How Will Marriage Laws Change in 2026? Legislation to Watch

AMM’s 2026 Marriage Legislation Tracker: The bills we’re watching this year (and you should too!)

 

As the new year rolls forward, let’s take a look at some of the marriage laws that might be changing this year. In states across the country, new legislation could affect same-sex marriage laws, child marriage laws, how you apply for a marriage license, and more. 

 
This isn’t a complete list; new marriage legislation will continue to be introduced in the weeks and months to come. We’ll keep this resource updated to help you stay current on the laws most likely to impact wedding officiants in each state, as well as the couples you serve and marry.

 

 

Pro Tip: Legislation is arranged below by topic. Use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to search for your state name to see laws specific to your state. 

 

 

Legislation About: Covenant Marriage Laws

 

 

• Missouri HB 2548 & MO SB 1333

Purpose: To create new laws for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

 

Missouri lawmakers are once again trying to establish covenant marriage laws in the state with a bill called the "Missouri Covenant Marriage Act.” It would create the option for a separate covenant marriage license, available only to opposite-sex couples, and require couples to sign a legal affidavit stating their marriage is “for life.” This bill is very similar to last year’s legislation, HB 562, which failed to pass. (Sponsors: Rep. Mitch Boggs; Sen. Mike Moon)

 

RELATED: What is a Covenant Marriage? (And Why Would Couples Choose One?)

 

Covenant marriages are a legally distinct type of marriage based on a strict, religious view of marriage. This marriage contract makes it extremely difficult for couples to divorce, with additional requirements for marital counseling and a two-year separation waiting period to do so. 

 

• Read AMM's coverage of previous MO covenant marriage legislation:

Missouri Lawmakers (Still) Want To Bring Covenant Marriage to the State

 

 

• See Iowa Senate File 2172 below (under "Legislation About: Marriage License Process & Fees") for related legislation - not quite a proposal for covenant marriage, but very close. 

 

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Legislation About: Child Marriage Laws

 

• Arizona HB 4125

Purpose: To raise the legal age of marriage in Arizona to 18 years old, no exceptions for minors. 

Arizona lawmakers are considering a new bill that would raise the legal marriage age to 18 years old for all individuals, no exceptions. Currently, state laws allow children who are 16 and 17 years old to marry if they’re legally emancipated or have parental permission, and the future spouse isn’t more than 3 years older than them. If this bill passes, Arizona would become one of several states to ban child marriage in recent years. (Primary Sponsor: Rep. Lorena Austin)

 

 

• Colorado SB26-048

Purpose: To repeal the legal exceptions that allow children who are 16 or 17 to get married – bans child marriage without exceptions

 

Lawmakers in Colorado are considering a bill that would require all people to be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license. Currently, children who are 16 or 17 years old can apply for a license if they have approval from the court. This bill would remove that option / exception from the law, effectively banning child marriage there. (Prime sponsors: Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, Sen. Janice Marchman, Sen. Junie Joseph)
 

 

• Hawaii HB 647 (carried over from 2025)

Purpose: To raise the minimum age to marry from 16 to 18 years old, without exceptions

 

Lawmakers in Hawaii introduced a bill that would ban child marriage in the state by raising the legal marriage age to 18 without exceptions. Currently, children as young as 15 can get married in Hawaii with permission from the court or a parent / guardian. This bill is a carry over of 2025 SB647. (Sponsors: Representatives Lisa Marten, Della au Belatti, Elijah Pierick, and others)

 

Related bills include: 

• Hawaii HB 729: Relating To Marriage Of Minors
• Hawaii SB 560: Relating To Marriage Of Minors

 

 

• Kansas HB 2473

Purpose: To raise the legal age of marriage in to 18 years old, without exceptions

 

Lawmakers in Kansas are reconsidering the legal age of consent for marriage. Currently, children as young as 15 can marry in the state if specific circumstances are met, such as the consent of both a parent/guardian and a judge. This bill would remove those special circumstances from the law and require all people who apply for a marriage license to be at least 18 years old. (Primary sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Clayton)

Similar legislation has been considered in recent years but has failed to pass, including last year’s HB 2026, 2024’s HB2046, which died in committee, and 2022-23’s HB 2422 (which AMM covers here). 

 

 

• Kentucky HB 174 / SB 156

Purpose: To eliminate exceptions to the law which allow 17 year olds to marry; require all parties to a marriage be at least 18 years old

 

Some lawmakers in Kentucky want to repeal the state laws that allow 17 year olds to get married there. Currently, 17 year olds can marry if they have permission from a family court or District Court judge and complete a 15 day waiting period. If this bill passes, those special conditions will be removed from the law, and anyone applying for a marriage license would need to be at least 18 years old. (Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Grossberg)

 

 

• Nebraska LB 984

Purpose: To raise the legal marriage age to 18 years old, no exceptions

 

Currently, 17 year old minors can get married in Nebraska if they're legally emancipated or have the consent of a parent, but lawmakers are reconsidering these exceptions. This bill would require both parties to a marriage to be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license, without exceptions. (Sponsor: Sen. Wendy DeBoer)

 

 

• Ohio SB 341 / HB 670

Purpose: To repeal the law that allows 17 year olds to marry; raise the legal marriage age to 18 without exceptions

 

Lawmakers in Ohio are considering whether or not to repeal a state law that allows 17 year olds to get married there. Currently, 17 year-olds can marry if they take certain steps, such as getting a Consent Order from the Juvenile Court and completing a 14 day waiting period, provided their partner is no more than 4 years their senior. If this bill passes, these special conditions would be repealed and anyone who applies for a marriage license would need to be at least 18 years old. (Primary sponsors: Senators William DeMora and Louis Blessing)

 

 

• Oklahoma SB 1762 (Prefiled)

Purpose: For the protection of described rights – the relevant portion of this bill would raise the legal age of marriage to 18 years old without exceptions

 

This bill, called the “Oklahoma Protection of Fundamental Rights and Public Policy Act,” has been prefiled ahead of the new session (scheduled February 2nd) and includes definitions of ‘fundamental rights’ and their protections. Of relevance, the bill would raise the minimum age to marry to 18 years old, and out-of-state marriages entered into by a minor would not be recognized in Oklahoma. Currently, children as young as 16 can marry in Oklahoma with consent from a parent or guardian.

 

The bill also addresses polygamy and forced marriages, although the state already has existing statutes against bigamy, compelled marriages, and coercion. 

 

It’s important to point out that this bill is wide-reaching and marriage laws are a very small part of the text. It contains some controversial sections, such as those detailing “minor victims of transgender mutilation,” a biased description sometimes used by opponents of gender-affirming surgery. There are also general protections against violence and threats based on cultural dress or beliefs, proposed extensions for statute of limitations, and much more. (Sponsors: Sen. Shane Jett)

 

 

• South Dakota SB 159

Purpose: To increase protections for children who marry in the state

Lawmakers in South Dakota are considering new requirements for child marriages in the state. Currently, 16 year old children can get married to a partner of any age in SD with the notarized permission of one parent. If this bill passes, 16 year olds would need the permission of two parents or guardians, or a circuit court order, and could no longer marry a partner who is more than 10 years older than them. If a court order is sought, both applicants must attend an in-person court hearing, in addition to in-person one-on-one meetings, followed by a 30 day waiting period. (Primary sponsor: Sen. Tom Pischke)
 

 

• Utah HB 103

Purpose: Creates new criminal offenses related to the marriage of minors, amends existing laws to make them stronger

 

This bill, titled "Underage Marriage Amendments," would make the state’s child marriage laws stronger, and create new criminal penalties for illegal child marriages – by both enacting new laws and amending existing laws. Among other changes, it would: create a new criminal offense for unlawfully marrying a minor or transporting them out of state for an illegal marriage; update the statute of limitations for illegally marrying a minor; and provide that an out-of-state marriage involving a minor may not be valid in Utah unless certain circumstances are met. (Sponsors:  Rep. Melissa G. Ballard, Sen. Todd Weiler)

 

Of note to wedding officiants, this bill confirms that it is a third degree felony for an officiant to knowingly, with or without a license, solemnize a marriage involving a minor when legal requirements are not met (for example consent of parent, written authorization from the court). 

 

RELATED: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Married In Each State?

 

 

• West Virginia HB 5128

Purpose: To require children who are 16 or 17 year old who apply for a marriage license to be a West Virginia resident.

 

West Viriginia lawmakers are requiring stricter requirements for child marriages in the state: qualifying minors must also be residents of WV to apply. Currently, children who are 16 or 17 years old can get married in the state with written permission from a parent or guardian, as long as their intended spouse is not more than 4 years older than they are. If this bill passes, minors would also need to demonstrate state residency. (Sponsor: Delegate Kayla Young)
 

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Legislation About: Same-Sex Marriage Laws

 

 

• Arizona SCR 1018

Purpose: To repeal the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and add new language that protects marriage rights for all couples. 

 

This resolution is the first step toward amending the Arizona Constitution to repeal an outdated and unenforceable same-sex marriage ban, and replacing it with new wording that explicitly protects marriage rights regardless of the “sex, race, ethnicity or national origin of those individuals.” If the resolution passes, the amendment will be placed on the ballot for Arizona electors to vote on. (Primary sponsor: Sen. Lauren Kuby)

 

• Related bill: AZ House Concurrent Resolution 2062

 

 

• Delaware SB 100

Purpose: A favorable vote is the next step in amending the state’s constitution to protect marriage rights for all adults

 

Lawmakers in Delaware have taken the first steps toward enshrining the fundamental right to marry in the state’s constitution. This amendment would add a new section to Article 1, called “§ 23. Right to Marry,” which defines the right to marry as fundamental regardless of gender and outlines protections for marriage rights. (Primary sponsor: Sen. Russell Huxtable)

This bill previously passed the Senate (with the required 2/3 super majority) in the summer of 2025, and is now awaiting consideration in the House. These votes are the first leg in a two leg process. If passed, the text of the bill will be published in newspapers (public notice) ahead of the November 2026 elections, and then voted on by the next set of newly-elected legislators. 

 

 

• Florida SB 952

Purpose: To repeal the state’s statutory same-sex marriage ban

 

Lawmakers in Florida have introduced a new bill to repeal an outdated and unenforceable law that makes it illegal for same-sex couples to marry (or be married) in the state. Currently, an old law is still on the books that says no marriage between a same-sex couple is recognized in Florida, including same-sex marriages solemnized lawfully out-of-state. The law also defines marriage as a union existing only between a man and a woman. If this bill passes, this statute would be repealed in its entirety. (Sponsor: Sen. Tina Scott Polsky)

 

• Related bills:

Florida HB 6019: Marriage Between Persons of the Same Sex

 

 

• Missouri HB 2066

Purpose: To repeal the state’s statutory ban on same-sex marriages

 

Lawmakers in Missouri have introduced a new bill to repeal an outdated and unenforceable law which limits legal marriage to unions between a man and a woman. Repealing this same-sex marriage ban would align the state’s statutes with modern federal law, and signal support for the state’s LGBTQ+ families and their allies. (Sponsor: Rep. Wick Thomas)

 

 

• Missouri HJR 183

Purpose: To repeal the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage (constitutional amendment)

 

Missouri lawmakers have introduced a resolution to amend the state constitution and replace outdated language that bans same-sex marriages. Currently, the constitution defines marriage as existing “only between a man and a woman;” it would be amended to read, “a [valid] marriage shall exist between two persons regardless of their genders.” If the resolution is passed, the next step in the process will be to present the change to Missouri voters at the next general election (November, 2026). The amendment would then require a majority vote to go into effect. 
 

 

• Virginia Senate / House Joint Resolution 3

Purpose: A favorable vote would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to repeal the state’s constitutional same-sex marriage ban

 

UPDATE: Passed

 

Lawmakers in Virginia are considering whether or not to repeal the state’s constitutional same-sex marriage ban. In Virginia, two consecutive legislatures must approve a constitutional amendment for it to be placed on a ballot for voter consideration – this is the second consideration in this series of votes.

 

• Read AMM's coverage of the approval of VA HJR3 / SJR3: 

Virginia Voters Could Repeal Same-Sex Marriage Ban in November 2026
 

 

• Virginia HB 612 & SB 311

Purpose: Places a referendum on the November 2026 ballot allowing voters to decide whether or not to remove a same-sex marriage ban from the state's constitution (constitutional amendment, voter referendum)

 

These bills are the next step in an ongoing effort to amend the Virginia Constitution by removing outdated and unenforceable language that prohibits same-sex marriages. Having passed two consecutive joint resolutions, a constitutional amendment can now be placed on the ballot, giving voters the final say. 

 

HB612 and SB311 outline the exact wording of the proposed amendment to Article 1, Section 15-A. of the VA Constitution Bill of Rights, and define the question that will placed on the November 2026 ballot: 
 

"Question: Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to (i) remove the ban on same-sex marriage; (ii) affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race; and (iii) require all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law?"

 

If the majority of voters approve this question in November, the amendment would become effective on January 1, 2027. 

 

 

• South Dakota House Concurrent Resolution 6010

Purpose: Urging the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges

 

Some legislators in South Dakota have introduced a resolution that urges the Supreme Court to overturn their ruling in the case that legalized same-sex marriages across the country (Obergefell v. Hodges). These lawmakers claim the Obergefell ruling violates states’ rights to create their own marriage laws, and reasserts that marriage is only between one man and one woman. They also add that two of the Supreme Court Justices involved in the ruling were impartial. A similar resolution was introduced last year (South Dakota HCR 6012) and didn’t pass.
 
Resolutions like this do not carry the weight of law; they voice an opinion on current laws and important social issues. If this were to pass in both chambers, it would be sent to the Supreme Court, where it would be viewed as the opinion of state legislators. 

 

Although this is not a proposed law, it’s a dangerous message. Several states introduced similar resolutions last year in addition SD, including Idaho, North Dakota, Montana, and Michigan. These resolutions reflected continued risks to the marriage rights of same-sex LGBTQ+ couples and their families.

 

Related: 2025 Great News! Supreme Court Leaves Same-Sex Marriage Alone, Rejects Kim Davis Request

 

(Photo: KAMPUS / iStock)

 

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Legislation About: Marriage Fraud

 

• Florida HB 485 & FL SB 1316

Purpose: To create a fast procedure for protection orders involving a noncitizen spouse, classifies alleged marriage fraud by a noncitizen as domestic violence

 

Florida lawmakers have introduced legislation known as “Shawnya’s Law,” which would classify certain forms of alleged marriage fraud as domestic violence under state law. The bill focuses on cases in which a noncitizen is accused of marrying a citizen to evade immigration laws and of abusing, coercing, or harming their spouse. If enacted, it would allow alleged victims to seek protective orders quickly and require law enforcement to notify immigration authorities within 24 hours. (Sponsors: Representatives Kimberly Daniels, Berny Jacques)

 

Supporters argue the bill strengthens protections for victims of abuse. Critics say it’s redundant with existing federal laws, could be misused against noncitizens, and create legal complications for law enforcement.

 

• Read AMM’s coverage on FL HB 485 / SB 1316:

Proposed Florida “Marriage Fraud” Law: What Immigrants & Wedding Officiants Should Know

 

 

(Photo: Edgar Serrano / Unsplash)

 

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Legislation About: Civil Contract Marriage

 

• New Hampshire HB 1615

Purpose: To create a new legal framework for civil contract marriages, as an alternative to licensed marriage

 

Called the "Marriage Liberty Act,” this bill would create a new type of contract-based marriage agreement in New Hampshire, enforceable only under the civil contract laws of the state. This would serve as a legal alternative to the typical marriage license process. 

 

These contract marriages would come with unique considerations. For example, the partners would define the terms of their agreement on their own, without input from the state, including the duration of their union, penalties, and renewal terms. They could remain private (do not have to be filed publicly), may not guarantee federal marriage benefits, can be easily dissolved, and have no fixed set of rights for each party (as licensed marriages do). Because civil contracts aren’t moderated by judicial discretion like licensed marriages, they may put an economically vulnerable partner in a weaker position (no alimony or support). (Sponsor: Rep. Matt Sabourin)

 

RELATED: Could Short-Term Marriage Contracts Replace ‘Til Death Do Us Part’?

 

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Legislation About: Common Law Marriage

 

 

• Utah SB 110 (2nd Sub. (Salmon) SB 110)

Purpose: To phase-out “common law” marriage laws in Utah – requires new marriages to be solemnized according to legal provisions to be valid; individuals must file a petition with the court to legally recognized unsolemnized marriages (“common law” marriages) before May 5, 2027

 

Lawmakers in Utah have introduced a bill that would eliminate “common law” marriages in the state, and require couples with an informal marriage arrangement to file a petition with the courts asking for their marriage to be recognized before the deadline (May 5, 2027). If the law passes and couples don’t file this petition, their unsolemnized marriage would no longer be recognized in the state. 

 

“Common law” marriages are a unique type of informal marriage where two people live as a married couple and present themselves as married to their community, but never applied for a marriage license. Currently, these informal marriages are only recognized in a few states, including Utah. 
 

Learn More: A Short Introduction to Informal & Common Law Marriage

 

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Legislation About: Marriage License Process & Fees

 

 

• Hawaii HB 1103 (carried over from 2025)

Purpose: To redirect where a portion of the marriage license fee goes in state budget

 

This bill would distribute a portion of marriage license fees into the vital statistics improvement special fund (part of the state’s budget), including approximately $1 from the fee for providing certified copies and $10 from the fee for issuing a marriage license. (Sponsor: Rep. Nadine Nakamura)

 

RELATED: Become a Wedding Officiant in Hawaii

 

 

• Illinois HB 4508

Purpose: To allow at-home or virtual marriage license appointments as accommodations for qualifying disabled or health-impacted couples

 

Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a bill that would allow some couples to apply for a marriage license using video-conference technology (a virtual appointment) if one or both parties can’t travel to the clerk’s office because of a disability or qualifying health concern. This bill would also allow the clerk to make at-home in-person visits to these couples at their discretion. Each county would have up to 6 months to implement these new services if the bill passes. (Sponsor: Rep. Nicolle Grasse)

 

 

• Iowa SB 2136

Purpose: To require one-hour of premarital legal counseling be completed by all couples who apply for a marriage license in Iowa. This bill would direct the judicial branch to work with lawyers to prescribe content for the course / program

 

Lawmakers in Iowa are considering a new requirement for couples who apply for a marriage license: one hour of premarital legal counseling. The counseling would include basic legal information about common marriage, dissolution of marriage, child custody issues, and other important legal topics. If this bill passes, the court will work with a private legal organization representing lawyers in the state to develop the educational content for such a program. (Sponsor: Sen. Jesse Green)
 

 

• Iowa SF 2172

Purpose: To allow couples to forfeit their right to a no-fault divorce when applying for a marriage license

 

Lawmakers in Iowa are considering a new law that would give couples the option to forfeit their right to a no-fault divorce by signing a waiver during the marriage license application process. If passed, couples who sign the waiver would only be granted a divorce if one of them can prove legal "grounds" for the divorce, including acts of adultry, a felony conviction and imprisonment, abandoment for a year or more, abuse of the spouse or children, or two years of separation.  (Sponsor: Sen. Jesse Green)

While the bill doesn't mention "covenant marriage" directly, the suggested provisions are very similar to those included in most covenant marriage legislation. This type of legislation is usually introduced by conservative legislators who believe that marriage is a lifelong agreement, a religious covenant (Christian), and that divorce should only be considered as a last resort. However, most advocates for no-fault divorce point out that legalizing no-fault divorce across the US resulted in a significant decrease in domestic violence and related abuse, and that it must be protected to ensure the safety of all parties.

Legislators have tried and failed to introduce covenant marriage in Iowa under various names in the past several decades, including 2001 HF23 and 2019 "Elevated Marriage Act."

 

• Maryland HB 95

Purpose: To amend the law so that both parties to a marriage must be present when applying for a marriage license

 

Lawmakers in Maryland want to amend the law to require both parties to a marriage be present when applying for a marriage license. Currently, only one of the people getting married has to be present when purchasing a marriage license.  (Sponsor: Delegate Gary Simmons)

 

• Related bills: 

Maryland SB 355: Requiring both parties to be married, rather than one party, to appear before the clerk of a circuit court to apply for a marriage license.
 

RELATED: How to Get Married in Maryland - Planning a wedding in The Free State

 

 

• Mississippi SB 2373

Purpose: To allow certain county filing fees to increase by 10% each year– including the fees to officiate a marriage and file a marriage certificate.   

 

UPDATE:  Failed (Died in Committee on 2/3)
 

This bill would allow the Board Of Supervisors of a county to increase certain filing fees by 10% annually, including the cost to file a marriage certificate following a ceremony. In addition, a justice court judge could increase their fee for performing a marriage ceremony by 10% each year.

 

Currently, the cost to file a Mississippi marriage license is $10.00; and the maximum fee a judge may charge to perform a courtroom wedding is $25. This increase isn’t described as mandatory or automatic, but could be reasonably expected to apply each year. It would go into effect in July 2026. (Sponsor: Sen. Chris Johnson)
 

 

• Mississippi SB 2031

Purpose: To lower the legal age of consent from 21 to 18 yrs old; of relevance, this would allow individuals to apply for a marriage license at 18 years old without the permission of a parent or guardian. 

 

Mississippi lawmakers are considering a bill that would lower the state's legal age of consent from 21 to 18 years old. Among other changes, this would allow individuals who are at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license without the permission of a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 18 would still need parental consent to marry if this bill passes (current laws allow female children as young as 15 yrs old and male children as young as 17 years old to marry). (Sponsor Sen. Dennis DeBar)

 

 

• Nebraska LB 896

Purpose: To raise the cost of a marriage license, and to increase the fee for a certified copy of a marriage record. 

 

Lawmakers in Nebraska are considering increased marriage license fees and certified copy fees for marriage records. If this bill passes, the cost of a marriage license would increase from $25 to $50, and the fee for a certified copy would increase from $9 to $16. This revenue would continue to be placed in the county general fund. (Sponsor: Sen. Dan Lonowski)

 

RELATED: It’s Not Just Weddings, Marriage License Costs Are Going Up Too

 

 

• New Hampshire HB 1260

Purpose: To allow couples to complete the marriage application worksheet ahead of their appointment, and sign it in-person at the clerk’s office.

 

Lawmakers in New Hampshire have introduced a bill that could make the marriage license process easier for couples. If passed, couples could complete the NH marriage license application worksheet online or offline (printed) before their appointment, and then sign it at the clerk’s office (along with the clerk). This could reduce the amount of time couples need to spend at the clerk’s office when applying for a marriage license. 

The bill also creates a new $25 fee for the delayed filing of certificate of marriage – adding more incentive to returning a marriage certificate on time. (Sponsors: Rep. Paul Dargie, Rep. Peter Petrigno)

 

 

• New Jersey Assembly Bill 1266

Purpose: To remove the current requirement from a marriage license application that applicants share how many times they’ve been married / in a civil union, or the name of their most recent spouse. 

 

Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering changes to the marriage license application process that would remove questions about the total number of times an applicant has been married or in a civil union, and the name of their most recent spouse. (Primary sponsor: Rep. Michael Inganamort)

This bill reflects recent trends in proposed legislation aimed at protecting individual privacy, especially domestic violence survivors, and to slow or stop the automatic aggregation of that data on single documents (protections against data scraping). 

 

 

• New Jersey Assembly Bill 785 (Carry Over of A4204)

Purpose: To allow couples to apply for their marriage license anywhere in the state of NJ

 

NJ Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow couples to apply for their marriage license anywhere in the state, regardless of their place of residency. Currently, couples who live in New Jersey must apply in their home county, and out-of-state applicants must apply in the county where the ceremony will be held. If the bill passes, these restrictions would be removed, making it easier for some couples to apply for a license. (Sponsor: Rep. David Bailey)

 

• Identical Bill: Number S701
   

 

• New Jersey AB 4226 (Carry over of previous S3363 / A3737)

Purpose: To allow court waivers for the 72 hour waiting period to marry, under certain circumstances. 

 

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a carry over bill that would modify the state’s existing 72 hour marriage waiting period for some couples. First, the bill would eliminate the waiting period requirement for any couple with an active duty member of the Armed Forces or National Guard. Second, the bill would allow the NJ Superior Court to waive the waiting period for couples who demonstrate an emergency situation that requires them to marry immediately (issued at the discretion of the court). (Sponsor: Rep. Carol Murphy)
 

Related: State-by-state marriage waiting periods should be part of your wedding plan

 

 

• New Jersey SB 2373 (Carried over)

Purpose: To allow certain middle-name and surname changes on marriage license application forms.

 

This bill would allow couples to change their middle names or last names on the marriage license application as part of the marriage process – but only if the changes meet certain requirements. For example, the couple could adopt a new last name that hyphenates their previous surnames, or change their middle name to their unmarried surname while taking their spouse's last name, but could not use the form to change their middle name to something unrelated. (Sponsors: Senators Anthony M. Bucco and Patrick Diegnan)

 

• Carried over from previous bills: NJ S795 and A2047
   

 

• Washington D.C. B26-0441

Purpose: To create a new law that will (permanently) allow the Mayor to issue marriage licenses during a partial or full government shutdown

 

Lawmakers in DC want to pass a bill, "Let Our Vows Endure Amendment Act of 2025," that would give the Mayor the ability to issue marriage licenses any time there is a partial or full government shutdown. 

 

During a shutdown, the clerk’s office closes and a new emergency order must be passed to allow the mayor to step in to issue marriage licenses. This process is time-consuming; lawmakers hope that passing a new law that automatically gives the mayor this power during future shutdowns will make the marriage license process easier and less stressful for couples – while also saving valuable time for lawmakers. (Sponsors: Councilmembers Christina Henderson, Charles Allen, and others)

 

RELATED: Can You Get a Marriage License During a Government Shutdown?

 

 

Photo (cropped): Bill Oxford / iStock

 

 

• West Virginia HB 5510

Purpose: To remove the two acre minimum requirement for private wedding venues

 

West Virginia lawmakers are considering a new bill that would eliminate the current requirement that new “private wedding venues” have at least 2 acres of land to be designated a private club.  This change could make it easier for small rural venues to operate as private clubs, allowing them to obtain a license to serve alcohol and host wedding gatherings more frequently. (Primary Sponsor: Delegate Michael Hornby)
 

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Legislation About: Marriage Penalties & Benefits

 

• New Jersey Assembly Resolution 83

Purpose: Urges US Congress to enact legislation allowing individuals with disabilities to retain federal disability benefits upon marriage.

 

Lawmakers in NJ are urging Congress to update the outdated laws governing Social Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for disabled people who get married. Currently, many disabled individuals who receive SSI and SSDI risk losing some or all of their benefits upon marriage – which many advocates see as an unfair marriage penalty against disabled Americans. (Primary sponsors: Reps. Tennille McCoy, Wayne DeAngelo, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Anthony Verrelli)

 

• Read AMM's coverage of similar legislation introduced in 2024: New Jersey Legislators Urge Congress Not to Cut Benefits for Disabled Adults Who Marry

 

• Utah HJR 18

Purpose: Urges Congress to eliminate perceived “marriage penalties” which may disincentivize people to get married, in order to increase marriage rates and its associated health and financial benefits 

 

Legislators in Utah have introduced a joint resolution that urges Congress to “pass legislation eliminating all marriage penalties, both direct and indirect, that are embedded within federal tax policies and assistance programs.” They propose raising income limits and benefit levels for married individuals, making income thresholds proportional to the number of household members, phasing out head of household status, and adjusting the child tax credit. (Sponsor: Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard)

 

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Legislation About: Who Can Officiate Weddings

 

• New Jersey Assembly Bill 283 (Carry over of A1060 / S571)

Purpose: To authorize members of the New Jersey State Legislature to solemnize marriages and civil unions.

 

This bill would amend the law in New Jersey to allow every current member of the New Jersey State Legislature to perform marriage ceremonies and sign marriage licenses while holding office. Currently, many state officials and judges can perform weddings in NJ; this law would extend the authority to sitting legislators. (Primary sponsors: Rep. Paul Kanitra, Rep. Gregory McGuckin)

 

Related: Who Can Officiate a Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony?

 

 

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Legislation About: Remote Appearance Marriage Ceremonies

 

 

• New Jersey Assembly Bill 3668

Purpose: To allow marriage or civil union licenses to be issued and solemnized via audio-visual technology.

 

NJ lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow couples to apply for their marriage license over video-conference, and to hold their marriage ceremony over video-conference – with the wedding officiant, two witnesses, and couple joining remotely from separate locations – provided certain conditions are met. Among these conditions, all participants must be physically located in the state of New Jersey at the time of the ceremony. (Primary sponsors: Don Guardian, Annette Quijano)
 

 

• Oregon HB 4152

Purpose: To allow a deployed service member to attend their marriage ceremony remotely if they can’t attend in-person

 

Lawmakers in Oregon are considering a new law that would allow service members to appear at their marriage ceremony remotely under specific conditions, if they cannot appear in-person while deployed. These conditions would include a judicial officer to conduct the ceremony, and that the service member appear via communication equipment (audio-video technology). (Primary sponsor: Rep. Mari Watanabe)
 

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Legislation About: Artificial Intelligence / Marriage & AI Companion

 

 

• Wisconsin HB 959

Purpose: To define and limit the legal status of artificial intelligence; the relevant portion states that AI cannot be a spouse or domestic partner, and cannot hold any legal status analogous to marriage

 

Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced a bill that would place explicit limits on the legal status of artificial intelligence. Of relevance here is a portion of the bill which clarifies that “Artificial intelligence may not be a spouse or domestic partner and may not hold any legal status analogous to marriage or union with a human or with other artificial intelligence.” (Primary sponsors: Reps. Lindee Brill, Barbara Dittrich, David Armstrong, and others)

 

While this proposed subsection seems redundant with existing marriage laws in the state, which already limit who can apply for a marriage license (only humans), it reflects a growing fascination with so-called “AI marriages.” Also known as “2D marriages" or “hybrid marriages," these pairings are celebrated by human partner holding a symbolic “wedding” with an AI companion or fictional character. As these unique ceremonies gain visibility, many people have starting thinking about the long-term effects of AI companions on marriage, dating, family, monogamy, and more. 

 

Learn more: 

• 2D Weddings Are Trending: Marry a Fictional Character With Insight From a Japanese Wedding Vendor
• 2D & AI Wedding Glossary: Defining What it Means to Marry Fictional & Custom Characters

 

 

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More News & Wedding Trends From AMM

 

 

• 2026 Wedding Dates to Make Your PTO Go Farther With a 4-Day Weekend!

 

• Oficiantes: Adapten su Negocio a Medida que el Cambio Climático Impulsa Más Bodas de Otoño
   
• Why Gen Z is Choosing Domestic Partnership Over Marriage
   
• 2026 Destination Wedding Trends: Iconic Views & Candid Pics Create an Intimate Adventure
   

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