Tag Archives: marriage license

Marriage Laws – Alaska & Hawaii

Yesterday, we completed looking at the marriage laws in the 48 contiguous states and today, we complete the set by journeying north to Alaska and across the Pacific to the islands of Hawaii. So let’s get started and thanks for joining me on our journey through 50 states worth of marriage laws and licenses. Alaska Obtaining a marriage license in Alaska is pretty straightforward. You will need a picture ID to present when you turn in your application. However, because some locales are pretty remote from a marriage license office, you can submit an application via postal mail or fax … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Oregon & Washington

I can believe we’re nearly done with our marriage laws journey that began way back in May (yes, I can say way back in May with a straight face). We’re nearing July (wrapping up our last week in June here) and we’re taking a break in the Pacific Northwest to look at the marriage laws in Oregon and Washington. Oregon There is no residency requirement related to applying for a marriage license in Oregon. You will need to bring a photo ID with you and likely your social security number. As with most states, each county may have its own … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – California

We started our journey on the East Coast, a few weeks ago, exploring marriage laws. We’ve learned quite a few interesting things along the way and we only have four states left after our visit to the Golden State of California today. I saved California for close to the end because there were so many changes going on there. We’ll touch upon some of these changes and shifts in the law and more. So let’s get started at looking at the marriage laws in: California Each county may have its own requirements, so be sure to check ahead of time. … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Arizona

As we continue our series on marriage laws, we are heading south to the desert states of Arizona. Arizona is one of three states that have covenant marriage on the books. The statue was added in 1998 and we’ll explore more about that in today’s look at Arizona marriage laws. Arizona Applicants do not need to be a resident of the state to marry there. You should be sure to check with the county where you plan to get married as each county may have specific requirements. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID along with your social security … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Idaho & Utah

Our series on marriage laws continues with stops in Idaho and Utah. I’ve had friends in Idaho for years, but I’ve never been to the state. So let’s take a look at the marriage laws governing these states. Idaho There are two interesting things about Idaho marriage licenses. The first is that they do not expire. The second is that Idaho requires the couple to read and sign a premarital educational pamphlet on AIDS. As for the rest of the laws governing marriage licenses, Idaho has pretty standard fair. You need to provide a birth certificate, a driver’s license and … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Wyoming & Montana

After a bit of a break, we’re taking a look at the last few states’ marriage laws on our list – I think we have ten left. Today we’re going up to the northwest to look at the beautiful states of Wyoming and Montana. Did you know that in Montana, if you are under 18, you are required to attend marriage counseling prior to receiving a marriage license? It’s one of the first states that I have encountered this requirement in. Wyoming Wyoming is a fantastic place to host a destination wedding, but whether you travel there or you live … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws: Minnesota, Marriage Visas & Social Security Numbers

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As you know I’ve been writing a series on Marriage Laws in the 50 United States and I’ve discovered that the laws are changing all the time, even on pieces that I wrote just a couple of weeks ago. Does that sound familiar? I just wrote about marriage license law change in Delaware and today, we’re talking about a case in Minnesota where one couple is suing two Hennepin County officials as well as the commissioner for the state’s Department of Health. So What’s Up? It seems that Shira Levenson traveled to Peru for a summer backpacking trip in 2005. … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Oklahoma & Texas

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We’ve been exploring the marriage laws of the 50 states in the United States. We started in New England and worked our way down the Atlantic coast before heading west. Today, we’re heading into the great state of Texas and just to the north of Texas, the state of Oklahoma. If you read this blog regularly, you may have seen the posts covering the marriage law waiting for Governor Perry to sign that will more than double marriage license fees in Texas unless a couple takes a state-sanctioned pre-marital education course. Texas As with all states, it’s important that you … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Nebraska & Kansas

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We’re continuing with our marriage laws series. With only a few stops left on our travels across the states, we’re firmly across the Mississippi River with stops in Nebraska and Kansas. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the marriage laws that govern Nebraska and Kansas. Nebraska You do not need to be a resident of the state to marry in it. You do need to provide the date of dissolution for any previous marriage. Also, you may need to wait six months following a divorce before getting remarried. When you go to apply for a marriage license, … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Wisconsin & Minnesota

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We’re backtracking a little to swing through Wisconsin and Minnesota on our 50 state tour of state marriage laws and we’re going to take a moment here in Wisconsin because there are some interesting tidbits that you need to be aware of when applying for a marriage license in the state. Wisconsin First and foremost, each county in Wisconsin may have different requirements, so be sure that you contact your local County Clerk for what specific requirements your county may have prior to going down to apply for your marriage license. Your marriage license fee is about $80 and you … Continue reading →