How to Get Married in USA – Complete State-by-State & City Guide

Getting married in the USA involves legal requirements, marriage licenses, and ceremonies that vary by state and sometimes even by county or city. Whether you’re planning a wedding in New York City, California, Texas, Florida, or Las Vegas, this guide explains how to get married in USA with step-by-step details for each region.

1. General Requirements for Marriage in the USA

Age: Usually 18+ (some states allow 16–17 with parental consent).
ID Proof: Passport, Driver’s License, or Government-issued ID.
Residency: You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to marry in the USA.
Witnesses: Most states require 1–2 witnesses.
Officiant: A judge, justice of peace, or authorized minister can officiate.

2. Documents Needed to Get Married

Valid Photo ID (Passport/Driver’s License)
Birth Certificate (sometimes)
Divorce Decree (if previously married)
Death Certificate (if widowed)
Social Security Number (if applicable)

3. Marriage License Process in the USA

Apply at the County Clerk’s Office.
Fill out an application with personal details.
Pay a fee (varies from $25 to $120).
Wait for approval (some states have a waiting period of 1–3 days).
Conduct the marriage ceremony within the license validity (usually 30–90 days).
Return signed license to the Clerk’s office for registration.

4. State-by-State Marriage Guide

🟢 How to Get Married in California

Apply at the County Clerk’s Office.
License Fee: Around $70–$100.
No residency requirement.
No waiting period (can marry immediately).
License valid for 90 days.

🟢 How to Get Married in New York

Apply at the City Clerk’s Office.
Fee: $35 (credit card or money order).
24-hour waiting period before marriage.
License valid for 60 days.

🟢 How to Get Married in Texas

Apply at the County Clerk.
Fee: Around $60–$80.
72-hour waiting period (military & others may be exempt).
License valid for 90 days.

🟢 How to Get Married in Florida

Apply at County Clerk’s Office.
Fee: Around $86.
3-day waiting period for residents (none for non-residents).
License valid for 60 days.

🟢 How to Get Married in Nevada (Las Vegas)

Apply at Clark County Marriage License Bureau.
Fee: $102.
No waiting period.
License valid immediately.
Known for fast and easy weddings, especially in Las Vegas.

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5. City-Specific Marriage Rules

🏙 How to Get Married in New York City

Apply online or at NYC City Clerk’s Office.
Fee: $35.
24-hour waiting period required.
Civil ceremony can be done at the Clerk’s Office or with a licensed officiant.

🏙 How to Get Married in Los Angeles

Apply at LA County Clerk’s Office.
Fee: $91 (public license) / $85 (confidential license).
No waiting period.
Ceremony can be performed at the Clerk’s Office or elsewhere.

🏙 How to Get Married in Chicago

Apply at Cook County Clerk’s Office.
Fee: $60.
Must marry within 60 days of issuance.
Both parties must appear in person.

🏙 How to Get Married in Miami

Apply at Miami-Dade County Clerk.
Fee: $86.
Florida residents: 3-day waiting period.
Non-residents: No waiting period.

🏙 How to Get Married in Las Vegas

Apply at Clark County Marriage Bureau.
Fee: $102.
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – Midnight.
No waiting period; you can marry the same day.

6. Common Questions About Getting Married in the USA

Q1: Can foreigners get married in the USA?
Yes, non-residents and tourists can legally marry in the USA.

Q2: Is a US marriage legal in other countries?
Yes, as long as it’s registered properly, but check local embassy requirements.

Q3: How fast can you get married in the USA?
Las Vegas is the fastest (same-day marriage).

Q4: Do you need witnesses?
Most states require 1–2 witnesses over 18.

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7. Final Tips Before You Get Married

Always check the local county clerk’s website for the latest rules.
Bring correct documents and ID.
Budget for fees and officiant costs.
For destination weddings, confirm if your country requires Apostille/Authentication of the marriage certificate.