The legal steps for getting married in the United States, in order. Marriage law is set by each state, and the licence comes from your county clerk.
General guidance, not legal advice. Marriage law is set by each state (and licenses are issued by the county), so waiting periods, fees and deadlines vary. Confirm specifics with your county clerk's office.
About 17 weeks before the wedding
Rules vary by state: where the license can be used, any waiting period, how long it's valid (commonly 30–90 days), the fee, and what ID you need. Look up the county clerk's office where you'll apply — often where you'll marry.
About 9 weeks before the wedding
Typically both of you need government photo ID, and some states also ask for a birth certificate or Social Security number. If either of you was previously married, you may need the date and court details of the divorce, or a death certificate. Check whether the clerk takes cards or cash only.
About 9 weeks before the wedding
Clergy, judges and certain officials can marry you in every state, but whether a friend or family member can officiate (for example through online ordination or a one-day designation) varies. Confirm with the county clerk, and ask whether your state requires witnesses.
About 4 weeks before the wedding
In most states you both apply in person at the county clerk's office. Because licenses expire and some states have a short waiting period, applying about 2–4 weeks before the wedding is usually safest — not months ahead, and not the week of.
On the day
Your officiant, you both and any witnesses your state requires sign the license at or just after the ceremony. Make sure someone is responsible for keeping it safe until it's returned.
Within about 7 days after the wedding
The signed license must go back to the county clerk within the time your state allows — often a matter of days to a couple of weeks. Usually the officiant returns it, but in some states it's the couple. Confirm it's been filed.
Within about 3 weeks after the wedding
Once it's recorded, order several certified copies from the county or state vital records office. You'll need them for name changes, insurance, benefits and any visa or immigration paperwork.
Within about 4 weeks after the wedding
The usual order is Social Security first, then your driver's license or state ID, then your passport, banks and everything else. Each needs a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Who can legally officiate varies by state — some allow a friend to be ordained online or deputized for a day, others don't. Check with your county clerk.