📅 2026 Update: Changes in Marriage Laws and Practices

Since the original article was written, several important changes have occurred in U.S. marriage laws and practices. These updates directly impact how couples can plan their weddings and manage the legal aspects of their unions. The earlier article continues down the page, providing foundational information about marriage invitations.

🆕 🎉 Self-Solemnization Laws

As of 2026, Colorado and the District of Columbia allow couples to solemnize their own marriages without needing an officiant. This change gives couples more freedom to create a personal ceremony without traditional constraints.

🏛️ ✍️ Notary Public Officiation

In a notable shift, only five states—Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Montana, and Tennessee—permit notaries public to officiate marriages. This is a significant reduction from previous practices, narrowing options for couples who want to consider non-traditional officiants.

💵 💍 Current Fees and Costs

Marriage license fees now range from $18 to $115. Most jurisdictions charge between $50 and $60. Additionally, civil ceremony fees vary from $30 to $150.

Couples should budget for certified copies of their marriage certificates, which typically cost between $6 and $35 each.

⏳ 📅 Processing Times

Marriage licenses are valid for a period between 30 days and one year, depending on the state. In about two-thirds of U.S. states, couples can marry on the same day they obtain their marriage license, making it easier for spontaneous weddings.

📋 📑 Eligibility Rules

The minimum marriage age remains 18 in most states, with some allowing minors to marry with parental or judicial consent. Additionally, both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the commitment, and neither can be currently married to someone else.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🎉 Self-solemnization is now allowed in Colorado and D.C.
  • 🏛️ Only five states allow notaries to officiate marriages.
  • 💵 Marriage license fees vary between $18 and $115.
  • ⏳ Licenses are valid for 30 days to one year.
  • 📋 Couples must meet age and mental capacity requirements.

💡 Tips for Your Wedding Planning

Review your specific situation with an attorney to ensure all legal aspects are covered.

📝 🏛️ Understand Self-Solemnization

If you're in Colorado or D.C., consider self-solemnizing your marriage. This option allows for a unique and personal ceremony without the need for an officiant.

📅 💸 Budget for Costs

Plan for the marriage license fees, which typically range from $50 to $60. Don’t forget potential costs for civil ceremonies and certified copies of your marriage certificate.

⏳ 🚀 Check License Validity

Make sure to check the validity period of your marriage license. Licenses can be valid from 30 days to one year, depending on the state, so plan your ceremony accordingly.

👥 📝 Know Officiant Options

Familiarize yourself with who can officiate your wedding. In some states, only specific individuals like judges or clergy can perform marriages, while others allow notaries.

👨‍👩‍👧 🎂 Confirm Eligibility

Verify that both parties meet the eligibility requirements. Ensure you are both of legal age and not currently married to someone else, as these factors can affect your ability to marry.

📑 🏷️ Prepare for Witnesses

Check if your state requires witnesses for your marriage ceremony. Some jurisdictions may need one or two witnesses present during your vows.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The following services can assist couples with legal aspects of marriage, including marriage licenses and related documentation. Ratings and reviews come from Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Scores may change over time, and star ratings reflect user experiences where unhappy customers often leave more feedback.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for providing online legal services, including assistance with prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. However, some reviewers mention experiencing delays and scheduling conflicts, which could affect timely wedding planning.

🥈 2. TotalLegal

TotalLegal holds a 4.6 rating. This service is recognized for affordable legal document services, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Users occasionally report delays in document delivery, which can be a concern for couples needing prompt assistance.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer averages 4.5. It is known for online legal document preparation, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Some users have noted that its subscription model may lead to unexpected charges, so couples should be aware of the potential for additional costs.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

County clerk’s offices are available to provide information on obtaining marriage licenses. Some counties also offer brief civil ceremonies for a fee, which can be a low-cost option for couples.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 💰 Compare fees for marriage licenses and civil ceremonies.
  • 📅 Check the processing times for licenses and documents.
  • 👥 Review the qualifications of officiants offered.
  • 📄 Look for additional services like premarital agreements.
  • 📞 Assess the customer support available for questions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Can we self-solemnize our marriage in any state?

No, self-solemnization is currently only allowed in Colorado and the District of Columbia.

⏳ How long is a marriage license valid?

Marriage licenses are valid for a period ranging from 30 days to one year, depending on the state.

💵 What are the typical fees for a marriage license?

Marriage license fees generally range from $18 to $115, with most jurisdictions charging around $50 to $60.

📋 Are there age requirements to get married?

Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to marry. Some allow minors to marry with parental or judicial consent.

👥 Do we need witnesses for our ceremony?

Some jurisdictions require one or two witnesses to be present during the marriage ceremony. Verify the rules in your state.

🔄 What happens if our marriage license expires before the ceremony?

If your marriage license expires, a new application and fee are required to obtain a new license before the ceremony.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Marriage

Recent court rulings have impacted marriage laws and rights across the U.S., influencing how couples navigate their marriage journey.

For more insights, feel free to check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





There are many preparations necessary for any couple that has
decided to get married. After the couple has selected a location and date, they
generally compile a guest list based on how many people they plan to invite. In
many cases, the number of guests is dictated by the size of the reception
location. In addition, the size of the wedding greatly influences the cost and
therefore, each couple's guest list size can vary greatly.


For some couples,
the guest list includes only close family and friends. For other couples, the
list includes large numbers of people, including work associates past and
present. No matter what the size of the guest list, couples will need to send
out wedding invitations. In many cases, couples will first send out a
"save the date" postcard in order to alert guests to the wedding date
in advance. Choosing the wedding invitation is a decision based on several
factors.

Let Everyone Know About Your Wedding With Invitations


A wedding invitation will generally list the specific details of the wedding.
Wedding invitations include the brides and grooms name, as well as the names of
the parents involved in the wedding. The wedding invitation will also list the
date, time and location of both the wedding and the reception. In addition, wedding
invitations often list hotels in the area, for guests that are traveling in
order to attend the event. Included in that, is often directions to all venues
that guests will need to locate. 


Many times, a wedding invitation will say how
formal the event is. For example, a wedding invitation may specify that the
event is black tie. If however, the invitation does not specify, it is generally
assumed that the event will be formal. Many wedding invitations now offer
guests a choice for food selection for the reception. Many times, a wedding
invitation will have a slip of paper which allows guests to indicate their food
choice, as well as whether they will be bringing a guest to the reception. 


In
addition, a wedding invitation may list where a couple is registered for gifts
so that guests can make a choice based on what the couple needs to complete
their new home.  Proper etiquette dictates that guests return their RSVP
as soon as possible. In addition, etiquette dictates that the bride and groom
mail their invitations rather than hand deliver them.  Currently, most wedding
invitations include various papers that include many pieces of information
whereas in the past, they were simply just a card with basic information.




Couples generally choose their wedding invitation based on preference. First,
they must be sure that there is enough room to list all pertinent information.
In addition, couples will want the invitation to match the formality of the
wedding. For simple weddings, couples will likely choose a simple invitation.
Formal and fancy invitations can be quite expensive. Couples also select the
design and colors that will be on their wedding invitation. The most important
detail of any invitation, is that it includes all pertinent information in a
clear and concise manner.