Is the sound of wedding bells in the air? Whether you’re a Utah native or just a fan of the Beehive State, you might be wondering how to get married at the courthouse in Utah. Well, you’re in luck! This guide will walk you through the process, step by step.
Check Eligibility for Marriage in Utah
Before you can say “I do” at a courthouse in Utah, you need to ensure you’re eligible to get married in the state. So, let’s break it down:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Utah without parental consent. If you’re 16 or 17, you can get married, but you’ll need the consent of a parent or guardian. Under 16? Sorry—you’ll have to wait a bit longer!
2. Relationship: You and your intended spouse can’t be closely related. That means no first cousins unless both of you are over 65, or over 55 with a court finding of infertility.
3. Legal Status: You can’t already be married to someone else. Seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning!
4. Sound Mind: You must be mentally competent, meaning you understand what you’re doing when you say “I do.”
Once you’ve checked all these boxes, you’re on your way to figuring out how to get married at the courthouse in Utah. But hold your horses! There are still a few more steps to take before you can seal the deal at the courthouse. Next up: gathering your documents. Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll dive into the paperwork you need to tie the knot in Utah.
Gather Required Documents
Now that you’ve established your eligibility, it’s time to gather the necessary paperwork. You know what they say: no bureaucracy, no marriage! So, what do you need?
1. Valid Identification: Get your hands on a valid, government-issued ID. This could be a driver’s license, passport, or even a military ID. Remember, it must include your birth date and your picture. Sorry, your library card won’t cut it!
2. Proof of Social Security Number: If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide your social security number. A social security card, W-2, or pay stub should do the trick.
3. Payment: Love may not cost a thing, but a marriage license does. As of the time of writing this article, the fee is $50. Note that some courthouses only accept cash, so come prepared!
4. Divorce Decree: If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to show proof of divorce, annulment, or the death of your previous spouse.
Gathering these documents is a significant step in understanding how to get married at the courthouse in Utah. With these papers in order, you’re one step closer to saying “I do.” Up next, we’ll guide you through the process of applying for a marriage license in Utah. So, stick around for more!
Apply for a Marriage License
With paperwork in hand, it’s time to apply for that all-important marriage license. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to get married at the courthouse in Utah:
1. Visit Your Local County Clerk’s Office: Yes, you’ll have to step away from your Netflix binge and make a trip to the local county clerk’s office. If you’re unsure where this is, a quick Google search should point you in the right direction.
2. Fill Out the Application: You and your partner will need to complete a marriage license application. Don’t panic, it’s not a test! It’s mostly basic information, but remember to be honest and thorough.
3. Submit Your Documents and Pay the Fee: Here’s where your earlier preparation comes into play. Submit your gathered documents and pay your fee. Keep the receipt—you’ll need to present it on the day of your ceremony.
4. Receive Your Marriage License: If everything checks out, you’ll receive your marriage license. This license is valid immediately and lasts for 30 days, so no need to rush the ceremony.
And there you have it—you’re officially ready to get hitched! But hold your horses, or should I say rings? There’s still a bit more to sort out before the big day. Read on to find out how to schedule your courthouse wedding in Utah.
Schedule a Courthouse Wedding
Okay, you’ve got your marriage license (congratulations, by the way!). The next step in our how to get married at the courthouse in Utah guide is to schedule the wedding. Here’s how to do it:
1. Contact Your Local Courthouse: Just like setting a dentist appointment, but way more fun! Reach out to your local courthouse and inquire about their ceremony scheduling process. Remember, patience is key, as they may be dealing with a backlog of eager couples like yourself.
2. Set a Date and Time: Once you’ve made contact, it’s time to set a date and time for your wedding. Make sure to choose a time that works best for you and your partner. This is your special day, after all!
3. Confirm the Details: Double-check everything. The date, the time, the location—leave no stone unturned. The last thing you want is to show up on the wrong date or time!
4. Inform Your Witnesses: Most courthouses require at least two witnesses for the ceremony. Let your chosen witnesses know the date, time, and location of your wedding. If they’re anything like my friends, you might need to remind them a few times.
And voila! You have a wedding date. But don’t start celebrating just yet—you still need to prepare for the ceremony. Keep reading, you’re almost there!
Prepare for the Ceremony
Now that you’ve set a date, it’s time to get ready for the big day! This is where things get real, and I know it can be a bit nerve-racking. But no worries, I’m here to help you navigate through this part of your journey on how to get married at the courthouse in Utah.
1. Decide on Your Outfits: While there’s no specific dress code for a courthouse wedding, it’s still your big day, so dress in a way that makes you feel special. Whether you opt for a traditional wedding gown, a smart suit, or your favorite pair of jeans—it’s all up to you!
2. Prepare Your Vows: Some people prefer to say the traditional vows, while others prefer to write their own. Either way, make sure you know what you’re going to say when the big moment comes. It might be a good idea to practice a few times in front of a mirror—trust me, it helps!
3. Plan Your Ring Exchange: If you’re planning to exchange rings, make sure you bring them along. You’d be surprised how often people forget this crucial detail!
4. Bring Your Marriage License: Don’t forget to bring your marriage license to the ceremony. It’s kind of important, you know.
And that’s it! You’re ready for your courthouse wedding in Utah. But wait, there’s one more thing left to do—celebrate! Let’s move on to the final step.
Celebrate Your Courthouse Wedding
Hurrah! You’ve successfully navigated through the process of how to get married at the courthouse in Utah. But the journey isn’t over yet—it’s only just beginning! Now comes the fun part: the celebration!
1. Take Plenty of Pictures: This is a moment you’ll want to remember, so make sure you take lots of pictures! Whether you hire a professional photographer or ask a friend to help out, capturing these moments is essential.
2. Throw a Party: Just because you had a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have a reception. Whether it’s a small get-together at your favorite restaurant or a large gathering in a rented hall, this is your chance to let loose and celebrate your union with friends and family.
3. Plan a Honeymoon: Now that the wedding is done and dusted, why not go on a honeymoon? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a trip around the world, this is your opportunity to unwind, relax and enjoy your first days as a married couple.
4. Share the News: Don’t forget to tell everyone about your wedding! Share your joy with friends, family, and even your social media followers. After all, love is meant to be shared, right?
And with that, you’ve completed your journey on how to get married at the courthouse in Utah. Congratulations on your marriage and here’s to a lifetime of happiness together!