Applying for a Marriage License

To be married in the State of Indiana, a couple must have a marriage license.  To apply for a marriage license in Indiana, both you and your future spouse must appear in person at the Clerk's Office in an Indiana county where one of you resides, or for non-residents in the Indiana county where the marriage will be solemnized.  A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, and couples may be married as early as the same day.  Couples who do not marry within the 60 days must apply for a new license before marrying.

The Clerk can issue a marriage license if:

• Both applicants are 18 years of age or older;
• Both individuals are at least sixteen (16) years of age:
• One (1) of the individuals is not more than four (4) years older than the other individual if the other individual is sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years of age;
• Each individual who is less than eighteen (18) years of age has been granted an order by a juvenile court under IC 31-11-7 granting the individual approval to marry and completely emancipating the individual.

Exclusions.  The Clerk cannot issue a marriage license if:

• Either applicant is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when applying;
• Applicants are more closely related than second cousins (though there is an exception if you are first cousins and both at least sixty-five (65) years of age).
• Either applicant has been judged to be of unsound mind, unless the adjudication has been removed.
• Either applicant is a lifetime sex or violent offender, unless the individual submits an affidavit stating under the penalties of perjury that the individual has provided written notice of the person's (A) intent to marry, and (B) intended married name; to the local law enforcement authority in the county of conviction and in the person's county of residence.

See Indiana Code 31-11 for more information about state marriage laws.

Be sure to bring one of the following forms of identification:

• Current, valid drivers license or state-issued ID card
• Passport

You will also be required to provide your Social Security Number, although your Social Security Card may no be required.

If you were previously married, you will need to provide the date your marriage ended.  In addition, some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Requirements to Perform a Marriage

Indiana Code section 31-11-6-1 provides information on who may solemnize a marriage.  Currently there is no one at the Courthouse who performs marriage ceremonies, however there are business cards on the bulletin board at the Courthouse with individuals that will.

Marriage License Costs

The marriage license fee is $25.00 if one or both parties are Indiana residents and $65.00 for out-of-state-residents getting Married in Morgan County.  There is a $4.00 charge for certified copy.  Each additional copy of the Certified Marriage License (required for name change at BMV, SSN, etc.) is also $4.00.

Ready to Apply?

If you are eligible as outlined above, have all the necessary documentation, and you're ready to apply for a marriage license, you can apply at the Clerk's Office in the county where you plan to file.

While you will still have to appear at the Clerk's Office to complete the process and receive your license (as required by law), starting your application online will save you time at the Clerk's Office.

Start Your Application