Mississippi Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Mississippi: $21 to $38, varies by county license fee, None waiting period, No expiration validity, minimum age 21, None witnesses required. Apply at the Circuit Court Clerk.
Mississippi Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Mississippi?
A marriage license in Mississippi costs $21 to $38, varies by county. This is the standard fee charged by the Circuit Court Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Mississippi's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Mississippi
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Mississippi does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk in any Mississippi county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $21 to $38, varies by county fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Mississippi issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for No expiration from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Mississippi: Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and county board supervisors. Any religious society can authorize someone to perform marriages under their customs.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Circuit Court Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Mississippi law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Mississippi
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Mississippi counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Mississippi has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Mississippi following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Mississippi on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Mississippi Notes
Who Can Officiate in Mississippi
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and county board supervisors. Any religious society can authorize someone to perform marriages under their customs.
Good to Know
Mississippi is one of the few states where the legal age to marry without parental consent is 21 rather than the standard 18 in every other state. With parental consent, current law sets the minimum age at 17 for males and 15 for females under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-1-5. The marriage license has no expiration date once issued, and Mississippi eliminated its waiting period entirely effective July 1, 2012 (SB 2851).
Mississippi Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Mississippi drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $21 to $38, varies by county - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Mississippi Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Mississippi marriage license costs $21 to $38, varies by county. The fee is paid at the Circuit Court Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Mississippi has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Mississippi marriage license is valid for No expiration from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Mississippi accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Circuit Court Clerk.
No. Mississippi does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Mississippi does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Circuit Court Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Mississippi a popular destination wedding state.
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