I'm a wedding photographer. So why on earth am I making a blog post about the legalities of getting married here in Idaho? Because at one of my first weddings in Alabama, my couple wasn't legally married at the end of it. Usually a wedding planner, an already married friend or family member, or at least the officiant will check in and make sure the couple has done everything they need to do to be married at the end of the day, but somehow no one caught it that time. They were able to go the next day and make it happen, so it all turned out okay, but I am absolutely determined to make sure none of my couples ever have to go through that again, if I can help it! So, without further ado:

How to Get Legally Married in Idaho:

Apply for your marriage license

You'll need to go in person, together, to any county clerk's office in Idaho. Each county is slightly different, so make sure you check out the county website to verify you have everything you need before you go in! The easiest way to do that is simply to google "[county], Idaho county website," find their section on county clerks or county recorders, and then navigate to their requirements for marriage licenses. I'll include some info on the specifics of applying for your marriage license for a few counties below! But I still always recommend double checking on the official website.

Across Idaho,

• There is no waiting period required after you get your marriage license. (i.e. you can get your license the same day that you actually get married!)
• There is also no expiration date on your license, so there's no reason not to get it in advance and have it ready for wedding day early! If you don't use it within a year, you are supposed to contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, though.
• You do not have to be a resident of Idaho, and you can get your marriage license in any county, it doesn't have to be the one you live in! It will be recorded in the county you get it from.
• Your marriage license is only valid for marriages performed in Idaho.
• You're required to apply together, in person!

You'll need to bring:

• About $30 (check your specific county to see what forms of payment they accept and what their specific fees are!)
• Social security numbers for each applicant, or a letter from the social security office if one of you doesn't have one
• Proof of identity and age in the form of a current drivers license, state issued ID card, passport, or birth certificate (original or certified copy.)

Get Married!

Again, there's no waiting period (or expiration date) on Idaho marriage licenses, so you can have your wedding/marriage ceremony as soon (or as late!) as you want.

Officiants can be any of these people:

• Justice of the Supreme Court (current and retired)
• Appeals Judge (current and retired)
• District Judge (current and retired)
• Governor (current and former)
• Magistrate of the District Court (current and retired)
• Idaho Mayors (current)
• Federal Judge (current)
• Tribal Judge (current)
• Lieutenant Governor (current)
• A Priest or Minister of the Gospel of any denomination or faith



And witnesses are not required. At all! Idaho is one of just a few states like this. This means that if you're wanting a more private wedding, the only person who needs to be there besides the two of you is your officiant. Once both of you and your officiant have signed the marriage license and it's been recorded, you're officially married!

Return your Marriage License

Check with your specific county to see when this needs to happen by. In Madison County, you're supposed to return it within 30 days from the marriage date. In Ada County, it can be anytime (but they'll require some additional paperwork and fees if it takes longer than a year! I recommend sooner, rather than later, so that you can get your marriage certificate back and get going on anything else that needs to happen. (like name changes!) Ask your officiant if they return the marriage license or if it will be your responsibility!

Marriage certificates can be requested after your completed marriage license is returned and recorded by the county clerk's office that issued it. There is typically a waiting period for this, as well as a small fee for certified copies. (The fee is usually around $2 per copy.)

Name Changes

Your name doesn't automatically change after you're married! If one or both of you would like to change your name now that you're married, you'll need to do so with a local social security office, and with the DMV.