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Applying for a Marriage License in Utah

From Sheri & Bob Stritof,
Your Guide to Marriage.
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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 Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah could have their own requirements.

Residency Requirement in Utah:

You do not have to be a resident of Utah.

ID Requirement in Utah:

You will need to show at least one form of identification like a driver's license, birth certificate, or passport. You will also need to provide your Social Security numbers.

You need to know the names, birthpaces, and maiden names of your parents.

Previous Marriage:

If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be supplied.

Covenant Marriage: No.
Waiting Period in Utah:

Utah does not have a waiting period.

Fees in Utah:

It will cost you approximately $45 - $50 - cash only in some counties - to get married in Utah. Check with the county clerk to verify the current cost of the marriage license.

Other Tests:

No other tests are required in Utah.

Proxy Marriage:

No. However, a few counties in Utah will allow only one of you to appear to apply for a license. The other partner can take the application application form to be filled out and signed by the applicant before a notary.

  • Iron County will make exceptions if prior arrangements are made with the County Clerk.

  • Tooele County allows applicants to apply separately.

Common Law Marriage:

Yes. "A common law marriage is a situation where a man and woman have never had a formal wedding ceremony but may be declared husband and wife ... In order for a common law marriage to be filed, the following qualifications must be met: Both parties must be competent and able to give consent; Both must be able to be married; Both must be living together as man and wife; Both have assumed marital responsibilities and duties; Both must have "held themselves out" as husband and wife such that others perceived them to be married."
Source: UTCourts.gov

Cousin Marriage:

Yes, with limitations. First cousins who are 65 years of age or older can marry without consent. First cousins who are 55 years of age or older will need to provide to the district court that they are incapable of reproduction before receiving consent to marry.

Same Sex Marriages:

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

Under 18:

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will need to have your parents with you to sign the consent form. Those who are 15 years of age, will need to have an authorization by a juvenile judge of the county where you reside or by a court commissioner (Section 30-1-9 Marriage by Minors). If you are under 14 years of age, you cannot get married in Utah.

Officiants in Utah:

Any ordained ministers who are at least 18 years of age, Native American spiritual advisors, the Governor, mayors, justices of the peace, judges or commissioners, county clerks, president of the Senate, speaker of the House of Representatives, retired judges or magistrates, U.S. judges or magistrates may perform weddings.

Miscellaneous:

License if valid for 30 days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Bureau of Vital Records
Utah Department of Health
288 North 1460 West
P.O. Box 141012
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012
Phone: (801) 538-6105

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.

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