How Much Is a Fee For a Marriage License?
The fee for a marriage license varies by U.S. state. The price typically falls between $10 and $100 per marriage license. Some states charge a flat fee, regardless of the application location, whereas other states leave the pricing choice up to the individual states or counties. Some states even offer incentives for completing marital counseling.
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States With Flat Marriage License Fees
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Some U.S. states charge flat fees for marriage licenses, no matter where in the state you apply. For example, the state of Kentucky charges $34.50 for a marriage license, regardless of where in the state the application is filed. The state of New Jersey has a $28 fee for a marriage license.
States With Varying Marriage License Fees
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Depending on where you apply for your marriage license of the state of New York, the cost may vary. For example, the cost in New York City is $35. In Poughkeepsie, the cost is $40. Massachusetts, Georgia and Nevada also have varying costs for marriage licenses, depending on where the application for a marriage license is fulfilled.
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States With Incentives for Completing Marital Counseling
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The state of Florida charges $88.50 for a marriage license. However, couples may complete a marriage preparation class for a discount of $32.50 off of the application price. Cobb County, Georgia offers a similar incentive plan. The county charges $56.00 for a marriage license, unless the couple completes a qualified premarital education program. After the program's completion, the cost is only $16 for a marriage license.
Additional Fees
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The price of the license itself may not be the only cost incurred when obtaining a marriage license. For example, states may charge for additional copies of the license. Also, some states require blood tests, which may come at a cost to the recipient. In Indiana, women younger than 50 must have proof of receipt of a Rubella German Measles inoculation, and receiving the vaccination may come at a cost.
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References
- NYC.Gov: Marriage License
- Wedding Cram: Marriage License Requirements by State
- Cost Helper: How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?
- Marriage License: Marriage License Information for the United States
- City of Boston: Marriage Intention Instructions
- Marriage License Laws: Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements
- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
