Are you getting married in Oklahoma and don’t know how to get a marriage license?
Maybe you are planning your wedding and want to know when you should get your marriage license? Or are you curious and want to know more?
Whatever your question is, we are here with the answers for you!
Planning a wedding and getting married is a wonderful experience, but it can be stressful too.
There is so much that engaged couples need to consider that planning a wedding can become a daunting and overwhelming task. And that includes your marriage license!
For some couples, they are blindsided, unaware they need a license at all!
Others are left battling slow systems or searching for answers that never seem to appear. What was once a magical time, is stressful, overwhelming, and frustrating.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers you need!
Keep reading to find out how to get a marriage license in Oklahoma and everything you need to know about the process and how long it takes.
What Is A Marriage License?
Before we dive into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it. A marriage license is a document issued by either the state authority or religious organization authorizing a couple to marry.
Without a marriage license, a couple is unable to get married! It is like an application to be married that must be filled in, signed, and returned to the county before you can get married.
After the license has been submitted and you are married, a marriage certificate will be posted to you. This will confirm your marriage.
A marriage license is required in all states, including Oklahoma before a marriage can take place. You will often be asked for proof of your license by vendors or your wedding venue before the wedding too.
Make sure you have a copy or proof your license has been submitted to avoid any issues before your big day!
Now that we have established what a marriage license is, let’s move on to see how you can get one in Oklahoma.
How To Get A Marriage License In Oklahoma
Let’s dive straight into it! Getting a marriage license in Oklahoma isn’t too tricky. You simply need to apply for one at a county clerk’s office.
Unfortunately, you cannot do this online, you will need to head in and apply in person!
We recommend checking where your local county clerk’s office is and booking an appointment online. That way, you know you won’t be waiting around all day or get turned away when you turn up. You can contact the county clerk on 405-713-1540 or head online to book an appointment.
It’s worth noting that they are only open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5pm.
Once you have your appointment, you can head to the clerk’s office and fill in your marriage license. You will need to take proof of age with you if you are over 18. You can use your birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license.
For those aged 16 or 17, you need parental consent from a parent or guardian and a birth certificate. If you have previously been married, you will need proof you have been divorced for at least six months.
There is also a fee that needs to be paid, so be sure to check the fee online as this is subject to change.
At the county clerk’s office, you will need to show your identification and complete the form. You will also need two witnesses. These can be family or members of your wedding party.
Once the form is submitted and approved by the county clerk’s office you are free to get married!
Once your marriage has been recorded, a copy of your marriage certificate will be sent to you. You can request more copies at your county clerk’s office, but be mindful that these come with an added fee.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Marriage License In Oklahoma?
It shouldn’t take too long to get your marriage license in Oklahoma. The license should be completed and submitted during the appointment, and then you are free to get married!
Any delays will likely be caused by the incorrect identification or if you have not waited six months after a divorce to apply for a license.
How Long Does A Marriage License Last In Oklahoma?
A marriage license lasts 30 days in Oklahoma. After your license has been submitted, you have 30 days to get married.
After those 30 days, the license will not be valid and must be returned to the county clerk’s office. You will then need to apply for a new license and pay the fee again.
When applying for your license, make sure you time it correctly so you do not need to renew it. Save yourself the added cost!
As you can schedule your appointment with the county clerk’s office, we recommend you do it roughly two weeks before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time for the license to be submitted without any chance of it expiring.
You can always speak to the county clerk’s office directly if you have any concerns or questions about when it is best to book your appointment.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! A marriage license is easy to get in Oklahoma and can be obtained in your local county clerk’s office.
You will need to book an appointment and take the relevant ID documents with you, but once you are there, it should be a breeze!
Don’t forget to have your witnesses ready and your license will be ready in no time!
You also have thirty days from obtaining the license to get married, so ensure you time your appointment correctly to avoid needing to reapply.
Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
