Kentucky Marriages

To get married in Kentucky, would-be spouses must:

· Obtain a marriage license.

· Have a proper marriage ceremony.

· Have their marriage certificate forwarded to the proper state agencies.

· Be 18 years of age to be married in Kentucky without parental consent.

· Apply for the license together.

· Present an acceptable form of ID.

· Pay a fee of $35.50 at the time of application.

· Be legally divorced from any previous living spouse.

How to Get a Kentucky Marriage License:

To obtain a marriage license in Kentucky, both parties must visit a county clerk's office and present appropriate documentation. Each county may have different document requirements, such as policies on whether passports are acceptable forms of ID or whether proof of a previous divorce is required, so check your county's requirements before visiting the clerk's office. Marriage license fees also vary and can cost as much as $50 depending on the county.

It's also important to note that if the marrying couple includes a female under age 18, the couple must visit the clerk's office in her county of residence to apply for a marriage license.

Applying For a Marriage License in Kentucky:

Mandatory Waiting Period: None

License Valid For: 30 Days

License Must Be Submitted: By Expiration

Marriage licenses issued by a Kentucky county clerk are valid in any county across the state and expire 30 days after issuance. That means couples may apply for their marriage license in a county other than where they plan to hold the ceremony. However, following the wedding, the license must be returned to the county clerk's office where it was issued. Each marriage license must provide the same information, no matter where it was issued.

In Kentucky, justices and judges who are either retired or still serving may officiate a wedding, if they haven't been removed or found guilty of a felony. Additionally, ministers and priests of any denomination may perform a religious wedding ceremony, as may religious societies without officiating ministers or priests, if they perform the ceremony before their congregations.

County clerks may require religious leaders to present credentials, such as a Letter of Good Standing, to demonstrate their status and affiliation with their religious organization. This requirement can be issued either before or after the ceremony, so officiants should be prepared to provide this documentation promptly to avoid delay.

Getting Married in Kentucky:

Marriage By Proxy Allowed: No

Minister Required to be Present: Yes

*Kentucky law requires a marriage ceremony to be led by an authorized officiant in the physical presence of both parties and two additional adult witnesses. During the ceremony, each party is required to declare their intent to accept the other as a spouse. Following that declaration, the officiant must declare the couple officially married for the wedding to be legal.*

Below, find a link for further information pertaining to Kentucky Marriage Law.