What Do I Need to Get Legally Married?

So you’ve decided to do it. To lock it in. To make it official. To commit to one person for the rest of your life—legally. Congratulations, you masochistic romantic.

Now you’re wondering: “What do I actually need to get legally married?”

Great question. Because the answer isn’t just “love” or “a really good DJ.” No, it’s more like “a small mountain of paperwork, a government office, and people who know how to spell their names.” Let’s break it all down like responsible adults, shall we?

First: Are You Even Allowed to Marry?

Before you start picking out centerpieces and booking a flamethrower saxophonist, you need to be legally eligible. The government wants to make sure you’re not doing anything too reckless. Here’s what they care about:

1. Your Age

Most U.S. states require you to be 18 years old to marry without anyone else's permission. But of course, some places like Mississippi and Puerto Rico decided, “nah, let’s make it 21.” And Nebraska? 19. Because Nebraska likes to be different.

If you're under 18, you’ll likely need a note from your parents and a judge’s blessing. Yes, really.

2. Your Brain

You must have the mental capacity to understand what you're doing. If you can’t understand what a lifelong commitment is, the court’s gonna say “nope.”

3. Your Current Relationship Status

You can’t marry if you’re already married. I know, shocking. You’ll need proof that your last marriage ended, either by divorce decree or death certificate. Pro tip: Don’t misplace those.

Paperwork: Government-Loving Goodness

Now for the fun stuff: Documents.

Bring These or You’re Not Getting Hitched:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID…your Blockbuster card won’t cut it)

• Your birth certificate (yes, the real one)

• Social Security number

• Divorce or death certificates if you’ve been married before

Some counties also want:

• Your parents' names

• Where they were born

• And maybe proof of your residency

Yes, they want to know more about your parents than your therapist does.

Getting the License: Let the Bureaucracy Begin

Step 1: Show Up (Together)

You and your almost-spouse have to go in person to the county clerk’s office. Some places let you start the application online, but eventually, you have to show up in the flesh.

Step 2: Pay the Fee

There’s a fee. Of course, there is. Usually between $30 and $100, depending on your state. Oh, and some counties only take cash, because modernity is optional, apparently.

Step 3: Wait (Sometimes)

Some states make you wait a few days after getting the license before you can marry. Others are chill. The license is usually valid for 30–90 days, so don’t get it too early—or too late.

Oh, and good news: No blood tests required in most states. We’ve evolved.

The Ceremony: The Part People Actually Care About

Who Can Officiate?

Surprise: Not everyone with a deep voice and a bowtie can marry you. You’ll need someone legally authorized, like:

• A judge

• A priest, minister, or rabbi

• A notary public (yes, in some places)

• Your city clerk or mayor (depending on how cool your town is)

Even your best friend can marry you—if they’re ordained, which takes about 5 minutes online.

Witnesses

Most states require one or two adult witnesses. Their job? Stand there, smile, and sign the paper. That’s it.

After the Ceremony: Paperwork, Again

Once you’ve kissed and said “I do,” it’s not official until the government says so.

• Your officiant and witnesses must sign the marriage license.

• Then it must be filed with the county clerk within a certain number of days (usually 10).

• Only then do you get your marriage certificate, which is the golden ticket you’ll need to:

  • Change your name

  • File joint taxes

  • Add each other to your health insurance

  • Argue legally over whose turn it is to take out the trash

State-by-State Weirdness

Every state has its own little quirks.

• Some don’t care if you live there.

• Others offer confidential marriage licenses (yes, it’s a thing).

• If you're in the military or marrying during a zombie apocalypse, rules may vary.

TL;DR: Check your local county clerk’s website. It’s not sexy, but it’ll save you a ton of stress.

Final Thoughts (and a Wedding Plug)

Marriage is a legal contract with emotional fireworks and a lifetime of joint Costco memberships. Make sure you follow the rules, show up with your paperwork, and don’t forget the witnesses. Otherwise, you may find yourself accidentally unmarried after your $40,000 wedding.

And hey, if you're stressing over floral arrangements and want to avoid the real flower vs. silk flower debate with your mother-in-law, check out Rinlong. Their wedding flowers are artificial, gorgeous, and won’t wilt when your uncle gives that embarrassing toast.

Because if you're going to sign your life away, you might as well do it surrounded by flowers that last forever. Unlike your cousin’s second marriage.

Let love be messy—but let your paperwork be organized.

You're welcome.