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 your social security number. You’ll need to give the dates and details on how any previous marriages ended.
Idaho does not allow for:
- Proxy marriage
- Cousin marriage
- Common law marriage (unless you entered into before 1996)
- Same sex marriage
In Idaho, a marriage license for a weekend marriage will cost you $45, but only $28 for weekdays. You must bring cash only, so be prepared for that. If you are under 18, you need to provide valid proof of age as well as be accompanied by your parents or legal guardians who can sign an Affidavit of Consent to Marriage of a Minor. If you are under 16, you’ll need a court order to get married.
To get a copy of your Idaho marriage certificate:
Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
450 W. State St., 1st Floor
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
208-334-5988
Fax: 208-389-9096
Utah
Each count y in Utah may have it’s own requirements, so be sure to check with the county where you plan to apply. You need to be prepared to provide your social security numbers, valid picture ID as well as your parents’ names (including maiden name) and their birthplaces. You will also need to supply the date of divorce or death of any previous spouse.
There is no waiting period in the state of Utah. Marriage license fees vary from county to county, but average about $45. Also, many counties accept cash only, so be prepared for that. Utah does not allow for:
- Covenant marriage
- Same Sex marriage (banned by constitutional amendment in 2004)
Common law marriages are allowed as are cousin marriages. There are some limitations to cousin marriage. For example, if you are 65 or older, cousin marriage can occur without consent. If you are 55 or older, you need to submit proof that you cannot reproduce before you can receive approval for your marriage. The state does not allow proxy marriages per se, but some counties only require one of you appear to apply, although your partner will need to fill out the application and sign it in front of a notary.
Applicants under 18 will need parental consent. Applicants under 16 will need judicial consent. Applicants under 14 cannot marry in the state. Your Utah marriage license is valid for 30 days after you apply. To obtain a copy of your Utah marriage certificate:
Bureau of Vital Records
Utah Department of Health
288 North 1460 West
P.O. Box 141012
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012
Phone: (801) 538-6105
The above information should be taken as guidance only, legal requirements for state and county marriage licenses change often. Please verify the necessary paperwork and more with the office of the county clerk prior to making your wedding plans