How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk (county level - each of Utah's 29 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Choose your application method:
IN PERSON: Both applicants appear together at the county Clerk's office; bring valid government-issued photo ID; do NOT sign the application before arriving - sign in the presence of the clerk
ONLINE (available in many UT counties, including Utah County and others): Visit your chosen county Clerk's website for their online application system; complete application online; upload photo ID; pay with credit/debit card; receive license electronically; can conduct ceremony remotely/virtually if desired; check your specific county's system for current availability
ABSENTEE APPLICANT: Utah allows one applicant to be absent in certain circumstances; the other applicant may complete the process; contact county Clerk for requirements
Present valid government-issued photo ID showing name and date of birth for both applicants
Provide required information: Social Security numbers, parents' full names, places of birth
Pay the fee; license issued immediately - NO waiting period
License valid for 32 DAYS from date of issue; ceremony must take place within 32 days; if not used within 32 days, it expires and you must reapply and pay again
MARRIAGE EDUCATION DISCOUNT: Many Utah counties offer a $20 discount on the license fee if applicants complete a marriage education/preparation course; verify with your specific county
Two witnesses are required at the ceremony and must sign the marriage certificate
The officiant completes and returns the marriage license to the issuing county Clerk within 30 days of the marriage; license comes with two certified copies of the marriage certificate (included in most counties)

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID clearly showing name and date of birth (driver's license, passport, military ID, or equivalent) for both applicants
Social Security numbers for both applicants (or visa numbers for non-citizens)
Parents' full names and birthplaces for both applicants
If previously married: know the date and place the prior marriage ended (divorce or death); some clerks may request more documentation
Minimum age: 18; ages 16-17 require parental consent (parent must be present at county Clerk); age 15 may require juvenile court approval in addition; under 16: age 15 requires both parental consent and juvenile court approval; first cousins age 65+ may marry

Fee

Varies by county - typically $40-$75 (some counties around $30; some over $75); Marriage Education Discount reduces fee by approximately $20 in many counties; licensed comes with 2 certified copies of marriage certificate in most counties; additional copies: $5-$10 each; online convenience fee may apply; payment methods vary by county (cash, card, check)

Waiting Period

NONE - license effective immediately LICENSE VALIDITY: 32 DAYS from date of issue WITNESSES: 2 required at ceremony OFFICIANT RETURN DEADLINE: 30 days after ceremony; officiant or one party must return to issuing county Clerk ONLINE APPLICATION: Available in many UT counties; check your county Clerk's website; Utah is national leader in online/remote marriage licensing FIRST COUSINS: May marry in Utah if BOTH are 65 years of age or older WHERE TO GO: County Clerk in any Utah county; many counties also offer online application

Where to Go

County Clerk in any Utah county; many counties also offer online application

County-specific variations apply

Utah County (Provo/Orem - utahcounty.gov/clerk) has a well-developed online marriage license system and allows virtual ceremonies; fee approximately $71.75 (2025). Salt Lake County (slco.org/county-clerk) has multiple locations. Weber County (Ogden), Davis County (Farmington), Cache County (Logan), Washington County (St. George), Summit County (Park City), and other counties each have their own systems. Rural Utah counties may have more limited hours and online capabilities.

Utah Notes

Important state-specific details

NO waiting period - can marry same day as license issuance.
32-day validity - plan accordingly.
ONLINE/REMOTE MARRIAGE LICENSING: Utah's nationally pioneering online system; some counties allow full remote applications and virtual ceremonies; check specific county website.
Marriage license typically comes with 2 certified marriage certificate copies (included in fee).
Common law marriage: Utah does NOT recognize traditional common law marriage established prospectively; however, Utah does have a "limited recognition" provision for some previously cohabiting relationships through court proceedings (not the same as common law marriage).

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office, Elections Division - vote.utah.gov; County Clerk (varies by county); Utah Office of Vital Records - vitalrecords.utah.gov | (801) 538-6105 (for marriage certificate copies after recording)