Going to the chapel? Not so fast! Before you hit the road to the altar, you’ll want to make sure you’re legally licensed to wed. Oklahoma has a special process for acquiring a marriage license, and we’ve got all the details you need to know! Scroll down for the deets and soon, you’ll be officially official. Cheers!
Photo: Ely Fair Photos
Where and When to Go
Both you and your fiancé must appear in person at the court clerk’s office. This office is typically located within the county’s main courthouse, although some counties offer multiple locations. Find the closest court clerk office on your county’s government website.
An Oklahoma marriage license is good for ten days. Applicants under the age of 18 must wait 72 hours after obtaining a license to get married, and if you’re recently divorced, there’s a six-month waiting period before you can apply for a new license.
Check with your nearest county clerk’s office to verify their hours of operation before you go. If you live in a heavily populated county, it may be wise to ask if certain days are better in regard to wait times. When it’s your turn, you’ll appear before the clerk, present your credentials (detailed below) and be on your way! The process is typically fairly quick.
What to Bring with You
You’ll need a valid form of ID showing your age, as well as payment. Oklahoma marriage licenses are $50. However, if you and your fiancé have completed at least four hours of state-approved pre-marital counseling, you can bring your completion certificate (the original, not a copy) to the court clerk and pay only $5 instead of $50! Some counties may require paying in cash, so be sure to check with your local court clerk before you go.
Keep in Mind
Residency isn’t required to obtain an Oklahoma marriage license. Both parties just have to be physically present to apply. If you’re a member of a tribal nation, you can apply for a marriage license directly through your tribal government (rules vary by tribe) and don’t need an additional license.
If you’re planning on changing your last name once you’re married, you MUST sign your marriage license with your new name exactly how you’d like it to appear on legal documents. Avoid the hassle of filing an additional name change document and make sure to practice your new signature!
Anyone can obtain a marriage license from any county in Oklahoma, as long as the wedding takes place within the state. However, if you’re planning on a destination wedding, make sure to research the wedding requirements for that particular state or country as well. If you’re wanting to host your wedding in a public place like a park or on a beach, check with the county and/or city about necessary permits.
Not only must you obtain a marriage license prior to your wedding, don’t forget your officiant needs to meet the requirements, as well! The person performing your wedding must register their credentials with the court clerk prior to your ceremony. Oklahoma marriage licenses require two witnesses’ signatures. Whoever performs your ceremony should sign and date your license after the ceremony and return it once everyone has signed to the county clerk’s office from where it was issued as soon as possible after your wedding. Once the court has made record of your union, it’s officially official! Congrats!
Looking for more tips to help as you plan your big day? We’ve got even more informative content for you here.
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