Applying for a Marriage License in Mississippi

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 license laws of Mississippi 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 Mississippi marriage license. We recommend getting this legal 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 Mississippi could have their own requirements.

ID Requirement in Mississippi:

In Mississippi, you will need to show a picture id such as Drivers License. You can also use Military ID, DD 214, or a document that shows evidence of your age, like a life insurance policy or school records. Having your Social Security card, Birth Certificate, etc. may be helpful.

You will also need to know your parents addresses, and your mothers' maiden names.

Neither one of you have to be a resident of Mississippi. Mississippi is a great state for a destination wedding!

Most counties in Mississippi only require that you know the date (mm/dd/yy) and how your last marriage ended and that you sign an affidavit at the time you apply that all information you have provided is true and correct.

The Harrison County web site states that if your divorce was within the last 6 months, you will need to bring proof of the divorce that can be left with the Clerk.

Mississippi has a seventy-two (72) hour waiting period. This can be waived by a judge of any court in the judicial district where either of the applicants live and if they are over 21 years of age.

It will cost you $22 cash to get married in most Mississippi counties. Don't leave home with out it!

Blood test within 30 days showing that both applicants are free from syphilis. The results can be from any laboratory (in Mississippi or out of state) that is authorized to do pre-marital syphilis testing and is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to Brenda Wright, D.C. of the Lamar County Circuit Clerk's Office, "The blood test is valid for only 30 days from the date drawn. Once the application has been made the time requirements end that pertain to the blood test." Additionally, the fee for the blood test is $13.00 per person.

No. Mississippi doesn't offer this option at this time.

No.

No. Additionally, Mississippi has a law, Section 93-1-3, prohibiting using the marriage laws of another state to circumvent Mississippi's laws.

Same Sex Marriages:

No. Section 93-1-1, Mississippi Code of 1972: (2) Any marriage between persons of the same gender is prohibited and null and void from the beginning. Any marriage between persons of the same gender that is valid in another jurisdiction does not constitute a legal or valid marriage in Mississippi. In November, 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.
_{Source: Mississippi Code}

Under 21:

Parental consent is needed in Mississippi if under 21 years of age. If parents or guardians do not give consent at time of application, they will be notified via certified mail. The marriage application will be held for three (3) days.

Marriage licenses cannot be issued to males under 17 or to females under 15 years of age unless the parents petition the judge to waive the minimum age requirements.
More on Mississippi Law Regarding Minors

Officiants:

Clergy, mayors, local Board of Supervisors members, and judges of the state of Mississippi Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit court, Chancery court, Justice court, or County court.

Miscellaneous:

Once your marriage license has been issued, the license is valid indefinitely in Mississippi.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Phone: (601) 576-7450

PLEASE NOTE:

Please note that we make every effort to offer you common-sense marriage advice and helpful information about marriage on this website, but we are not attorneys and the articles on the site are not to be construed as legal advice.

The information in this article was accurate when it was published. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

The marriage site has a world-wide audience and marriage laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country. When in doubt, seek legal counsel.

Please notify us of any oversights or errors.