Utah Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Utah: $50 to $70, varies by county (Utah County lists a $50 base fee plus a $20 State Marriage Commission fee for online applicants who do not qualify for the Marriage Education Discount; Salt Lake County lists $50) license fee, None waiting period, 32 days validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses, each 18 or older witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk.
Utah Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Utah?
A marriage license in Utah costs $50 to $70, varies by county (Utah County lists a $50 base fee plus a $20 State Marriage Commission fee for online applicants who do not qualify for the Marriage Education Discount; Salt Lake County lists $50). This is the standard fee charged by the County 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, Utah's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Utah
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. Utah does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk in any Utah 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 $50 to $70, varies by county (Utah County lists a $50 base fee plus a $20 State Marriage Commission fee for online applicants who do not qualify for the Marriage Education Discount; Salt Lake County lists $50) 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
Utah 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 32 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Utah: Anyone 18 or older authorized by a religious denomination to solemnize marriages, and Native American spiritual advisors. Also the governor, lieutenant governor, state attorney general, state treasurer and state auditor. Also mayors of a municipality and county executives. Also justices, judges and commissioners of a court of record, judges of a Utah court not of record, and judges or magistrates of the United States. Also the county clerk or the clerk's authorized designee, members of the Utah Legislature, members of Utah's congressional delegation, retired Utah judges or magistrates under Supreme Court rules, and military chaplains.
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 County Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Utah law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Utah
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Utah counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Utah has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Utah following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Utah 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.
Common law marriage
Utah does not create a marriage from living together alone. A court can recognize an unsolemnized relationship as a marriage under Utah Code 81-2-408 if a petition is filed during the relationship or within one year after it ends. Under the current statute, no new petition may be filed on or after May 5, 2027.
Important Utah Notes
Who Can Officiate in Utah
Anyone 18 or older authorized by a religious denomination to solemnize marriages, and Native American spiritual advisors. Also the governor, lieutenant governor, state attorney general, state treasurer and state auditor. Also mayors of a municipality and county executives. Also justices, judges and commissioners of a court of record, judges of a Utah court not of record, and judges or magistrates of the United States. Also the county clerk or the clerk's authorized designee, members of the Utah Legislature, members of Utah's congressional delegation, retired Utah judges or magistrates under Supreme Court rules, and military chaplains.
Good to Know
Utah does not create a marriage from cohabitation alone. A relationship that was never solemnized can be recognized as a marriage only through a court petition under Utah Code 81-2-408 (formerly 30-1-4.5). The petition must be filed during the relationship or within one year after it ends. The court must find that the two individuals were of legal age and capable of giving consent, were legally capable of entering a solemnized marriage, cohabited, mutually assumed marital rights, duties and obligations, and held themselves out as and had a uniform and general reputation as spouses. Under the current statute, no new petition may be filed on or after May 5, 2027. Utah recodified its marriage code effective September 1, 2024 (Title 30 Chapter 1 moved to Title 81 Chapter 2), so older "30-1-x" citations are outdated. A license not used within 32 days after issue is invalid. The officiant must return the completed license to the county clerk within 30 days, with the names of two or more witnesses. A Utah license counts as used in Utah when the officiant is physically in Utah. The couple may take part remotely only where the issuing county gives a written warning that an online marriage may not be valid in other countries.
Utah Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Utah drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County 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 $50 to $70, varies by county (Utah County lists a $50 base fee plus a $20 State Marriage Commission fee for online applicants who do not qualify for the Marriage Education Discount; Salt Lake County lists $50) - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses, each 18 or older for the ceremony, each at least 18
First dance
You guys!!
License filed. Now plan the photo sharing.
Once the legal paperwork is done, set up Pix Wedding in five minutes. Guests scan a QR code at the reception and every photo arrives in your shared album.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
No app, no account
UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
Emma & Jack
June 21, 2026
647 photos · 95 guests
SCAN TO TRY
pix.wedding/
your-wedding
Marriage License Requirements in Other States
Related Utah Wedding Guides
Utah Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Utah marriage license costs $50 to $70, varies by county (Utah County lists a $50 base fee plus a $20 State Marriage Commission fee for online applicants who do not qualify for the Marriage Education Discount; Salt Lake County lists $50). The fee is paid at the County 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. Utah 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 Utah marriage license is valid for 32 days 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.
Utah 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 County Clerk.
Yes. Utah requires 2 witnesses, each 18 or older for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. Utah does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Utah a popular destination wedding state.
Explore more free wedding tools
Everything you need to make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable.
Seating Chart Planner
Plan your reception seating visually.
Guest List Manager
Track RSVPs and dietary needs.
Budget Allocator
Turn your total into a category-by-category plan.
Timeline Builder
Plan your entire wedding day.
Countdown Timer
Count down the days to your big day.
Wedding Checklist
Month-by-month planning checklist.
Bachelorette Party Games
15+ games with rules, supplies, and timing.
Alternative to Wedding Guest Book
15 creative alternatives guests enjoy.