Does it Matter Which State You Get Married In?
Picking out a wedding dress, selecting your bridesmaids and groomsmen, booking the venue, composing a guest list—there’s so much to consider when preparing for your big day. But one item you may not have thought about is where you’ll get married. In the United States, you’re free to get married in any state you want, which means there’s a whole world of possibilities to choose from. But does it really matter where you get married? Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider when making this decision.
There are a few practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a state to get married in. For example, you’ll need to make sure that you and your partner meet the residency requirements for the state you choose. You’ll also need to find an officiant who is licensed to perform marriages in that state. And you’ll need to be aware of the state’s marriage laws, such as the minimum age for marriage and the required waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and getting married.
Marriage Laws Vary by State
The first thing you need to know is that marriage laws vary from state to state. This means that the requirements for getting married, such as the age of consent, the blood test requirement, and the waiting period, can vary depending on where you choose to tie the knot. For example, in some states, you can get married at 18 without parental consent, while in other states, you must be 21 or older to get married without parental consent. In some states, you need to get a blood test before you can get married, while in other states, you don’t. And in some states, there is a waiting period between the time you apply for a marriage license and the time you can actually get married, while in other states, there is no waiting period.
If you are planning to get married in a state other than the one you live in, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you understand the marriage laws of that state. You can find information about marriage laws on the websites of state governments or by contacting the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married.
Residency Requirements
Many states have residency requirements for getting married. This means that you must be a resident of the state for a certain period of time before you can get married there. The residency requirement varies from state to state, but it is typically between 24 hours and 30 days. If you are not a resident of the state where you want to get married, you may need to get a marriage license from your home state and then have it legalized in the state where you are getting married.
Officiant Requirements:
Getting validly married requires an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony. Depending upon where you reside, the availability of officiants varies between states. In certain states, only religious leaders or judges can officiate wedding ceremonies, while other states allow various individuals, including friends or family members, to become ordained as officiants online and perform ceremonies for loved ones.
To avoid any last-minute surprises, research and understand the officiant requirements in the state you plan to marry in. Ensure your selected officiant is legally authorized to perform ceremonies within that jurisdiction.
Venue Options and Costs
The cost of getting married can vary significantly depending on the state you choose. For example, the average cost of a wedding in New York City is over $80,000, while the average cost of a wedding in rural Kansas is less than $20,000. The cost of your wedding will also depend on the type of venue you choose. If you want to get married in a popular destination wedding location, such as Hawaii or California, you can expect to pay more than if you get married in a less popular location.
Tips for Choosing a State to Get Married In
Ultimately, the best state to get married in is the state that is right for you and your partner. Consider your budget, your desired wedding venue, and the marriage laws of the state. If you are not sure which state to choose, you can talk to a wedding planner or an attorney for advice.
Here are a few tips for choosing a state to get married in:
- Do your research. Before you make a decision, take some time to research the marriage laws of different states. You can find information about marriage laws on the websites of state governments or by contacting the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married.
- Consider your budget. The cost of getting married can vary significantly depending on the state you choose. Be sure to factor in the cost of the marriage license, the officiant, the venue, and any other expenses.
- Think about your desired wedding venue. If you have a specific wedding venue in mind, make sure that you choose a state that allows you to get married in that venue. Some venues, such as churches or historic landmarks, may have specific requirements for getting married there.
- Q: Can I get married in any state I want?
- A: Yes, you can get married in any state you want, regardless of where you live. However, each state has its own marriage laws, so you’ll need to make sure that you meet the requirements for getting married in the state you choose.
- Q: What are the residency requirements for getting married in a different state?
- A: The residency requirements for getting married in a different state vary from state to state. Some states have no residency requirement, while others require you to be a resident of the state for a certain period of time before you can get married there. You can find information about the residency requirements for getting married in a different state on the website of the state government or by contacting the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married.
- Q: Do I need to get a marriage license in the state where I’m getting married?
- A: Yes, you need to get a marriage license in the state where you’re getting married. You can usually get a marriage license from the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married.
- Q: What are the blood test requirements for getting married in a different state?
- A: The blood test requirements for getting married in a different state vary from state to state. Some states require you to get a blood test before you can get married, while others do not. You can find information about the blood test requirements for getting married in a different state on the website of the state government or by contacting the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married.
FAQs on Getting Married in Different States
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting married in different states:
Getting married is a big decision, and there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a state to get married in. By doing your research and considering your budget, your desired wedding venue, and the marriage laws of the state, you can choose the perfect state to get married in and start your new life together.
Are you planning to get married in a different state? What factors are you considering when making your decision?
