A Complete Guide to the Utah Marriage License

If you’re planning to get married in Utah, you will need to get familiar with the Utah Marriage License process to make things legal. This article is your complete guide to the legal marriage process in the state, from who can marry in Utah, witness and officiant requirements, cost, how and where to apply for your license, how to sign the certificate, and the process of returning your paperwork.

Utah Marriage License: Everything You Need to Know

Cost of a Utah Marriage License

As of writing this, the cost of a Utah Marriage License is $50. You must provide that payment when you apply and acquire your license at the County Clerk’s office. Many counties require that both of you are present in person to apply and receive your marriage license. If you’re not sure, the county clerk’s website will tell you everything you need to bring/know.

Who Can Get Married in Utah?

You do not need to be a resident of Utah to get married here in the state. If you are getting married in Utah you will need a Utah Marriage License, even if you’re not from here (unless the state you’re coming from is one of the few that allows you to sign theirs across state lines.) Check with your state if you’re curious about bringing your license across state lines. Citizens of all 50 states are eligible to be legally married in Utah, with some common stipulations. For instance, you cannot legally marry your cousin. You also cannot already be legally married, (obviously!) Minors between 16-18 years of age may apply with parental consent/signature in Utah.

How to Apply for a Utah Marriage License

You need to apply for your Utah Marriage License at any County Clerk’s office in the state. It does not matter what county you apply for a marriage license in; it can be your home county, the county you’re getting married in, one you’re traveling through, or some other county.

Some counties require appointments for applying for your Utah Marriage License. Look up the County Clerk’s office website, or call the office, for information about if you need an appointment as well as if you can just do the process online. Some counties also allow you to apply online rather than in person.

What to Bring to Apply for Your Marriage License

You’ll need to have the following when you apply for a Utah Marriage License:

• An in-person application with both applicants present at the time of application.
• Full names, addresses and dates and places of birth of both applicants.
• Social security numbers of both applicants, unless an applicant doesn’t have a social security number.
• Names and birth places of the parents of both applicants , including mother’s maiden name.
• Valid picture ID such as a passport, birth certificate, driver license, or state ID card.
• A license fee – this is charged in most counties, which includes two certified copies of the license. Note: Some counties do not charge a fee for the license, but do charge for the certified copies.

Do I Need Witnesses or an Officiant to Get Married in Utah?

Your Utah Marriage License must be solemnized by one of the following: a minister, rabbi, priest, county clerk, Native American spiritual adviser, the governor, mayors, court commissioners and judges, state attorney general, state treasurer, state auditor, as well as particular members of the legislature may perform wedding ceremonies. The person who solemnizes the marriage must sign a certificate of marriage and files the certificate and the marriage license with the county clerk who issued the license. If you are hiring an officiant to attend and solemnize your elopement, they must be a Utah County Designee officiant. Anyone ordained may apply to be a county designee officiant – check with your officiant to be sure they’re legally able to operate in that county or consult the county clerk’s office for a list of designated officiants!

Two witnesses over 18 must also be present at the wedding ceremony. Some officiants will bring an assistant to act as witness, and then myself as your photographer can sign as the second witness! Other times we’ll just find hikers or passersby on the trail to sign as witness as well, which makes a really fun memory and story to tell (be sure to get a picture with them if they’re willing – you’ll want to remember who signed!)

How to Sign the Utah Marriage License

Your Marriage License and Marriage Certificate are separate things entirely. In Utah, you apply and receive a marriage license. The license gives you permission from the state to be legally married, while the certificate is the portion your officiant will fill out and submit, documenting where and when you were married. That certificate is solemnized by one of the legal entities above with signatures to certify the document. In Utah, the person solemnizing your marriage will submit the final certificate on behalf of you.

As the Utah County Clerk’s website says, “Because the ‘license’ portion of your marriage license is digital, you will only a receive an email with a link after applying for your license. Once that license is finalized by your officiant following the ceremony you will get a digital certified copy of your license within minutes. Our office will process and mail a paper certified copy within the next few business days.”

What Last Name Do I Sign on my Marriage Certificate?

If you plan to change your name, you can sign your new name on the day of your wedding! Start practicing now 🙂

Where to Return the Marriage License

Your Marriage License must be solemnized within 32 days of your application, which means you need to apply for your Utah Marriage License within the month before your wedding day. Licenses in Utah can be applied for, signed, and recorded all within the same day; there is no required waiting period.

Your license must be returned by the solemnizing party (your officiant) through the online portal system. This is part of why they counties require designated officiants for the process. There is no fee to record your marriage certificate, but extra copies may need to be purchased if you need more than provided.

Quick FAQs about the Utah Marriage License

Can I Use A Marriage License From Another State in Utah?

In some cases, yes. Certain states do allow couples to take their marriage licenses to another state, get married and sign the papers there, and return it to that state for recording.

Can My Dog Sign Our Marriage Certificate as Our Witness?

Sadly, unlike in Colorado, no dogs can sign as witness on your Utah Marriage License or Certificate. You could have an officiant print a “for fun” document to sign but no legal documents may be signed by a pup.

Can We Take Our Utah Marriage License to Another State?

No, Utah does not allow couples to use their marriage license across state borders.

Is There a Waiting Period to Get Married in Utah?

There is no required waiting period to apply for or return a marriage license in Utah. As soon as you’ve applied and gotten your license email you can solemnize your marriage immediately.

My buddy wants to marry us, but he’s not a minister. Can we do that?

Only if they get ordained online and apply with the county clerk’s office to become a County Designee officiant. The process isn’t that hard but you’ll need to be on top of it and do it at least two months in advance to avoid feeling any pressure.

How Long is the Wait to Get a Utah Marriage License?

You can apply for, sign, and return your marriage license all at once (appointments required in some counties) which could take around 30 minutes. Theoretically you could be married an hour from now, if the time was right!

What Documents Should I Bring?

• An in-person application with both applicants present at the time of application.
• Full names, addresses and dates and places of birth of both applicants.
• Social security numbers of both applicants, unless an applicant doesn’t have a social security number.
• Names and birth places of the parents of both applicants , including mother’s maiden name.
• Valid picture ID such as a passport, birth certificate, driver license, or state ID card.
• A license fee – this is charged in most counties, which includes two certified copies of the license. Note: Some counties do not charge a fee for the license, but do charge for the certified copies.

You need to bring your IDs and $50 (usually able to be charged) and you’ll both need to be present. You’ll need to know the names and birth places of both of your parents, including your mothers’ maiden names as well.

How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Utah?

$50 as of 2025.

Do I Need to Get Copies of Our Certificate?

It’s a good idea to keep one copy saved in a fire box or safety deposit box, and you’ll need a separate copy to send in with the paperwork if you’re changing your name after the wedding. If you need more than provided with a standard submission you may apply to get more by mail for a fee (currently $10).

What is the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?

The license is what you apply for to be allowed to marry in Utah – the Certificate is what the officiant will submit online detailing when and where you were wed, and who witnessed. You’ll receive copies of the certificate by mail after the big day.

 

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