Applying for a Marriage License in Oklahoma

Getting married in Oklahoma need not be a stressful experience. But it could be if you don't first call the County Clerks Office where you want to get married. Marriage license laws often change. Please verify this information before you apply for your marriage license.

Getting Married Process:

Process: 1. Apply for and fill out a marriage license application.

2. Have your wedding ceremony.

3. Make sure the officiant at your wedding signed and recorded your marriage license.

4. After a reasonable amount of time (varies from locale to locale), you should have received or are able to pick up your marriage certificate.

You do not have to be a resident of Oklahoma to get married in Oklahoma.

ID Requirement:

In most Oklahoma counties you only need one valid ID, such as a state issued unexpired driver's license, or a birth certificate with a raised seal, or a passport.

Unacceptable identification may include privately issued I.D., check cashing cards, photocopies or faxed copies of I.D., and damaged or expired I.D. cards.

Your divorce must be final. Unless you are wanting to marry your ex-spouse, you may not get married for a period of six months after the divorce decree is filed. While copies of divorce papers are not required in most Oklahoma counties, having the divorce decree with you can't hurt.

No.

There is no waiting period in Oklahoma unless you are a minor or have been recently divorced.

Bring cash. Checks, credit cards, and money orders are not accepted. It will cost you approximately $50 to get married in Oklahoma. The charge may vary from county to county.

Couples who show proof of attending a state approved premarital counseling course will be charged only $5 for a marriage license.

Check with the County Court Clerk to make sure the marriage preparation course facilitator has been approved. See Title 43, Section 5.1 of the Oklahoma Statues for more information.

As of November 1, 2004, you do not need to have a blood test.

No. Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license in Oklahoma.

No. See Oklahoma Statutes, Title 43, Section 2 for more information.

No. However, your common law marriage will be recognized in Oklahoma if it was created before November 1, 1998. There is controversy in Oklahoma over this legislation and whether or not common law marriages are valid in Oklahoma.

Same Sex Marriages in Oklahoma:

No. In November, 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

Under 18 in Oklahoma:

Parents must appear at the courthouse with the couple to sign a consent form. Minors must wait three days (72 hours) before the marriage license is valid. If you are 16 or 17, you must have your birth certificate with you.

A person who is under the age of 16 may not get married in Oklahoma without a court order.

Officiants in Oklahoma:

Any ordained or licensed clergymen, and justices of the peace. There is an additional $10 fee for having your wedding ceremony conducted by a judge.

Officiants (both residents and nonresidents) need to have on file with the court clerk a copy of "the credentials or authority from his or her church or synagogue authorizing him or her to solemnize marriages." See Oklahoma Statutes, Title 43, Section 7 for more information.

Miscellaneous:

The marriage license may be used anywhere in Oklahoma. It must be returned to the Court Clerk for recording no more than thirty (30) days from the date of its issuance. See Title 43, Section 6 of the Oklahoma Statues for more information. The Oklahoma marriage license is valid for 30 days. What this means is you two have 90 days to get married and have your marriage license officially recorded. If you wait past that time frame, you can't get married without applying for and paying for another marriage license.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

These are filed at the County level. (Click on County Government tab for a drop down list of Oklahoma counties.)

Still Confused About Getting Married in Oklahoma?

If you are still confused about the different terms used in the marriage license application process, these articles may help:

• Marriage License 101 -- The Basics
• Marriage Applications
• Marriage Licenses
• Marriage Certificates

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 the county court clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.