How to Get and Fill Out Your Marriage License in Oklahoma: A Complete Guide for Your Wedding Day
As an Oklahoma City wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed countless couples say “I do” on their special day. But before you can step into your wedding dress or suit and begin your journey down the aisle, there’s an important task you need to complete: obtaining and properly handling your marriage license. This legal document is essential for ensuring that your wedding is official and recognized by the state of Oklahoma.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process, from applying for your marriage license to the steps required on your wedding day. Whether you're getting married in a grand venue or a small intimate gathering, knowing the ins and outs of your marriage license will make your wedding day that much smoother.
How to Get Your Marriage License in Oklahoma City
Before you start planning your Oklahoma City wedding photos or booking your dream wedding venue, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. Here’s what you need to know to ensure the process goes smoothly:
Both Parties Must Appear In Person: Both you and your partner need to visit the Oklahoma County Clerk’s Office to apply for your marriage license. This is typically housed in the main courthouse of Oklahoma City, but double-check with your county clerk's office for specific locations. You’ll need to provide:
Full legal names
Dates of birth
Places of birth
Social Security numbers (if applicable)
No Waiting Period: The great news for couples planning their Oklahoma City wedding is that there is no waiting period to get married once you have your marriage license (except if you’re under 18). You can marry immediately after the license is issued, which means your dream wedding day can come sooner than you think!
Validity Period: Your Oklahoma marriage license is valid for 10 days from the date it is issued. Be sure to schedule your wedding within that time frame.
Witnesses: Oklahoma law requires that two witnesses sign your marriage license after the ceremony. They must be at least 18 years old, and they cannot be your officiant. Make sure to have two reliable friends or family members present to sign as witnesses.
Fees: The cost for an Oklahoma marriage license is $50. However, if you and your partner complete at least four hours of pre-marital counseling, the fee is reduced to just $5. This is a great way to strengthen your relationship and save money!
The Officiant’s Role on Your Wedding Day
Once your marriage license is ready, the next step is the wedding ceremony. As an Oklahoma City wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for the officiant to follow the proper steps to ensure the ceremony is legally valid. The officiant is responsible for:
Performing the Ceremony: The officiant must be legally authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony in Oklahoma, which means they must be a judge, retired judge, or an ordained minister.
Signing the Marriage License: After the ceremony, your officiant must sign and date your marriage license. They will also fill in the location of the ceremony.
Returning the Marriage License After the Wedding
After the ceremony is complete, the signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office where it was originally issued. Your officiant is responsible for returning it, so make sure they do this promptly after the ceremony. This final step is critical for ensuring that your marriage is legally recorded in the state of Oklahoma.
Additional Tips for Oklahoma City Brides and Grooms
Dress for the Clerk’s Office: When you visit the county clerk’s office, avoid wearing jeans, shorts, or T-shirts. Dress respectfully to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Plan Ahead: Be sure to get your marriage license well in advance of your wedding day, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or have a tight timeline.
Know the Restrictions: If either you or your partner has been divorced, you’ll need to wait at least six months after your divorce is finalized before applying for a marriage license.
Conclusion
As you plan your Oklahoma City wedding, don’t forget about the legal details of obtaining and handling your marriage license. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, following these steps ensures that your marriage is legally recognized. After all, once you say “I do,” you want to make sure everything is official!
As your Oklahoma City wedding photographer, I’m here to capture every moment of your special day. By understanding how to handle your marriage license correctly, you’ll have more time to focus on the things that matter—like creating memories that last a lifetime.
