Marriage Laws – Arizona

As we continue our series on marriage laws, we are heading south to the desert states of Arizona. Arizona is one of three states that have covenant marriage on the books. The statue was added in 1998 and we’ll explore more about that in today’s look at Arizona marriage laws. Arizona Applicants do not need to be a resident of the state to marry there. You should be sure to check with the county where you plan to get married as each county may have specific requirements. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID along with your social security … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Idaho & Utah

Our series on marriage laws continues with stops in Idaho and Utah. I’ve had friends in Idaho for years, but I’ve never been to the state. So let’s take a look at the marriage laws governing these states. Idaho There are two interesting things about Idaho marriage licenses. The first is that they do not expire. The second is that Idaho requires the couple to read and sign a premarital educational pamphlet on AIDS. As for the rest of the laws governing marriage licenses, Idaho has pretty standard fair. You need to provide a birth certificate, a driver’s license and … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Wyoming & Montana

After a bit of a break, we’re taking a look at the last few states’ marriage laws on our list – I think we have ten left. Today we’re going up to the northwest to look at the beautiful states of Wyoming and Montana. Did you know that in Montana, if you are under 18, you are required to attend marriage counseling prior to receiving a marriage license? It’s one of the first states that I have encountered this requirement in. Wyoming Wyoming is a fantastic place to host a destination wedding, but whether you travel there or you live … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Delaware & The Age of Consent

As you know I’ve been writing a series on Marriage Laws in the 50 United States and I’ve discovered that the laws are changing all the time, even on pieces that I wrote just a couple of weeks ago. So what’s happening in Delaware? Because the state’s laws allowing under-age pregnant brides to marry without consent conflicts with laws governing statutory rape – a new law now requires all minors under the age of 18 to petition Family Court for permission to marry. Until recently, pregnancy offered minors an exclusion and reason to marry under the state’s laws, but no … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – New Mexico & Colorado

Continuing our exploration of state marriage laws takes us to New Mexico and Colorado. The beauty in these two states makes them ideal for destination weddings (though truth be told, every state we’ve looked at so far seems to have a great reason to call themselves a destination wedding spot. So let’s take a look at New Mexico and Colorado. New Mexico When you think of New Mexico, do you think of a beautiful desert state? You wouldn’t be alone in that. It’s also a beautiful mountain state and a state with some fantastic ski resorts and much more. When … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Oklahoma & Texas

We’ve been exploring the marriage laws of the 50 states in the United States. We started in New England and worked our way down the Atlantic coast before heading west. Today, we’re heading into the great state of Texas and just to the north of Texas, the state of Oklahoma. If you read this blog regularly, you may have seen the posts covering the marriage law waiting for Governor Perry to sign that will more than double marriage license fees in Texas unless a couple takes a state-sanctioned pre-marital education course. Texas As with all states, it’s important that you … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Nebraska & Kansas

We’re continuing with our marriage laws series. With only a few stops left on our travels across the states, we’re firmly across the Mississippi River with stops in Nebraska and Kansas. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the marriage laws that govern Nebraska and Kansas. Nebraska You do not need to be a resident of the state to marry in it. You do need to provide the date of dissolution for any previous marriage. Also, you may need to wait six months following a divorce before getting remarried. When you go to apply for a marriage license, … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – Wisconsin & Minnesota

We’re backtracking a little to swing through Wisconsin and Minnesota on our 50 state tour of state marriage laws and we’re going to take a moment here in Wisconsin because there are some interesting tidbits that you need to be aware of when applying for a marriage license in the state. Wisconsin First and foremost, each county in Wisconsin may have different requirements, so be sure that you contact your local County Clerk for what specific requirements your county may have prior to going down to apply for your marriage license. Your marriage license fee is about $80 and you … Continue reading →

Marriage Laws – North & South Dakota

We’ve passed the halfway mark on our tour of marriage laws throughout the 50 United States. We have about 15 more states to go, give or take. Today’s installment takes a look at state marriage laws in North and South Dakota. North Dakota North Dakota does not have a residency requirement. Out of state applicants should file for their marriage license in the county where they plan to get married. You’ll need to bring valid photo ID as well as your social security cards. You will also need to bring a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate if … Continue reading →