Getting a Marriage License in Oklahoma

How to Get a Marriage License in Oklahoma

Planning your wedding in Oklahoma? Here’s everything you need to know to make your marriage official, from where and how to apply, to what happens after the ceremony. This guide is designed to be clear, complete, and stress-free for couples tying the knot in the Sooner State.

Who Can Get Married in Oklahoma

To legally marry in Oklahoma, both people must:

• Be at least 18 years old (no waiting period applies for adults).
• Not currently be married or in another legally recognized union.

Exceptions:

• Ages 16–17: Allowed to marry with parental or guardian consent, but a 72-hour waiting period applies.
• Under 16: Marriage only permitted with a court order.
• If divorced in Oklahoma: You cannot marry anyone other than your former spouse until six months after your divorce decree date.

Where to Apply

Marriage licenses in Oklahoma are issued by the county court clerk’s offices (or county court clerks) in each county. There is no residency requirement, meaning you and your partner do not need to live in the county where you apply — once the license is issued it is valid statewide.

You should call the specific county office ahead of time to confirm their current hours, appointment policy, and accepted payment forms.

Here are a few major locations:

• Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City & Edmond) – Appointment required. Call (405) 713-1705.
• Tulsa County (Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso) – Walk-in service available.
• Cleveland County (Norman) – Walk-in service available.
• Comanche County (Lawton) – Walk-in service available.
• Payne County (Stillwater) – Walk-in service available.
• Creek County (Sapulpa) – Walk-in service available.

Pro Tip: Always call ahead to confirm hours, appointment requirements, and accepted forms of payment (some accept cash only, others may take cards).

How to Apply

• Both applicants must appear in person together at the county clerk’s office (some offices require an appointment; some accept walk-ins).
• Provide a valid photo ID for each applicant (state driver’s license, state ID, passport, or a certified birth certificate + photo ID where required).
• Pay the fee. The standard fee is $50 (though in many counties it may be lower) and there is a reduced $5 fee if you present an original certificate showing completion of 4+ hours of state-approved premarital counseling.
• Once the license is issued for adults 18+, you may marry immediately (there is no waiting period for adults).

What to Bring

When applying for your marriage license, both parties must appear in person and bring the following:

• Valid photo ID for both applicants.
  
• Proof of premarital counseling if you want the reduced $5 fee (original certificate only).
  
• Divorce decree or death certificate if applicable.
  
• Payment method accepted by your local court clerk (varies by county).

While not required, these are helpful:

• Birth certificate (to establish parental names)
• If divorced or annulled: your final judgment or civil annulment
• If widowed: a death certificate of your previous spouse/partner
• If any documents are in a language other than English bring a certified English translation.

After the Ceremony

• Your officiant (the person performing the ceremony) must complete and sign the marriage license.
• The license must then be returned/filed with the same county court clerk’s office that issued it within five calendar days of the ceremony.
• Once the license is filed, the marriage is legally recorded, and you can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

Many couples confuse these two documents:

• Marriage License – Permission to marry, issued before the ceremony.

• Marriage Certificate – The legal proof that your marriage took place, issued after the license is completed and filed.

You must request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the same county clerk’s office that issued your license. Fees vary by county.

Who Can Officiate in Oklahoma

Your wedding may be performed by:

• Judges (federal, state, municipal, retired).
• Ordained ministers, clergy, or other authorized religious leaders.
• Internet-ordained ministers (such as those from American Marriage Ministries or Universal Life Church).

Oklahoma does not require ministers to register with the state before performing a wedding, but they must be legally ordained.