📅 2026 Update: Changes in Marriage Laws and Procedures

Since the original article was published, there have been important changes in marriage laws across the U.S. These changes include new options for solemnizing marriages and updates to marriage license fees. The core information about marriage contracts and related legalities remains relevant and can be found further down this page.

🕊️ Self-Solemnization Laws

As of 2026, Colorado and the District of Columbia permit couples to solemnize their own marriage without an officiant. This means couples can now legally declare their commitment to each other without needing a third party to officiate the ceremony. This change simplifies the process for many couples who prefer a more personal approach to their wedding.

📜 Notary Public Officiation

In 2026, only five states allow notaries public to officiate marriages. These states are Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Montana, and Tennessee. Couples in these states can choose a notary as their officiant, which may offer more flexible options for scheduling their ceremony.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

Marriage license fees now range from $18 to $115, with most jurisdictions charging between $50 and $60. Additionally, civil ceremony fees typically range from $30 to $150. Couples should be aware of these costs when planning their marriage.

⏳ Processing Times and Validity

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

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🕊️ Self-solemnization is allowed in Colorado and D.C.
  • 📜 Only five states permit notaries to officiate marriages.
  • 💰 Marriage license fees vary from $18 to $115.
  • ⏳ Licenses can be valid for up to one year, with same-day marriage possible in many states.
  • 📝 Always check local laws for specific requirements and fees.

💡 Tips for Navigating Marriage Laws

Reviewing your unique situation with an attorney can provide clarity on important decisions related to marriage laws and contracts.

📝 Understand Your State's Laws

Every state has its own marriage laws. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your state, including age and eligibility criteria. This knowledge will help you avoid potential issues.

💵 Budget for Fees

Plan for marriage license fees and ceremony costs. Be aware that fees can differ widely by jurisdiction. Setting a budget ahead of time can help you manage expenses better.

📅 Verify License Validity

Check how long your marriage license is valid in your state. If your license expires before your ceremony, you will need to reapply and pay another fee.

👥 Confirm Officiant Requirements

Determine who can officiate your marriage in your state. Some states require specific qualifications for officiants, while others allow a broader range of individuals to perform the ceremony.

📖 Keep Records

After your marriage, remember to obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate. These copies may be necessary for legal purposes, such as changing your name or for insurance benefits.

🏆 Services for Marriage Contracts 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 checked in October 2026, noting that scores can change over time. Keep in mind that while star ratings are helpful, they don't tell the full story, as unhappy customers often leave more reviews than satisfied ones.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has been rated 4.5. This service is known for its online legal document preparation and offers help with prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Reviewers mention that while it offers valuable online resources, its subscription model can lead to unexpected charges.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a score of 4.6. It is recognized for providing a wide range of online legal services, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Users appreciate the variety of services but have reported occasional delays and scheduling conflicts.

🥉 3. TotalLegal

TotalLegal averages a score of 4.6. This service is known for its affordable legal document services, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. While many users find it cost-effective, some have experienced delays in document delivery.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

County clerk’s offices provide information on obtaining marriage licenses without fees. Some counties also offer brief civil ceremonies for a small charge. These government services can help couples navigate the marriage process without incurring high costs.

🔎 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service

  • 📄 Types of legal documents offered
  • ⏳ Processing times for marriage licenses
  • 💵 Fees and potential extra costs
  • ⭐ Trustpilot ratings and user reviews
  • 📞 Customer support availability

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📅 How long does it take to get a marriage license?

The time to obtain a marriage license varies by state. In many places, couples can receive their license immediately after applying.

📝 Can we get married the same day we apply?

Yes, in about two-thirds of U.S. states, couples can marry on the same day they obtain their marriage license.

👥 Do we need witnesses at our ceremony?

Some jurisdictions require one or two witnesses during the ceremony. Check your local laws for specific requirements.

💵 Are there discounts for marriage licenses?

Some counties offer discounts for couples who complete premarital education courses. It's worth inquiring about any available savings.

📜 What if my marriage license expires?

If your marriage license expires before the ceremony, you will need to submit a new application and pay the associated fee.

🔄 Can we change the officiant after applying?

If you change your officiant, ensure that the new officiant meets your state’s requirements. You may need to inform the county clerk if there are significant changes.

⚖️ Recent Court Rulings in Marriage Law Cases

Recent court rulings have impacted marriage laws, affecting how couples navigate the process of getting married and understanding their rights. These decisions can clarify legal ambiguities surrounding marriage contracts and other related issues.

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

End of October 2026 Update





Most wedding ceremonies

include an exchange of wedding vows between husband and wife. In some cases,
couples write their wedding vows themselves and in others, the individual that
is officiating over the ceremony, reads the vows and asks the couple to agree
with them. Generally, each spouse will answer in agreement by saying, "I
do."  



Wedding vows are often derived from marriage contracts, which
include all of the rights and responsibilities conferred upon marriages.
However, wedding vows are just a brief example of all of those rights and
responsibilities granted to the couple. Wedding vows will generally include
some form of religious, legal and ethical rights and responsibilities generally
associated with marriage. 

Do You Know About Vows and Marital Contracts?



However, couples actually acquire thousands of rights
as a result of their marriage contract, and there is no way to cover all of
them during a wedding ceremony. In addition, vows tend to include the aspect of
a marriage contact that are expressions of love, rather than benefits brought
to the couple.




Marriage contracts include principles such as mutual respect and
responsibility. In other words, one vow generally explains that couples have
agreed to treat each other with respect and to care for each other, no matter
what the circumstance. Included in that vow, is generally the phrase, "for
richer or poor, in sickness and in health," which means that couples are
meant to care for each other in any circumstance. 



That vows reiterates that
their relationship is not based on any changing variable such as wealth or
health. Also included under that vow, is "till death due us part,"
which signifies the expectation that marriage is meant to last until one spouse
passes away, rather then in physical separation such as divorce. Many churches
take that vow very seriously and are opposed to divorce. 



Marriage contracts
also include vows such as, "I will be true," which signifies that the
marriage relationship is unique and that neither souse will have a similar
relationship with anyone other than their spouse. Most religious marriage vows
are based on mutual expectations between the church, God and the couple. 



Whereas, non religious vows tend to focus more on the relationship between the
couple. In either case, the marriage contract is expected to be upheld by both
spouses, as they agreed to during the wedding ceremony.




In many cases, couples choose to add input into their wedding vows to make them
more personal for the couple. The purpose of wedding vows is to make a public
proclamation of promises found in the marriage contract. In addition, vows help
couples to express their love and their agreement to enter into the marriage
contract. 



Vows signify the importance of their new relationship and declare it
as being different form any other relationship in their life.Whether vows are
unique for a couple, or general vows are used, the propose is the same. Vows
help couples to proclaim their intentions for their relationship.