📅 2026 Update: Changes in U.S. Marriage Laws

Since the original article was published, some significant changes have occurred in U.S. marriage laws. Notably, new options for solemnizing marriages and costs associated with marriage licenses have been updated. The information in the earlier article remains relevant and can be found further down the page.

🎉 Self-Solemnization Laws

As of 2026, Colorado and the District of Columbia now allow couples to solemnize their own marriage without needing an officiant. This change gives couples more flexibility in how they choose to get married. It can simplify the process, making it quicker and more personal for those who prefer to take this step independently.

📜 Notary Public Officiation

Also new in 2026, only five states—Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Montana, and Tennessee—permit notaries public to officiate marriages. This is a limited option, which can be helpful for couples needing a more straightforward approach to their wedding ceremony. Couples should confirm if their preferred state allows this before making plans.

💵 Current Fees and Costs

Marriage license fees now typically range from $18 to $115, but most areas charge between $50 and $60. Civil ceremony fees remain between $30 and $150. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost between $6 and $35.

Understanding these costs can help couples budget better for their wedding preparations.

⏳ Processing Times

Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days to one year, depending on the state. This means that couples have a wide window to plan their ceremony. Additionally, in about two-thirds of U.S. states, couples can marry on the same day they obtain their license, which can be a great option for those planning last-minute weddings.

📌 Key Points

  • 🎉 Self-solemnization is allowed in Colorado and D.C.
  • 📜 Notaries can officiate marriages in five states.
  • 💵 License fees range from $18 to $115; civil ceremonies from $30 to $150.
  • ⏳ Licenses are valid for 30 days to one year; same-day marriages are possible in most states.
  • 📋 Couples must check local laws and fees before proceeding.

💡 Tips for Wedding Preparations

It's essential to review your specific situation with an attorney. This ensures that you understand all the legal requirements involved in getting married.

📝 Check Local Requirements

Each state has different laws regarding marriage licenses. Make sure to check your state’s specific requirements, including any necessary documents and fees. This will help avoid any surprises later.

⏰ Plan for Waiting Periods

Some states have waiting periods between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony. Knowing this ahead of time will help you plan your wedding date without any last-minute issues. Always check local regulations to stay informed.

📅 Schedule Early

If you plan to use an officiant or book a civil ceremony, schedule as early as possible. Popular dates can fill up quickly, and early scheduling can help ensure you secure the best options for your wedding.

💵 Budget for Costs

Understanding the costs associated with marriage licenses and ceremonies can aid your budgeting. Remember to include fees for civil ceremonies and certified copies of the marriage certificate in your overall wedding budget.

👥 Consider Witness Requirements

Some jurisdictions require one or two witnesses during the ceremony. If you're planning a small wedding or elopement, ensure your chosen witnesses are available on your wedding day.

📜 Research Officiant Options

Explore the different types of officiants available in your area. Whether a judge, clergy member, or notary public, understanding your options can help you choose the right officiant for your ceremony.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services related to marriage preparations, including legal document services and prenuptial agreements. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Ratings and reviews can change, so they provide just one perspective on user experiences.

🥇 1. TotalLegal

TotalLegal has been rated 4.6 stars. It is known for providing affordable legal document services, including assistance with prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. However, some users have reported occasional delays in document delivery, which is something to consider when planning your wedding.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a rating of 4.5 stars. This service specializes in online legal document preparation, which includes prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. While many users appreciate the convenience, the subscription model may lead to unexpected charges that could affect overall costs.

🥉 3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It is recognized for providing a variety of online legal services, including prenuptial agreements and marriage licenses. Users have noted that there can be delays and scheduling conflicts, so planning ahead is advised.

🆓 Free Government Services

Many counties offer free resources for obtaining marriage licenses and may provide civil ceremony services for a fee. Couples can visit their local county clerk's office for detailed information on how to obtain the necessary documents without incurring high costs.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📄 Types of documents offered
  • 💵 Cost of services and any hidden fees
  • ⭐ User ratings and reviews
  • ⏳ Processing times for document delivery
  • 📞 Customer service accessibility

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💍 What is self-solemnization?

Self-solemnization allows couples to officiate their own marriage without a separate officiant, which is permitted in Colorado and the District of Columbia as of 2026.

⏳ How long is a marriage license valid?

A marriage license is typically valid for 30 days to one year, depending on the state. Couples should check their local laws for specific timeframes.

👥 Are witnesses required for my marriage?

In some jurisdictions, one or two witnesses must be present during the ceremony. Check local requirements to ensure compliance.

💵 What are the typical costs for a marriage license?

Marriage license fees range from about $18 to $115, with most jurisdictions charging between $50 and $60. Additional fees may apply for certified copies and civil ceremonies.

📜 Can a notary officiate my wedding?

Yes, as of 2026, only five states allow notaries public to officiate marriages: Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Montana, and Tennessee. Couples should verify local laws.

🚪 What happens if my marriage license expires?

If a marriage license expires before the ceremony, couples must submit a new application and pay the associated fee to obtain a valid license.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Marriage

Recent court rulings have addressed various issues related to marriage laws and rights. These cases often impact how marriage is defined and the rights of couples in different states.

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

End of October 2026 Update





When couples have chosen to get married, there are many wedding preparations necessary before the wedding actually takes place. The first wedding preparation involves decision making on the part of the couple. Couples must choose what type of wedding they wish to have. In addition, couples must make wedding preparations that include choosing a specific location. 

Only at that time, can couples choose a date based on availability. In addition to the ceremony, couples must choose a location of their reception and select food choices for their guests. Couples must decide which individuals they would like to be present for the ceremony and whom they would like to be in their wedding party. In between all of the decisions, there are many more to be made. Wedding preparations often take a lot of time and attention to detail.

Couples must consider many factors in each wedding preparation. They must decide what type of wedding they would like to have. In a religious ceremony, they are likely to choose a house of worship for their location. In a non religious ceremony, couples may have their wedding outdoors or at an event center. This wedding preparation determines many other factors for the ceremony. 

What You Must Know About Wedding Preparations

At a house of worship, many details will be dictated to the couple. However, a wedding held outdoors or at an event center, is likely to include many more wedding preparations on the part of the couple. Couples must decide on vows, wedding attire, bridal party and a guest list. In many cases, couples are handling more than one wedding preparation at a time. For example, choosing a wedding party and writing a guest list can often be done at the same time since the couple is likely to consider their closest family and friends at that time.  

In many cases, couples can discuss wedding attire and food selection together, based on the fact that each decision depends on the weddings formality. Vows are a discussion that often requires deep thought and therefore, is usually handled over time. This give the couple time to carefully consider what they want to say at the ceremony. Once couples have made these decisions, they will select and send out, invitations which list all details of the wedding. 

They will also invite certain family members and friends, to be a part of the bridal party.  Generally, the bridal party can help with certain wedding preparations. In fact, bridal party's often help the bride decide on dresses and other details such as flower selection.

Each couple will handle every wedding preparation differently. In part,those decisions are based on the importance each couple sees in each detail. For some couples, flowers and location are the most vital wedding preparation. For other couples, the major focus is on writing the vows. 

Each couple will pay differing amounts of attention to each detail based on how important it is to them. The decision that is often left for last, is the location of the honeymoon. At that time, all of the planning and the ceremony, have culminated into the couples new marriage.