How to Get Married at a Courthouse in Utah: License, Witnesses, Ceremony

To get married at a courthouse in Utah, you apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office, bring two adult witnesses and valid photo ID, and have a deputy clerk perform a short civil ceremony. Utah has no waiting period, so if the clerk’s office you choose performs ceremonies and has an appointment open, you can walk in single and leave married the same day.

Who Can Marry in Utah

Both parties must be at least 18. A 16- or 17-year-old can marry only with signed in-person consent from a parent or legal guardian and written authorization from a juvenile court judge or court commissioner, and the judge cannot authorize the marriage if the age gap between the two parties exceeds four years. Any marriage involving someone under 16 is void.¹

You cannot already be married to someone else: your divorce decree must be final before a clerk will issue a new license. Utah also prohibits marriages between close relatives, including parents and children, ancestors and descendants, half or full siblings, aunts and uncles with nieces and nephews, and most first cousins. These marriages are void from the beginning under Utah Code 81-2-402.²

Both parties must willingly declare their intent to marry. Utah does not require blood tests or any other medical screening.³

Step 1: Get a Marriage License

Apply at any county clerk’s office in Utah. The license is good anywhere in the state, so you can apply in one county and marry in another.⁴ It takes effect immediately and expires 32 days after issuance. If you let it lapse, you have to apply and pay again.³

What to Bring

Both applicants need to come prepared with:

A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Social Security numbers. If either applicant doesn’t have one, they can submit an affidavit stating that.
Full names, current addresses, dates and places of birth, and parents’ names and birthplaces, including the mother’s maiden name.
A divorce decree, if either party was divorced within the last 60 days.

Each applicant also signs an affidavit stating there is no lawful reason preventing the marriage. The clerk handles this as part of the application.⁴

In Person vs. Online

Several counties, including Utah County, let couples complete the entire application online. You upload your photo ID, verify your identity through your smartphone, fill out the form, and pay by card.⁵ State law requires counties offering online applications to add a $20 surcharge that funds the Utah Marriage Commission. That surcharge is waived if you have completed premarital education or counseling, and free courses are available through the commission’s website.⁶

Fees

The base license fee is $50 at most counties, non-refundable, and usually includes at least one certified copy of your marriage certificate.⁷ Online applicants should expect a total closer to $70 or more once the $20 Marriage Commission surcharge and card processing fees are added.⁵ Applying in person avoids the surcharge.⁸

Step 2: Book the Ceremony

Not every county clerk’s office performs marriage ceremonies, so call ahead to confirm the office you have in mind does and to schedule an appointment. Have your license number ready when you call.

The ceremony fee is separate from the license fee and varies by county. In Utah County, a ceremony performed by a deputy clerk costs $35, payable on the day.⁹ Ask about the amount when you book.

Step 3: Bring Two Witnesses

Utah law requires at least two witnesses who are 18 or older to be present at the ceremony. Each must see both parties declare their intent to marry and hear the officiant pronounce them married.³ Their names are recorded on the certificate, though they don’t necessarily need to physically sign it.⁸ Plan to bring your own. Some clerk offices may be able to supply staff witnesses if arranged in advance, but don’t count on it.

Step 4: The Ceremony

A courthouse ceremony is short, usually around 10 to 15 minutes. The officiant is typically the county clerk or a deputy clerk designated by the office. Both parties declare their intent to marry, the officiant pronounces them married, and the two witnesses observe.³ Bring the marriage license and photo ID for both parties.

After the Ceremony

The officiant is legally required to return the completed marriage license to the issuing county clerk within 30 days of the ceremony, together with a certificate of marriage signed by the officiant that lists the date and place of the ceremony and the names of the witnesses. An officiant who misses that 30-day deadline is guilty of an infraction.³ With a digital license, the officiant completes this through an online portal rather than mailing a paper form.¹⁰

Certified Copies

You will likely need certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes. Most license fees include one or two certified copies. Additional copies can be ordered from the county clerk’s office for a small fee that varies by county, with processing times running from a few business days to a couple of weeks depending on the county and whether you order in person or by mail.

Fixing a Typo

If you notice an error on your certificate, contact the issuing clerk’s office quickly. A correction can be processed within two months of the officiant finalizing the certificate; after that window, you may be looking at a more formal amendment process. If the officiant has not yet finalized the license, changes can be made at no charge.¹¹

A Note on Name Changes

Marriage in Utah does not automatically change your legal name. If you plan to take your spouse’s last name, start with the Social Security Administration by requesting a replacement card in your new name. You may be able to do this online; otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. The new card typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days, and IRS records usually update automatically once SSA does.¹²

Then visit the Utah Driver License Division in person with your certified marriage certificate to update your driver’s license or state ID. The DLD does not process name changes by mail or online.¹³ From there, update your name with your bank, employer, health insurance provider, and anyone else who has your legal name on file.

1
Utah Legislature. Utah Code 81-2-304 – Marriage by Minors
2
Utah Legislature. Utah Code Title 81 Chapter 2 – Marriage
3
Utah Legislature. Utah Code Title 81 Chapter 2 Part 3 – Marriage License and Solemnization
4
Utah Courts. Marriage
5
Utah County Government. Online Marriage Application
6
Utah County Government. Legally and Lawfully
7
Washington County of Utah. Marriage Information
8
Utah County Government. Marriage – Frequently Asked Questions
9
Utah County Government. Marriage Ceremonies
10
Utah County Government. Officiant Responsibilities
11
Utah County Government. Marriage – Document Frequently Asked Questions
12
Social Security Administration. Change Name With Social Security
13
Utah Driver License Division. Name Change Information