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In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a
marriage license. This is the document in your state that
allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The
rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from
state to state, so you should check with your city's
marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find
out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, will need to have completed blood tests (to make sure you are not too closely related or have any kinds of diseases you should know about), and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Drivers license or identification card or other id showing current address and date of birth. Bringing a certified copy of your birth certificate is recommended because some counties require it if you are younger than 30.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.
Residency Requirement: Indiana residents must apply in the county in which one of them lives.
Waiting Period: No waiting period.
Previous Marriages: You will need to know how the marriages ended (death, divorce, annulment) and the month and year the marriages ended. A few counties require a copy of the divorce decree if divorced within the last two years.
Fees: Indiana
residents: $18; residents of other states/countries: $60.
Personal checks not accepted.
Other Tests: Women under the age of 50 must bring a completed State of Indiana Premarital Examination Certificate. These are available through your family doctor or other urgent care clinic. Blood tests or premarital examinations for men are not required.
Under 18: A certified copy of your birth certificate is required. If you are 17 years old you must apply for the license with both parents (or the person with legal custody). They will need to sign the consent portion of the application. If you are 16 or 15 years old, you must petition the Circuit Court via a "Permission to Marry" form. The cost for filing this petition is $120.00 even if the Judge refuses to allow the couple to marry.
Proxy Marriages: No.
Cousin Marriages: Permitted when both individuals are at least sixty-five (65) years of age.
Common Law Marriages: No. Indiana does recognize common law marriages legalized by another state.
Same Sex Marriages: No.
Officiants: Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town.
Valid: License is
valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Indiana.
Please Note: State
and county marriage license 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 or county clerk before
making any wedding or travel plans.
Allen County Recorder
Fort Wayne, IN
574.449.7247
