Marriage Laws in Nebraska (2026): The Rules Behind "I Do"

Thinking about tying the knot in the Cornhusker State? Good for you.

Before you say “I do,” there are a few rules you need to know. Nebraska has specific laws about who can marry, how old you need to be, and what paperwork you need. Get this wrong, and your big day could hit a serious snag.

What Are Nebraska Marriage Laws?

Marriage laws are the rules a state sets for who can legally marry and how. They cover age limits, licenses, family relationships, and what happens after the ceremony.

Nebraska treats marriage as a civil contract. So simple! But there’s more to it than just showing up and saying vows. Stay with me here, because these rules actually matter.

Basic Marriage Requirements

Getting Your License

You cannot get married in Nebraska without a marriage license. No license means no legal marriage. Period.

Both applicants must show up together, in person, at a county clerk’s office. You cannot send someone in your place. Bring a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.

You’ll also need to know your birthplace and your parents’ full names and birthplaces. Yep, that’s all you need. Most counties also ask for your Social Security number, though it’s not always required by state law.

Wondering how much this costs? The fee is currently $25 in most counties. Heads up though, several counties are raising this fee to $50 starting July 18, 2026. Certified copies are also going up, from $9 to $16 each. Check with your local county clerk before you go.

Honestly, this fee change catches a lot of people off guard. It’s worth calling ahead.

No Waiting Period, No Blood Test

Here’s some good news. Nebraska does not require a waiting period. You can get married the same day your license is issued.

Nebraska also does not require a blood test. That’s one less errand on your wedding to-do list.

Your license is good for one year from the date it’s issued. If you don’t get married within that year, the license expires. You’d have to reapply and pay the fee again.

Who Can Get Married in Nebraska

Age Requirements

Let’s talk numbers. In Nebraska, you must be at least 17 years old to marry, no exceptions. Anyone under 17 cannot legally marry, period.

If you’re 17 or 18, you can marry, but you need written parental or guardian consent. The specific person who needs to sign depends on your custody situation. A consent form is available at the county clerk’s office.

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Once you turn 19, you’re considered an adult in Nebraska for marriage purposes. You can marry without anyone’s permission.

Not sure why 19 instead of 18? Nebraska’s general age of adulthood is 19, not 18 like most states. That’s unusual, honestly. It surprises a lot of people who move here from other states.

Quick update for you: a 2026 bill called LB984 tried to raise the minimum marriage age to 18. It didn’t pass. As of June 2026, that bill was indefinitely postponed, so the minimum age stays at 17 with parental consent.

Family Relationships

Okay, this part is important. Nebraska bans marriage between close relatives. This includes parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and siblings (whether full or half blood).

It also bans marriage between first cousins of whole blood, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews. These rules apply even if the family members were born outside of marriage.

Here’s where it gets interesting though. If first cousins get married legally in another state, like Iowa, and then move to Nebraska, that marriage is still considered valid here. Nebraska courts have upheld this before.

Already Married? That’s a Problem

You cannot marry someone if you already have a living spouse. This is called bigamy, and it’s illegal. Your current marriage has to be legally over first, through divorce, annulment, or death.

Think of it like trying to sign two different leases on the same apartment at once. It just doesn’t work, and the law won’t let it slide.

Same-Sex Marriage in Nebraska

Same-sex couples can legally marry in Nebraska. This has been true statewide since June 26, 2015.

County clerks cannot refuse to issue a license to a same-sex couple. Not for personal beliefs, not for religious objections, nothing. Government officials have to treat every couple the same under the law.

If you ever run into a clerk who refuses, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to just accept it. You can contact the ACLU of Nebraska for help.

Does Nebraska Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Short answer? No. Nebraska has not recognized new common law marriages since 1923.

Common law marriage means a couple is considered legally married just from living together, without ever getting a license or ceremony. Nebraska ended that option about a century ago.

Here’s the twist though. If you had a valid common law marriage in a state that still allows it, like Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Montana, or a few others, Nebraska will recognize it. That’s because of a legal rule called full faith and credit, which basically means states honor marriages made legally elsewhere.

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So living together for years in Nebraska itself? That alone never creates a marriage. Many people assume it does. They find out the hard way, usually during a breakup or when dealing with inheritance. Don’t be one of them.

If you’re in a long-term relationship without a marriage license, consider a cohabitation agreement or power of attorney. These documents protect you legally, since Nebraska won’t do it automatically.

Penalties and Consequences

Breaking Nebraska’s marriage laws carries real consequences. Bigamy, meaning marrying someone while already married to another person, is a criminal offense in Nebraska.

Incest, meaning marrying or having relations with a banned family relative, is also a crime under Nebraska law. These aren’t just administrative slip-ups. They’re criminal charges with real penalties.

If a marriage violates these rules, a court can declare it void. Void means the marriage is treated as if it never legally existed at all. Think of it like a contract that was never actually signed, even if everyone believed it was.

This matters for things like property, inheritance, and children born during the “marriage.” Nebraska law has separate provisions to protect children’s legal status even if a marriage is later voided.

Special Circumstances

Divorce and Remarriage Waiting Period

Just got divorced? Hold on, this part is important. Nebraska requires a six month waiting period after a divorce decree before either person can remarry someone new.

This waiting period does not apply if the same two people want to remarry each other. You also cannot even apply for a new marriage license until those six months pass.

Marrying Out of State

If your wedding ceremony will happen outside Nebraska, you need to get your marriage license from that other state or country. A Nebraska license only works for ceremonies performed inside Nebraska.

On the flip side, if you already got married legally in another state or country, you do not need to get a Nebraska license too. Your out-of-state marriage is automatically recognized here, as long as it was valid where it happened.

Military Members

Active duty military stationed in Nebraska get some special treatment for divorce residency rules. If you’ve been continuously stationed at a Nebraska base for a year, you’re treated as a Nebraska resident for divorce filing purposes.

Who Can Perform Your Ceremony

Judges, retired judges, court magistrates, and ordained ministers can all legally perform marriages in Nebraska. Good news, your officiant does not need to live in Nebraska or be certified specifically in this state.

After the ceremony, your officiant has 15 days to return the signed license to the county clerk who issued it. This step is what makes your marriage official on paper. Don’t skip it.

How to Apply for Your Marriage License

Ready to get started? Here’s what you actually need to do.

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First, both of you go together to any county clerk’s office in Nebraska. It doesn’t have to be the county where you live or plan to marry. A license from any county works statewide.

Bring valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Know your birthplace and your parents’ full names and birthplaces too. Pay the fee, currently $25 in most counties but rising to $50 in many places by mid-July 2026.

If you’re 17 or 18, bring your signed parental consent form. If you were divorced before, bring the date your previous divorce was finalized.

That’s basically it. Trust me, this process is way simpler than most people expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married in Nebraska on the same day I get my license?

Yes. Nebraska has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day your license is issued.

Do I need a blood test to get married in Nebraska?

No. Nebraska does not require a blood test for a marriage license.

How old do you have to be to get married in Nebraska?

You must be at least 17. If you’re 17 or 18, you need parental or guardian consent. At 19, you can marry freely without consent.

Does Nebraska recognize common law marriage?

No, not if it started in Nebraska after 1923. But Nebraska will recognize a valid common law marriage that started in a different state that allows it.

How long is a Nebraska marriage license good for?

Your license is valid for one year from the date it’s issued. If you don’t marry within that year, you’ll need to apply again.

Can same-sex couples marry in Nebraska?

Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal statewide in Nebraska since June 26, 2015.

How soon can I remarry after a divorce in Nebraska?

You must wait six months after your divorce decree before marrying someone new. This waiting period doesn’t apply if you’re remarrying the same former spouse.

Final Thoughts

Nebraska’s marriage laws are actually pretty straightforward once you break them down. No blood test, no waiting period, and a same-day license if you want it.

Just watch the age rules, the family relationship restrictions, and that upcoming fee increase in July 2026. Those are the details that trip people up.

Now you know the basics. Stay informed, plan ahead, and when your situation feels complicated, it’s always smart to ask a family law attorney or call your county clerk directly.

Marriage Laws in Nebraska (2026): The Rules Behind “I Do”