How to Get Your Marriage License in Indiana (and What to Do With It After Your Wedding)
Planning a wedding in Indiana comes with a lot of exciting decisions: choosing your dream venue, tasting cake, and finalizing your seating chart. But there’s one not-so-glamorous detail that’s just as important as the rest: your marriage license. Without it, your ceremony isn’t legally binding. The good news? The process is straightforward once you know the steps.
Here’s a simple guide to help you get your Indiana marriage license and understand what happens to it after you’ve said “I do.”
Step 1: Start Your Application Online
Indiana makes things easier by letting couples begin their marriage license application online through the INcite system. It’s free, quick, and saves you time when you go to the courthouse.
Tip: Both of you still need to appear in person at the county clerk’s office to finish the process. If you live out of state, remember you’ll need to apply in the Indiana county where your wedding will take place.
Step 2: Visit the County Clerk’s Office Together
Once your online application is complete, the two of you will head to the county clerk’s office in the county where you live. (If you live out of state but are getting married in Indiana, you will need to visit the clerk’s office in the county where your ceremony is taking place.) At this appointment, you will:
Show valid photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, or similar)
Review your application details for accuracy
Pay the marriage license fees
Fees vary by county but generally range from $18 to $70. Indiana residents usually pay less than non-residents.
Step 3: Know How Long Your License Lasts
After approval, your Indiana marriage license is valid for 60 days. That means your ceremony has to take place within that time frame. If it expires, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Step 4: After the Wedding
Once the vows are exchanged, there’s still a little paperwork to handle. Your officiant will sign the marriage license, along with you and any required witnesses, to make it official.
The completed license then needs to go back to the county clerk’s office where it was issued. Most of the time, your officiant will return it either by mail or in person, but you can also designate someone you trust to take care of it.
After the county records it, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. These copies are what you’ll use for things like changing your last name, updating insurance, or filing joint taxes. Processing times vary. Some counties mail certificates within a couple of weeks, while others can take up to a month or more.
Special Notes for Out-of-State Couples
Again, if you don’t live in Indiana but are planning your wedding here, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license in the county where your ceremony is happening. Make sure you build an extra day or two into your travel plans for this step.
Quick Checklist for an Indiana Marriage License
Apply online through the INcite system
Appear together at the county clerk’s office
Bring valid photo IDs and payment for the fee
Hold your ceremony within 60 days of receiving the license
Ensure your officiant and witnesses sign the license
Return the completed license to the issuing county
Request certified copies for your records
The Right Time to Apply
At Blue Belles Weddings, we always suggest couples apply 2–4 weeks before the wedding day. This gives you peace of mind knowing everything is in order without adding last-minute stress.
However, applying too early can actually backfire. Since Indiana marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days, you don’t want it expiring before your officiant has time to mail it back and get it recorded. Applying in that 2–4 week window hits the sweet spot. You’ll have plenty of time, and your license will still be valid well after the wedding.
Final Thoughts
Your marriage license may not be as exciting as your wedding dress or as beautiful as your flowers, but it’s the one piece of paper that makes your wedding day official. With a little planning, the process is quick and easy, and then you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your marriage with the people you love most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Marriage Licenses
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Yes. Both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk’s office to finalize the license, even if you completed the application online first.
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Yes. You can start your application online through the Indiana INcite system. However, you still need to appear in person together at the county clerk’s office to verify your information, show ID, and pay the fee.
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An Indiana marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Your ceremony must take place within that time frame.
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If your license expires before your ceremony, you will need to start the process over, reapply, and pay the fee again.
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Unfortunately, if the license expires before it is returned to the county clerk’s office, the marriage will not be legally recorded. Even if your ceremony already happened, the state requires a valid, unexpired license to make it official. In this case, you would need to reapply for a new license and go through the signing process again with your officiant and witnesses to make your marriage legally recognized.
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Traditionally, the officiant will return the completed license to the county clerk’s office, but any trusted person to do it for you.
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After your license is processed and recorded, you can request certified copies from the county clerk’s office. These are used for legal purposes like name changes, insurance, and taxes.
