So, you’ve popped the question—or said yes to it—and now you’re ready to make it official. Before you tie the knot, there’s a little paperwork you’ll need to sort out. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll show you how to get a marriage license in Idaho in a few easy steps.

Check Eligibility for Marriage in Idaho

Before you start dreaming about your big day, let’s make sure you tick all the boxes for eligibility. After all, you wouldn’t want to plan a grand reception only to find out there’s a hiccup with the paperwork, right?

Age: In Idaho, you must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. If you’re 16 or 17, you can still get hitched, but you’ll need a parent or guardian’s approval. And if you’re under 16? You’re going to need a court order—so maybe think about finishing high school first.

Consent: Both parties must say “I do” to the marriage—forced marriages are a big no-no in Idaho, and everywhere else for that matter.

Bigamy: You can only be married to one person at a time. If you’re already married, you’ll need to get a divorce before you can apply for a new marriage license.

Family ties: Idaho law says no to marriages between close relatives. You can’t marry your sibling, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle.

Sound Mind: You must be of “sound mind” when you apply for a marriage license. This means you understand what marriage is and the duties that come with it.

Got all that? Great! Now that you’ve checked your eligibility, you’re one step closer to learning how to get a marriage license in Idaho. Remember, love is the easy part—it’s the paperwork that’s tricky!

Gather Required Documentation

Now, don’t let the phrase “required documentation” scare you off. It’s not as daunting as it sounds—I promise. As you’re figuring out how to get a marriage license in Idaho, you’ll need to gather a few important documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

ID: You’ll need to prove who you are. This means bringing along a government-issued ID like a driver’s license, passport, or even a military ID. If you’re under 18, you’ll also need a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Social Security Number: You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don’t have one because you’re not a U.S. citizen, don’t panic. Just bring your passport or alien registration card instead.

Proof of Divorce or Widowhood: If either you or your partner has been married before, you’ll need to prove that you’re free to marry again. This means providing a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.

Name Change Documentation: If you’ve legally changed your name, bring proof of that too.

Parental Consent: For those lovebirds under 18 but at least 16, bring your parent or guardian along—they’ll need to give their consent in person.

Now that you have your documents ready, you’re all set for the next step. Let’s keep moving—it’s not much farther now to that license and the “I do’s”.

Complete the Marriage License Application

Alright, you’ve collected your documents and you’re ready to tackle the next step: completing the marriage license application. This is where the rubber meets the road in the journey of how to get a marriage license in Idaho.

Where to Apply: You’ll need to head to your local County Clerk’s office. Don’t worry, they see couples like you all the time. They’re ready and waiting to guide you through the process.

The Application: Fill out the application carefully and truthfully. It’s okay to ask for help if you’re not sure about something. After all, this isn’t a test—it’s just an important formality on your way to marital bliss.

Remember, honesty is key here. You’ll be asked to provide information on everything from your birthplace to your parents’ names, so it’s essential to be accurate.

Do it Together: You and your partner must apply together in person. It’s a team effort, much like the rest of marriage will be.

After you’ve filled out the application, the clerk will review it. Assuming everything is in order, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Can you hear the wedding bells yet? They’re getting closer!

Pay the Marriage License Fee

Now that you’ve filled out your application, it’s time to pay the marriage license fee. Think of it as the ticket price for the ride to matrimony. The cost for a marriage license in Idaho is approximately $30. However, keep in mind that fees can vary slightly from county to county so it’s always a good idea to check with your local County Clerk’s office.

Payment Methods: Most County Clerk offices accept cash, checks, and credit cards. So, whether you’re a fan of traditional methods or prefer the swipe-and-go convenience of plastic, you’re covered.

Once you’ve paid the fee, you’re one step closer to saying “I do.” Your application will be processed, and soon enough, you’ll be ready to collect your marriage license. But remember, your license isn’t a magic wand—it doesn’t automatically make you married. It just gives you the legal green light to tie the knot. So, what’s next in the journey of how to get a marriage license in Idaho? Let’s find out.

Collect the Marriage License

The final step in the process of how to get a marriage license in Idaho is to actually pick up your license. After you’ve paid the fee, your application has been submitted, and you’ve probably been on pins and needles waiting, but here comes the exciting part.

Upon approval, your marriage license will be ready to collect from the County Clerk’s office where you applied. It’s like the golden ticket, but instead of a chocolate factory, you’re on your way to matrimonial bliss.

Remember: In Idaho, there’s no waiting period. This means you can get married immediately after you receive your marriage license. So, if you’re really in a hurry, you could theoretically apply for, receive, and use your marriage license on the same day. But, it’s always wise to plan ahead—no one wants a last minute dash on their wedding day, right?

And there you have it—the final step in your journey on how to get a marriage license in Idaho. With license in hand, you’re ready to walk down the aisle and start the next chapter of your life. Congratulations! Your adventure awaits.