📅 2026 Update: Changes in Marriage Laws and Regulations

Since the original article was published, several important changes have occurred in marriage laws across the United States. These updates affect how couples can get married, the requirements for marriage licenses, and the roles of officiants. The earlier article continues further down the page and provides additional context and details.

📝 Self-Solemnization Changes

As of 2026, Colorado and the District of Columbia now allow couples to solemnize their own marriage without needing an officiant. This change offers couples more flexibility and control over their wedding experience. Couples can now declare their marriage vows without relying on a third party.

📜 Notary Public Officiation

In 2026, only five states—Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Montana, and Tennessee—authorize notaries public to officiate marriages. This is a significant limitation compared to previous years, where more states allowed notary officiation. Couples in these states can utilize notary services for their marriage ceremonies.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

Marriage license fees now range from approximately $18 to $115, with most jurisdictions charging between $50 and $60. Civil ceremony fees typically range from $30 to $150. Additionally, certified copies of the marriage certificate can cost between $6 and $35.

Understanding these costs is essential for budgeting the wedding.

⏳ Processing and Validity

Marriage licenses are valid for a period ranging from 30 days to one year, depending on the state. In two-thirds of U.S. states, couples can marry the same day they obtain their license. This flexibility can help couples who want to expedite their wedding plans.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🗒️ Couples in Colorado and D.C. can self-solemnize their marriage.
  • 📝 Only five states allow notaries to officiate marriages.
  • 💵 Marriage license fees range from $18 to $115.
  • ⏰ Licenses are valid for 30 days to one year.
  • 💍 Same-day marriages are possible in most states.

💡 Tips for Navigating Marriage Laws

It’s important to review your specific situation with your attorney to ensure you understand all relevant laws for your marriage.

🏛️ Apply Together

Both parties must appear together at the county clerk’s office to submit the marriage license application. Make sure to bring valid identification, as it is often required.

📅 Check License Validity

Marriage licenses can have different validity periods depending on the state. Check the specific rules in your state to avoid expiration before your ceremony.

👰🏼 Officiant Options

Know who is authorized to officiate your wedding in your state. Options usually include judges, magistrates, or clergy. Some states also allow online-ordained ministers, while others do not.

👥 Witness Requirements

Be aware that some jurisdictions require one or two witnesses for the ceremony. Confirm the rules in your area to ensure your wedding is legally recognized.

⏳ Consider Waiting Periods

Some states impose waiting periods between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony. Check if your state has such a requirement to plan your wedding timeline accordingly.

✉️ Get Certified Copies

After your marriage is recorded, consider ordering certified copies of your marriage certificate. These can be important for changing names or applying for spousal benefits.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed below provide various legal assistance related to marriage, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. The order follows Trustpilot data from October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and star ratings are just one indicator of service quality; dissatisfied customers often leave more feedback.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6 stars. It is known for its online legal services, including help with prenuptial agreements and obtaining marriage licenses. However, some users report delays and scheduling conflicts, which may affect your planning.

🥈 2. TotalLegal

TotalLegal holds a 4.6-star rating. This service is recognized for its affordable legal document services and marriage licenses. Reviewers mention occasional delays in document delivery, so it's wise to start the process early.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has received a 4.5-star rating. It offers online legal document preparation, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Some users note that its subscription model could lead to unexpected charges, requiring careful review of terms.

🆓 Free Government Options

County clerk’s offices are available to assist couples in obtaining marriage licenses and provide information on the process. Some counties may also offer brief civil ceremonies for a fee, providing an affordable option for couples.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 📋 Types of legal documents offered
  • 💵 Cost of services and any hidden fees
  • ⌛ Processing times and delivery
  • 📝 Customer reviews and ratings
  • 📞 Availability of customer support

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💍 What is self-solemnization?

Self-solemnization allows couples in certain states, like Colorado and D.C., to perform their own marriage ceremony without an officiant. Couples simply declare their vows to each other.

🕰️ How long is a marriage license valid?

Marriage licenses are valid for periods ranging from 30 days to one year, depending on the state. Always check the specific rules in your jurisdiction.

👨‍⚖️ Who can officiate a wedding?

Authorized officiants typically include judges, magistrates, clergy members, and mayors. Some states also recognize marriages performed by online-ordained ministers.

📅 Are there waiting periods for marriage licenses?

Yes, in some states, there are waiting periods between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony. This can range from no waiting period to several days.

👥 Do I need witnesses for my marriage ceremony?

Some jurisdictions require one or two witnesses to be present during the ceremony. It's essential to verify the rules in your area to ensure legal recognition of your marriage.

📄 How can I get certified copies of my marriage certificate?

After your marriage is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office. Fees for these copies vary by jurisdiction.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Marriage

Recent court rulings have continued to shape marriage laws and rights across various states. These decisions may influence how couples navigate the marriage process and their legal rights.

You can browse more rulings on the news page to stay updated on recent legal decisions impacting marriage laws.

End of October 2026 Update





There are many types of religious weddings. In fact, each religion will have specific elements present in their wedding ceremonies. In addition, many religions offer more than one variation of the wedding ceremony. Couples that have decided to get married, have many decisions regarding the type of ceremony they would like to have. 

If they choose a religious ceremony, they often have to comply with the churches rules and regulations. Those rules are generally pretty standard and include a large religious element during the ceremony. In addition, many religions expect couples to have their ceremony in a house of worship in order for it to be recognized by the church.

For Catholic weddings, there are many steps involved. In many cases, communion is offered to the bride and groom, as well as their guests. However, non Catholics are not allowed to take communion so some couples forge this part of the ceremony. In addition, Catholics often have a religious explanation of what marriage is and what is expected from both spouses. There are generally readings from the bible, as well as religious songs which everyone present sings. 

All The Facts About Religious Differences in Weddings

In Catholic weddings, there is a large religious component to the ceremony and they generally last for at least an hour. Generally, Catholic weddings are very much like Sunday services with the addition of the marriage vows. The services is always ended with a prayer. Many Christian ceremonies are very similar, except that communion is sometimes available to all guests, depending on the churches denomination. For Muslims, wedding celebrations generally last for several days. 

However, the wedding ritual is actually very brief. In addition, the wedding ritual is very simple and can take place in almost any location. The bride and groom are in two separate rooms and asked separately if they which to be a part of the marriage. Later, the couple signs their marriage contract and is publicly announced as husband and wife. Jewish wedding ceremonies include the groom reciting a document that explains the importance of marriage and marriage vows. 

The groom, and groomsmen generally walk forward to cover the bride in her veil, to suggest that she will live a life of modesty now that she will be married. In Jewish marriages, the woman is considered to be the head of the household, and the lowered veil signifies that she will bring that modesty and warmth into her home.

Basic principles can be found in most weddings. In general, they are celebrations of the love and commitment between two people. During religious weddings, there is generally an explanation of what the church expects from the couple and what the couple can expect from the church.  

In fact, there is generally a mutual expectation of support between the church and the couple. In any case, religious wedding ceremonies always include an element unique to the couples religion. However, those ceremonies also include a celebration of the couples commitment regardless of religion.