Kansas Marriage License Information

If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the marriage laws of Kansas put a dent in your wedding plans.

Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Kansas marriage license.

We recommend getting the paper work aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.

Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!

Requirements may vary as each county in Kansas could have their own requirements.

Kansas Residency Requirement:

You do not have to be a resident of Kansas.

Kansas ID Requirement:

Both of you don't have to be present when applying for the license. If only one of you is present, you will need to have all the documentation and know the information that would be required from your future spouse.

Apply at the District Court Clerk's Office. Driver's license and your social security card, or other type of photo identification is required.

Previous Marriages in Kansas:

If either of you were previously married, you will need to know the date of the final divorce decree or death of spouse. You may need to wait 30 days past the date of your final decree before being allowed to get remarried.

No. Kansas does not require premarital education.

Covenant Marriage:

Yes. See the bill authorizing covenant marriage in Kansas for more information.

$50 for the license plus a $25 surcharge. Cash is required in most counties.

Kansas has a three day waiting period.

No other tests are necessary in Kansas.

No. Although I've not been able to find supporting documentation, I have heard from people who have stated that they were part of a marriage by proxy wedding. So check with the county where you want to get married.

No. Kansas does not allow cousin marriages.

Yes. Kansas does allow common law marriages. "A common law marriage will be recognized in Kansas if the couple considers themselves to be married and publicly holds themselves out to be married and if they are legally eligible to marry. No minimum period of cohabitation is required."
Source: Ksbar.org

Same Sex Marriages in Kansas:

No.

Under 18:

The minimum age to get married is 15 in Kansas. This legislation can be waived only by a district court judge who thinks that getting married at such a young age would be in that individual's best interest.

Teens who are 16 or 17 years old need to obtain one of the following in order to get married in Kansas:

• Obtain parental or legal guardian permission and judicial consent.
  
• Receive permission from both parents or legal guardian.
  
• If the minor's parents are dead, or if there is no legal guardian, permission must be received from a judge.

Kansas Officiants:

Judges of a court record or any ordained ministers may perform wedding ceremonies in Kansas.

According to Kansas law, "the two parties themselves, by mutual declarations that they take each other as husband and wife, in accordance with the customs, rules and regulations of any religious society, denomination or sect to which either of the parties belong, may be married without an authorized officiating person."

Miscellaneous:

A Kansas marriage license is valid for 6 months.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Office of Vital Statistics
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221

PLEASE NOTE:

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information 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.