Applying For A License

Can we really complete the entire marriage application process online?

Yes. There is no need for anyone to put ink to paper or step foot in the office. Our system uses third party identification verification software to check your names, dates of birth, and identities. You can complete the entire process online, sign digitally, and pay with a debit/credit card.

How soon before our ceremony should we apply for the marriage license?

Utah marriage licenses have no waiting period, but you must have your ceremony within 32 days of the date it was issued. We usually recommend getting your license 10-14 days prior to the ceremony. This gives you enough time to resolve any problems you may have with your application, but also gives you some time to still use your license if you need to postpone your wedding. If a license isn’t used within 32 days, it expires, and you will need to apply and pay for a new one.

What documents do we need to apply for a marriage license?

Each applicant needs to upload a government issued photo ID that clearly shows their name and date of birth. Our online system can automatically verify most driver's licenses and passports. If our system doesn't recognize your ID you can come into the office or submit a Troubleshooting Request online.

If a divorce has been granted in the last 60 days, that applicant would need to provide their divorce decree. You can bring it with you when you apply for the license or email it to marriage@utahcounty.gov.

If either applicant is under the age of 18, additional processes and documents are required. Contact the Utah County Marriage License Office at marriage@utahcounty.gov or 801-851-8109.

Do we get a license from the county where we live or the county where we are getting married?

Although marriage licenses are issued by county offices, a marriage license from any county in the State of Utah can be used in any county in the State of Utah. If your marriage is taking place in Utah, it doesn’t matter what county you get your license from.

How much does a marriage license cost? Can we get the marriage education discount?

The base fee for a Utah County marriage license is $50 (this includes $10 that goes to the children’s defense fund). Couples who apply for their license online are also charged an additional $20 that goes to the State Marriage Commission. That fee can be waived if you have participated in pre-marital education and/or counselling. The $20 marriage commission fee is not charged to couples who come into the office.

If we are coming into the office do we need to set an appointment?

No. If you are only coming to the office to apply for and pay for a marriage license no appointment is needed.

Non-Utah Residents and Remote Appearance Ceremonies

We are not residents of Utah; can we still apply for a marriage license online?

Utah has no residency or citizenship requirements for marriage licenses. Anyone from anywhere can apply. However, according to law, marriage licenses issued by a county in the state of Utah must be used in the state of Utah. Applicants from out-of-state can use their license for a destination wedding in Utah by traveling to the state.

What is a remote appearance wedding ceremony?

To use a Utah County marriage license for a remote appearance ceremony, the officiant must be physically present in the boundaries of the state of Utah. Their location is designated as the “host location” to which all other participants are gathered. The host location establishes the jurisdiction to legally use the Utah County marriage license within the state.

In a remote appearance ceremony, the participants join the host location through video-conferencing software. The couple getting married, at least two witnesses, and the officiant can all see and be seen, hear and be heard from each other in real time.

What is the legal status of remote appearance video-conference weddings? How will it affect our immigration?

The Utah County Marriage License Office cannot and does not provide legal advice in the areas of immigration or international marriage law.

While remote appearance ceremonies that are hosted by an individual in the state of Utah are legal according to Utah law, their acceptance by foreign governments or immigration officials is beyond our control.

Contact the officials in your jurisdiction or an immigration or family law attorney to determine the legal status of your remote appearance wedding and any additional steps or documents you may need for recognition.

Who can officiate a remote appearance or videoconference wedding?

You may use any qualified officiant if the ceremony is hosted in the state of Utah. That means that the officiant is physically present in the state of Utah during the ceremony. See our list of officiants. you can also schedule a ceremony directly with the Utah County Marriage License Office.

Are the companies offering online wedding packages legitimate?

We are aware of wedding planning companies and officiants whose clients use our system to get their marriage licenses. The quality, quantity, and price of the services they provide varies greatly. Utah County neither endorses or partners with other companies, we encourage you to research the companies so you can make an educated consumer choice based on their services, prices, and reviews.

Using A Digital License

Do we need to have a wedding ceremony? Who can officiate at our wedding?

Utah law requires that marriages be solemnized in a ceremony, but the nature of the ceremonies varies widely. Information about who can officiate a wedding and a list of Utah County Designee officiants can be found here. A friend or family member can also apply to become a County Designee Officiant. You can also schedule a ceremony (in-office or remote appearance) with the Utah County Marriage License Office.

What do we give the officiant to sign on our wedding day? Where do the witnesses sign?

The Utah County marriage license system is completely digital. No one needs to come into the office; no one needs to put ink to paper. The license exists as a distinct URL and QR code you will receive by email once your application is complete. Forward that email (or at least the link) to your officiant. Clicking on that URL takes your officiant to a portal where they will submit the information electronically including a digital signature. As a part of finalizing the marriage license, the officiant will type in the names of the witnesses. According to Utah law, the names of two witnesses need to appear on the certificate, but they do not need to sign.

How and when will we get our marriage certificate?

Because the "license" portion of your license is digital, you will only a receive an email with a link after applying for your license. Once that license is finalized by your officiant following the ceremony you will get a digital certified copy of your license within minutes. Our office will process and mail a paper certified copy within the next few business days.

How can we get additional copies of our marriage certificate?

If you need more than one certified copy of your marriage license you can order them for $10 each. If you can come into the office, we will print it while your wait. You can also order copies online and have them mailed to you.

I'm an officiant. How do I use the online license portal?

Utah County marriage licenses are completely digital. Rather than having a piece of paper to write in information and sign, you will submit those details electronically and digitally sign. The couple should provide you with a URL and/or QR code that will take you to the officiant submission portal. Type in the information including the names of two witnesses, click submit, and your job as the officiant is done.

Obtaining Paper Certificates and other Documents

What is the difference between a license, a certificate, and a certified copy?

A marriage license is the document that demonstrates there is no legal barrier to your marriage and creates the record that will later be finalized by your officiant following your wedding ceremony. This finalized document is your wedding certificate which is proof of your married status. The original stays in the files of the County Clerk, but you can get “certified copies” of your certificate. One copy is included with your marriage license fee and additional copies can be ordered from our website or in person.

How do I change my name?

If you choose to change your name after your marriage, the important things are to get new identification in your new name. Typically, that is a new social security card and a new driver’s license.

Detailed Instructions For Name Change

How can I get more copies of my marriage license?

If you lose your copy or otherwise need extra copies of your marriage license, you can order extra copies in person at our office or through our website.

What is an apostille and why might I need it?

An apostille (AH-po-stil) is an authentication that allows a legal document created in one country to be recognized in another country. If you want your marriage to be registered and/or recognized in a country outside of the United States, you will probably need this.

How do I order apostilles of my marriage certificate?

Some companies offer apostilles as a part of their larger package. You can also order additional certified copies or apostilles following your ceremony directly through the County. You can choose US Postal shipping within the United States or FedEx shipping anywhere.

How is my apostille order processed?

If you order an apostille through the county, it may take 15-30 business days before you will receive it. We will first verify the details of your certificate and order through email before anything is shipped. Once we get confirmation that everything is correct, we will create a FedEx shipping label (if requested and paid for) or USPS addressed envelope and send that along with your documents to the Lieutenant Governor's authentications office. After that office completes the apostille, they will ship it to you.