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An Introduction to the Marriage License

Last Updated: August 4th, 2022

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Marriage licenses are issued by government offices. The specific office that issues the marriage license varies from state to state. Generally, the issuing office is located in the county, city, or town courthouse.

Where Does the Couple File for the Marriage License?

Marriage licenses are issued by government offices. The specific office that issues the marriage license varies from state to state. Generally, the issuing office is located in the county, city, or town courthouse. This office is commonly a County Clerk, County Recorder, etc. however it is almost always located within the courthouse building.

Below is a table with the marriage license issuance office in each state. Remember, it is the couple's responsibility to file for the marriage license.

Marriage License Issuance Offices by State

Alabama

ISSUANCE OFFICE Probate Court

Alaska

ISSUANCE OFFICE Bureau of Vital Statistics

Arizona

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Arkansas

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

California

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk or Recorder

Colorado

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Connecticut

ISSUANCE OFFICE Vital Records Office

Delaware

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Florida

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Georgia

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Hawaii

ISSUANCE OFFICE Department of Health

Idaho

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Recorder

Illinois

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Indiana

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Iowa

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Recorder

Kansas

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Kentucky

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Louisiana

ISSUANCE OFFICE Parish Clerk of Court

Maine

ISSUANCE OFFICE Town Clerk

Maryland

ISSUANCE OFFICE Circuit Court Clerk

Massachusetts

ISSUANCE OFFICE City or Town Clerk

Michigan

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Minnesota

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Registrar

Mississippi

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Missouri

ISSUANCE OFFICE Recorder of Deeds

Montana

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Nebraska

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Nevada

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

New Hampshire

ISSUANCE OFFICE Town Clerk

New Jersey

ISSUANCE OFFICE Town Clerk

New Mexico

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

New York

ISSUANCE OFFICE City or Town Clerk

North Carolina

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Registrar

North Dakota

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Registrar

Ohio

ISSUANCE OFFICE Probate Court

Oklahoma

ISSUANCE OFFICE Court Clerk

Oregon

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Pennsylvania

ISSUANCE OFFICE Register of Wills or Orphans Court

Puerto Rico

ISSUANCE OFFICE Demographic Registry

Rhode Island

ISSUANCE OFFICE Town Clerk

South Carolina

ISSUANCE OFFICE Probate Court

South Dakota

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Registrar

Tennessee

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Texas

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

US Virgin Islands

ISSUANCE OFFICE Superior Court

Utah

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Vermont

ISSUANCE OFFICE Town Clerk

Virginia

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Washington

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Auditor

Washington, DC

ISSUANCE OFFICE Marriage Bureau

West Virginia

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Wisconsin

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

Wyoming

ISSUANCE OFFICE County Clerk

OFFICIANT GOVERNMENT REGISTRATION BY STATE

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