How to get married at the courthouse in Oklahoma is a question many couples ask when looking for an affordable, straightforward, and legally recognized way to tie the knot. Oklahoma offers a relatively simple process for courthouse marriages across its counties—from larger cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa to smaller towns like Norman and Lawton. Courthouse weddings provide an excellent option for couples seeking to avoid the complexity, cost, and time involved in traditional ceremonies. Whether you are a resident or visiting the state, you can obtain your marriage license and have a civil ceremony performed by a judge or authorized officiant in the county courthouse. This detailed guide will cover everything about getting married at the court in Oklahoma, including the legal requirements, step-by-step instructions, and key considerations to help you prepare for your courthouse wedding.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Oklahoma
Before planning your courthouse wedding in Oklahoma, you must meet several legal requirements:
1. Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions. Minors aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and a court order from a district judge. Individuals under 16 are generally not permitted to marry in Oklahoma. The state takes the marriage age seriously to protect minors.
2. Residency: There is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license or marrying in Oklahoma. Couples from out of state or even international visitors can marry in any county courthouse.
3. Marriage License Application: You must apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. Both parties are required to apply together in person to complete the application.
4. Identification Documents: Both applicants must provide valid, government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Proof of age and identity is mandatory.
5. Marriage License Fee: The fee to obtain a marriage license varies slightly by county but generally falls between \$35 and \$50. This fee is payable at the time of application, and accepted payment methods depend on the clerk’s office, often including cash, check, or credit/debit cards.
6. No Blood Tests or Medical Exams Required: Oklahoma does not require blood tests, medical exams, or health certificates before issuing a marriage license.
7. Waiting Period: Oklahoma has a waiting period of three days after the issuance of the marriage license before you can legally marry. This waiting period may be waived by a district judge if the couple requests it and provides a valid reason.
8. License Validity Period: The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You must hold your ceremony within this period, or the license expires.
9. Previous Marriages: If either party was previously married, you must disclose the date the previous marriage ended by divorce, annulment, or death. Documentation may be required if the court requests it.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Oklahoma
1. Apply for a Marriage License at the County Clerk’s Office
To start getting married at the courthouse in Oklahoma, both you and your partner must visit the County Clerk’s office in the county where you intend to marry. For example, if you want to marry in Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City), you must apply there. Bring valid government-issued photo IDs like driver’s licenses or passports to prove your age and identity. Complete the marriage license application, providing personal details such as full names, birth dates, and places of birth. You will pay the license fee, usually between \$35 and \$50. After your application is processed, the County Clerk will issue your marriage license, which you must use within 30 days.
2. Understand the Three-Day Waiting Period and Waiver Process
Oklahoma law requires a three-day waiting period between when the license is issued and when you can hold your marriage ceremony. This waiting period serves as a reflection time and helps prevent impulsive marriages. However, couples can petition a district judge for a waiver if they have urgent reasons such as deployment, illness, or other hardships. You must apply for the waiver in writing and explain your reasons. The judge will decide whether to grant or deny the waiver. If approved, you may marry immediately after receiving your license.
3. Schedule or Arrange Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
After the waiting period (or if you have a waiver), you can plan your courthouse wedding ceremony. Most Oklahoma county courthouses have judges, magistrates, or other authorized officials who can perform civil ceremonies. Some counties offer walk-in ceremonies, while others require you to schedule an appointment. For instance, Tulsa County may require appointments due to high demand, especially during weekends and holidays. Call the County Clerk’s office or check their website for ceremony scheduling details, fees, and what to bring on the day of the ceremony.
4. Attend Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
On your wedding day, arrive at the courthouse with your valid marriage license and valid photo IDs. Oklahoma requires at least two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present at the ceremony, so make sure to bring friends or family members who can fulfill this role. The officiant will conduct the ceremony, guide you through the vows, and legally marry you. Courthouse ceremonies typically last around 15 to 30 minutes and are usually intimate and simple.
5. Return the Signed Marriage License for Official Recording
After the ceremony, the officiant and witnesses sign the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the County Clerk’s office for official filing. This step is critical, as your marriage is not legally valid until the license is recorded. If the officiant does not return the license promptly, one of the newlyweds can also submit it.
6. Request Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk’s office. Certified copies serve as your official proof of marriage and are needed for legal name changes, insurance, tax purposes, and other important matters. Fees for certified copies typically range from \$10 to \$15 per copy. You can request copies in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on the county.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Oklahoma
1. The Mandatory Three-Day Waiting Period Requires Planning
Oklahoma’s three-day waiting period means you cannot have an immediate courthouse wedding after obtaining your license. This requires couples to plan ahead to avoid disappointment or scheduling conflicts. If you need to marry urgently, you will have to apply for a waiver, which is not guaranteed. Be sure to account for weekends and holidays when calculating this waiting period.
2. County Variations in Scheduling and Fees
Each county in Oklahoma manages marriage licenses and ceremonies individually, which leads to differences in fees, office hours, and ceremony availability. Larger counties like Oklahoma County and Tulsa County typically have longer hours and more available ceremony dates, but also higher demand. Smaller counties may offer more flexible or informal ceremony arrangements. Always contact the county clerk’s office where you plan to marry for the most up-to-date information.
3. Witness Requirements Must Be Met to Avoid Delays
Oklahoma requires two witnesses over the age of 18 at your ceremony to observe and sign the marriage license. Forgetting or not having eligible witnesses can cause your ceremony to be delayed or rescheduled. Plan in advance to bring reliable witnesses who can be present on the wedding day.
4. Courthouse Weddings Are Budget-Friendly
Courthouse weddings in Oklahoma are very affordable, with only the marriage license fee and potentially a small fee for the officiant’s time. This makes courthouse weddings ideal for couples seeking to avoid the high costs of traditional weddings, including venue, catering, and entertainment expenses.
5. No Medical Tests or Blood Work Simplifies the Process
Unlike some other states, Oklahoma does not require blood tests or medical examinations before issuing a marriage license. This eliminates extra steps and allows couples to proceed quickly once their license is obtained.
6. Personalizing Your Courthouse Wedding Is Possible
Though courthouse weddings tend to be simple and brief, you can still make your day special by exchanging personal vows, dressing formally, or planning a celebration afterward. Many couples combine their courthouse ceremony with photos in scenic Oklahoma spots like Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City or Gathering Place Park in Tulsa.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get married at the courthouse in Oklahoma ensures you can navigate the process with ease, saving time and money while ensuring your marriage is legally binding. With straightforward requirements, a reasonable waiting period, and accessible courthouse ceremonies across the state—from Oklahoma City to Tulsa and beyond—getting married at the courthouse in Oklahoma is a practical and respectful way to begin your marriage journey. By carefully preparing and understanding county-specific rules, waiting periods, and witness requirements, your courthouse wedding can be an intimate, meaningful, and hassle-free experience that marks the start of your life together.
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