1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage

U.S. Waiting Times

Marriage License Laws

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The information listed below is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Please notify us of any oversights or errors.

A

  • Alabama: None
  • Alaska: three (3) business days
  • Arizona: None
  • Arkansas: None

    B

    C

  • California: None
  • Colorado: None
  • Connecticut: None

    D

  • Delaware: 24 hours. If both of you are nonresidents, there is a 96 hours waiting period.
  • District of Columbia: Five (5) days

    E

    F

  • Florida: No waiting period for Florida residents have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.

    G

  • Georgia: None

    H

  • Hawaii: None

    I

  • Idaho: None
  • Illinois: 24 hours
  • Indiana: None
  • Iowa: Three (3) business days

    J

    K

  • Kansas: Three (3) days
  • Kentucky: None

    L

  • Louisiana: 72 hours. Out-of-state couples can get married in New Orleans without the 72-hour wait.

    M

  • Maine: Three (3) days
  • Maryland: 48 hours
  • Massachusetts: Three (3) days
  • Michigan: Three (3) days
  • Minnesota: Five (5) days
  • Mississippi: None
  • Missouri: Three (3) days
  • Montana: None

    N

  • Nebraska: None
  • Nevada: None
  • New Hampshire: Three (3) days
  • New Jersey: 72 hours
  • New Mexico: None
  • New York: 24 hours
  • North Carolina: None
  • North Dakota: None

    O

  • Ohio: None
  • Oklahoma: None
  • Oregon: Three (3) days

    P

  • Pennsylvania: Three (3) days

    Q

    R

  • Rhode Island: None

    S

  • South Carolina: 24 hours
  • South Dakota: None

    T

  • Tennessee: None
  • Texas: 72 hours

    U

  • Utah: None

    V

  • Vermont: None
  • Virginia: None

    W

  • Washington: Three (3) days
  • West Virginia: None
  • Wisconsin: Six (6) days
  • Wyoming: None

    X

    Y

    Z

  • Explore Marriage

    More from About.com

    1. Home
    2. People & Relationships
    3. Marriage
    4. Marriage License & Laws
    5. Marriage Licenses
    6. U.S.
    7. Waiting Time Requirements in United States Marriage License Laws

    ©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.