, because of COVID-19 we are finding we need to make appointments for everything! Obtaining your marriage license now happens to be one of them. BE SURE after you apply online, to make an appointment right away to visit in person. I had a few of my couples who almost couldn’t make an appointment in time (before their ceremony) so we had to direct them to other county offices - which worked out. But you now know this ahead of time, so don’t make the same mistake!
3) Prepare All Forms of Identification
Your local county clerk’s office will advise you to bring identification with you to your appointment. My advice to my couples is: bring as many forms of identification as you can. This can include your Driver’s License, Passport, State ID, etc. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and be covered as much as possible.
4) Both Parties Need to Attend the Appointment
With your forms of identification and payment for the marriage license, both parties need to attend the appointment. You will not be allowed to obtain your marriage license if only one of you is present. So be sure to make an appointment on a day that you are both available to go in person. Make it a lunch-date too while you’re both out!
5) Bring License to The Wedding!
This may seem like common sense, but you’ll be surprised how often people forget something like this! Be sure to bring your document to the wedding day if you need to have your officiant and a witness sign it. With Confidential Marriage Licenses, you’re only required to have your officiant sign it. After the wedding, be sure to mail it right away. You can entrust your officiant with this (many times if you hire one they will take care of this for you) or someone you trust if you want one less thing on your plate!