To get married in Indiana, you need a marriage license. You and your betrothed will have to go to the local county clerk's office with your identification showing your date of birth. However, you can start the application process online to save time at the clerk's office. The license costs $18 if either or both applicants are Indiana residents and $60 for out-of-state applicants. Some county offices charge an additional $2 document fee.
The county clerk's office also collects family information from marriage applicants that's used for genealogical research. Applicants must bring the full name (including maiden name of mother), last known address, and birthplace (state or foreign country) for both of their parents, including adopted parents if adopted.
Be sure to show up sober to apply for a marriage license, as applicants who are under the influence or alcohol or drugs will be denied. Additionally, if either party has been legally found incompetent, they will have to get that court decision removed before applying.
Details on Indiana's marriage licensing requirements are outlined below:
| Code Sections | Indiana Code, Title 31, Article 11 - Family Law: Marriage |
| Where to Get a Marriage License? | County Clerk's Office |
| Age Requirements | 18 years old. 16 or 17 years old with approval from a juvenile court judge, and spouse cannot be more than four years older than minor. |
| Residency Requirements | You may apply for a marriage license in the county either spouse lives in or where the marriage will be solemnized. |
| Identification Requirements | Your identification such as driver's license, passport, or birth certificate showing your date of birth and your Social Security number (although you won't necessarily need the physical card, check ahead with your local clerk's office on their policy). |
| Blood Test Requirements | None since 1987 |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Same Sex Marriage | Indiana's statutory ban on same-sex marriage was found unconstitutional in 2014, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of the ruling. Same-sex unions are now legal in the state. |
| Prior Marriage | For previously married applicants, you need to know how (death, divorce, annulment) and when the prior marriage(s) ended. Some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree. Indiana prohibits bigamous marriages. |
| Cousin Marriage | In Indiana, first cousins can apply for a marriage license if both are at least 65 years old. |
| How Long is the License Valid? | The marriage license is valid for 60 days and couples can be married the same day. |
| Who Can Preside Over the Ceremony? | Marriages can be performed by any member of the clergy (priest, rabbi, imam), judge, mayor or court clerk in his or her county, or whomever is required to according to the applicant's faith. The officiant must complete the original and duplicate marriage certificates that come with the license. The original is given to the married couple. Within 30 days of the marriage the duplicate certificate and license must be filed with the court clerk. |
| Where to Get a Marriage Certificate? | You can get a copy of your marriage certificate in person at the county clerk's office where you got the marriage license or by mail to the same office for a small fee of $2. This fee must generally be paid in cash or by debit card. You'll need to get a copy of the marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration or the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. |
Because marriage laws can be complicated, it may be helpful to consult an experienced Indiana family law attorney if you have questions about your future marriage.
Getting a marriage license typically presents very few, if any, concerns for the parties involved; but it's important to make sure your bases are covered before the Big Day arrives. If you have questions or concerns about your marriage license, don't take any chances; contact an experienced family law attorney in Indiana today.
