Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get married
in Oklahoma?
Before your ceremony, you will need to get a Oklahoma marriage
license. The state of Oklahoma requires pre-marital blood
tests. Must have Oklahoma blood test within 30 days from
a state approved laboratory.
back to top
Where do we get a marriage license?
If both the bride and groom are Oklahoma residents, you
may go to the county court clerk in either town of residence.
If just one of you is a Oklahoma resident, you must go to
the county court clerk of the resident's hometown.
back to top
What if we are not Oklahoma residents?
Out of state residents can now get their license in any
county court clerks office in Oklahoma. It used to be only
in the county where they will be married.
back to top
How much does a marriage license
cost?
A marriage license normally costs $50 but, when you participate
in a marriage education course like PREP, you will only
be asked to pay $5. In order to receive this discount, your
court clerk will require a certificate or letter on letterhead,
signed by your marriage education provider, detailing the
type and length of the course or service you received.
back to top
How old must we be to be married
in Oklahoma?
You may get married in Oklahoma if you are 18 years old.
If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need a parent
or guardian's consent. Your parent or guardian should accompany
you to the county court clerk's office to sign an affidavit
giving you permission to marry. If you are under the age
of 16, you may not get married without a certificate from
a Probate or District Court Judge in your county of residence
giving you permission to marry. No one under the age of
14 may marry in Oklahoma.
back to top
Are there any other marriage restrictions?
Anyone under guardianship cannot marry without guardian
consent. Oklahoma does not allow marriage of relatives.
Relatives include mother, father, grandparent, sister, brother,
grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece and nephew. You cannot get
married in Oklahoma to avoid laws of another state where
you intend to continue residing. If you need further clari
fication, contact your county court clerk or the Oklahoma
Department of Health, Vital Records Service.
back to top
What information do we need to
purchase a marriage license in Oklahoma?
You must know your legal town of residence and your place
and date of birth. You will also need to know your parents'
names, including your mother's maiden name, and the states
where your parents were born. Oklahoma law requires that
at least one of you must sign in the presence of the county
court clerk, certifying that all facts are correct. However,
most county court clerks prefer to see both of you in person
before issuing you license to marry, as the law requires
that they satisfy themselves that you are both free to marry
under Oklahoma laws. They may legally ask to see documented
proof of your statements, for example birth certificates,
divorce decrees, etc. A Oklahoma marriage license cannot
be issued through the mail.
back to top
What statistical information will
I need to provide?
You will need to provide information about your race, the
highest grade you completed in school, the number of times
you have been married and how your previous marriage(s),
if any, ended. This information is used by Vital Records
for statistical information and does not become part of
the marriage certificate.You must also have your driver's
License or certified birth certificate or passport and his
or her Social Security number.
back to top
What if either of us has been
married before?
If you are a widow/widower, you will be asked the date your
spouse died. If you are divorced, the county court clerk
can, by law, ask to see your divorce decree before issuing
your marriage license.
back to top
How soon can we marry once we
have our license?
There is no waiting period in the state of Oklahoma. A couple
may marry on the same day they purchase their license.
back to top
How long is our marriage license
valid?
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date
of issue and can only be used in the state of Oklahoma.
back to top
Where can we get married?
If you are a resident or non-resident, you may be married
anywhere in the state.
back to top
Who can marry us?
A Judge, Justice of the Peace, or a member of the clergy
recognized by the State of Oklahoma. Ordained ministers
of the gospel of any denomination who are at least 18 years
of age may perform marriages. Ministers must file a copy
of their credentials with the county clerk before performing
marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage
and return it to the clerk or judge who issued the marriage
license.
back to top
What do we do with the license?
You must deliver the license to the person who will conduct
your wedding ceremony (officiant) before the marriage can
be performed. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete
and sign your license, and return it to the county court
clerk's office where it was issued. It is not a complete
legal document until it has been recorded in the county
court clerk's office where it was purchased.
back to top
Do we need witnesses?
Yes, Oklahoma law requires witnesses.
back to top
How do we get a copy of the marriage
certificate?
You can request a copy from the county court clerk or the
Oklahoma Department of Health, Vital Records Service.
back to top
Please Note: State and county marriage
license requirements often change. The above information
is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal
advice.
Questions? e-mail
OBMA