Tie the Knot Without Tying Up Your Time: Get Your Marriage License Online

We do everything online—taxes, passports, legal contracts. So why do so many couples still think getting a marriage license has to be a hassle?

Between long lines, stacks of paperwork, and hard-to-get appointments, the traditional process can be frustrating.

It’s even trickier for international couples, expats, same-sex couples, or anyone juggling a packed schedule.

But guess what? You don’t need to visit a courthouse to get legally married. These days, you can complete the process online—quickly, securely, and legally.

Wondering how to apply for a marriage license online without the stress?

All you need is a valid ID, an internet connection, and a few minutes. This guide walks you through everything—step by step, no stress, no guesswork.

Let’s get started.

How to Apply for a Marriage License Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for YOU

Getting a legally recognized marriage license online is easier than you think: no courthouse visits, no long lines, no unnecessary stress. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a marriage license online:

Step 1: See If You’re Eligible to Apply

Did you know? Most couples—including international and same-sex couples—can apply for a U.S. marriage license online. 

But every state has its own rules. These are the general requirements:

• Legal age (18+, or 16+ with parental consent)
• Valid ID (passport or driver’s license)‍
• Proof of marital status (if previously married)

Step 2: Avoid Roadblocks—Choose the Right Method to Get Your Marriage License Online

Not all online marriage license services are created equal. Choosing the right method ensures your marriage license is legally valid, easy to obtain, and recognized in your jurisdiction. You have two routes to select from:

1. Directly Through a County Clerk’s Office

Some counties (like Sacramento County, CA, and Oakland County, MI) offer an online application for marriage licenses.

This process typically involves:

• Filling out the application on the county website
• Uploading identification and other required documents
• Scheduling an appointment for document verification (in-person or virtual)
• Waiting for processing (varies by county and state)

💡 This option is ideal for couples who prefer to work directly with local authorities and aren’t in a rush.

2. Through a Licensed Online Marriage Platform

Some couples choose to use platforms that assist with the online marriage license process. These platforms often:

• Guide applicants through the necessary steps
• Help with document submission and verification
• Coordinate with county offices to file the license

While these services can streamline the process, it’s essential to verify that any platform you use works with an official U.S. county clerk to ensure your license is legally valid.

How to Verify the Legitimacy of Your Online Application:

Regardless of the method you choose, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Check County Clerk Websites: Confirm that your chosen service is accepted by local authorities.

✅ Look for Official Documentation: Your marriage license should always be issued by a U.S. county office.

✅ Understand Processing Times: Some applications process immediately, while others may take several days.

✅ Be Wary of Hidden Fees: Confirm the total cost upfront, whether applying through a county or a platform.

Step 3: Ready to Apply? Here’s How to Do It Online

Applying for a marriage license online is a straightforward process that eliminates the need for courthouse visits and paperwork delays.

Here’s how:

1. Select Where Your Marriage Will Be Recognized

Each state has different rules, but some—like Utah—offer a fully digital process that’s valid across the U.S. and recognized internationally.

2. Complete the Online Application

• Provide basic details: Enter full names, birth dates, and addresses for both partners.
• Upload Valid Identification: This may include a passport or driver’s license.‍
• Verify Marital Status: If previously married, you may need to provide a divorce decree or death certificate.

3. Pay the Marriage License Fee

Marriage license fees vary by state but typically range from $25 to $100. Payments are made securely online using a credit or debit card.

4. Verify Your Identity

Some states require a quick virtual verification to confirm identities. 

Pro Tip: Courtly makes this step easy—no need for complex paperwork or in-person visits.

5. Receive Your Official Marriage License

Get a digital copy delivered straight to your inbox. Some states offer same-day processing! If required, you can also get a physical copy mailed to you.

Your marriage license is now 100% valid and recognized just like a traditional paper license. You’ll have 30 to 90 days (depending on the state) to complete your ceremony.

After You Get Your Marriage License… What’s Next?

Your marriage license is official—now what?

Once you receive it, you’ll need to complete your ceremony within the required timeframe (typically 30 to 90 days, depending on the state).

After the wedding, you’ll need your marriage certificate—the document that legally confirms your union and is essential for name changes, immigration, and other legal processes.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate—What’s the Difference?

• Marriage License → Permission to marry, obtained before your ceremony.‍
• Marriage Certificate → Legal proof of marriage, issued after the ceremony.

How to Get Your Marriage Certificate

1. Officiant Submission: After your wedding, the officiant files your signed marriage license with the issuing county.
2. Processing & Issuance: Once processed, an official marriage certificate is issued. Some states provide digital copies instantly, while others mail physical copies.‍
3. Certified Copies: If you need certified copies for legal purposes (like a name change or visa application), you can request them directly from the county.

Maria and Mary’s Journey to Getting Their Marriage License Online

For many couples, figuring out how to apply for a marriage license online is the hardest part. The process is full of obstacles, especially for those who:

• Live in a country with strict marriage regulations
• Are separated by borders, work schedules, or time zones
• Don’t have the time (or ability) to visit a courthouse in person

Maria and Mary found themselves in this exact situation.

Living in Saudi Arabia, they knew their marriage options were limited. They wanted a legally recognized marriage but faced:

✅ Time zone differences that made scheduling appointments difficult
✅ Legal barriers that restricted marriage options in their location
✅ Payment challenges that complicated the process further

Instead of putting their plans on hold or struggling through inconvenient workarounds, they found a simple, stress-free alternative. They got married online, legally and securely, without ever stepping foot in a courthouse.

Their story is a reminder that modern solutions exist for modern couples.

Love Should Be Simple—And So Should Getting Married

Planning a wedding comes with enough to-do lists. Your marriage license shouldn’t be another headache. You might be dealing with time zones, a packed schedule, or simply hoping to avoid courthouse lines. Online options make the process smoother than ever.

This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making things easier. When you’re ready to say “I do,” paperwork should be the least of your worries.

From checking your eligibility to receiving your license in your inbox, there are solutions that fit your life. Services like Courtly ensure your journey to marriage stays seamless, legal, and—most importantly—stress-free.

Marriage is about love, not logistics. Take a deep breath. Your path to “happily ever after” just got a whole lot easier.

FAQs

1. Can I get a marriage license online in California?

In California, certain counties, such as Santa Clara, allow couples to begin the marriage license application process online. However, both partners must appear together in person at the County Clerk’s office to complete the application and receive the license.

The marriage ceremony must also occur within California, with all parties physically present. Requirements can vary by county, so it’s advisable to consult your local County Clerk’s office for the most current information.

2. Can I get a marriage license online in New York?

New York City offers “Project Cupid,” an online portal where couples can begin their marriage license application.

While the initial application can be completed online, both partners are required to appear in person at the City Clerk’s office to finalize the process and obtain the license.

It’s important to note that policies may differ in other parts of New York State, so contacting the local clerk’s office is recommended for specific guidelines.

3. What documents do I need to get married in New York?

To apply for a marriage license, both partners must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. If either person was previously married, they’ll also need proof of how the marriage ended, like a divorce decree or death certificate. Any documents in a foreign language must be translated by a certified translator before submission.

4. How long does it take to get a marriage license in New York?

Once your application is approved, the marriage license is issued immediately. However, there’s a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can legally marry—unless you get a judicial waiver. The license is valid for 60 days (or 180 days if one partner is an active-duty service member).