Thinking about getting married in Utah? Then you’ll want to read this first. The rules are simpler than most people expect, but a few details trip folks up every single time.
Here’s the good news. Once you know the basics, the whole process is pretty smooth. Let me walk you through it like a friend would.
What Are Marriage Laws?
Marriage laws are the rules a state sets for getting legally married. They cover things like age, paperwork, and who can perform the ceremony.
Think of them like a checklist. Follow each step, and your marriage is legal. Miss a step, and it might not count at all.
Utah updated and reorganized these rules recently. In 2024, the state moved its marriage laws into a new section called Title 81. So if you read an older guide, the rule numbers might look different now.
Makes sense, right? Let’s get into the actual rules.
How Old Do You Have To Be?
In Utah, the standard age to marry is 18. If you’re 18 or older, you don’t need anyone’s permission. Just show up and apply.
But what about younger people? This part matters, so stay with me.
If you’re 16 or 17, you can still marry. But you need two things first. You need signed consent from a parent or guardian. You also need approval from a juvenile court.
That court step is real work. A judge has to decide the marriage is your choice and in your best interest. The judge may also require premarital counseling before saying yes.
There’s a waiting rule too. A judge can’t approve a minor’s marriage until at least 72 hours after the petition is filed. That’s a built-in pause to make sure no one is rushed.
Wondering about big age gaps? Utah pays close attention to that. For a minor’s marriage, the age difference between the two people can’t be more than four years. That rule exists to protect young people.
And here’s the firm line. Nobody under 16 can legally marry in Utah. No exceptions. This rule has been in place since 2019.
Getting Your Marriage License
Okay, this is the part everyone asks about. You can’t just have a ceremony and call it official. You need a marriage license first.
You get the license from a county clerk’s office. Good news here. You can use any county in Utah, no matter where the wedding happens.
Both people usually need to apply together, in person. Some counties also let you apply online now. Pretty handy.
Here’s a tip most people miss. There’s no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get your license. So simple.
But the license doesn’t last forever. It’s good for 32 days from the day it’s issued. If you wait too long, it expires. Then you have to apply and pay all over again.
What You Need To Bring
Bring a valid government photo ID. A driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID all work fine.
You’ll also need your Social Security number, if you have one. Non-citizens can use a visa number instead.
Were you married before? Then bring proof that it ended. That means a divorce decree or a death certificate. Some counties want the divorce to be fairly recent, so call ahead and ask.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fee changes by county. Most charge somewhere around $30 to $50. Many counties land right at $50.
Lots of counties also offer an optional $10 donation. That money helps shelters for domestic violence victims. It’s your choice, and skipping it won’t affect your license.
Quick heads up. Some counties give a small discount, often $20, if you take a premarital education course. Worth asking about.
Who Can Perform the Wedding?
Not just anyone can marry you. Utah is specific about this.
The person who performs your wedding is called an officiant. They must sign your marriage certificate to make things official.
So who qualifies? Religious leaders count, like ministers, priests, rabbis, and bishops. They must be 18 or older.
Government officials count too. That includes judges, county clerks, mayors, the governor, and some state officials. Native American spiritual advisers can also perform ceremonies.
Here’s something a friend asked me about last week. She thought any ordained person could marry her anywhere in Utah. Turns out, some counties have their own rules about approved officiants. Always confirm your officiant is allowed to perform your ceremony.
One more thing. Utah usually requires two witnesses at the ceremony. Both witnesses must be over 18.
Marriages Utah Will Not Allow
Now, here’s where things get serious. Some marriages are flat-out illegal in Utah. The state calls these void, meaning they never count as legal at all.
Confused about what counts? Let me break it down.
You can’t marry someone if you’re still married to someone else. That’s called bigamy. Your earlier divorce must be fully final first.
You also can’t marry a close relative. This is called an incestuous marriage. The law blocks marriages between parents and children, brothers and sisters, and grandparents and grandchildren. It also blocks aunts or uncles marrying nieces or nephews.
What about cousins? This one surprises people. First cousins usually can’t marry in Utah. But there’s an exception.
First cousins can marry if both are 65 or older. They can also marry if both are 55 or older and a court finds that one of them can’t have children. Unusual, right? But it’s the real rule.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
So what happens if someone ignores these rules? The consequences can be heavy.
Let’s talk about officiants first. Say an officiant knowingly marries a minor who never got the proper permission. That’s a third-degree felony in Utah.
A third-degree felony is no joke. It can mean up to five years in prison and fines reaching several thousand dollars. Think of it as far more serious than a simple ticket.
What if an officiant knowingly performs an incestuous or bigamous marriage? That’s treated as a class A misdemeanor. It carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to a few thousand dollars.
Honestly, this is the part most people never think about. The rules don’t just protect the couple. They hold the officiant responsible too.
Special Situations Worth Knowing
A few special cases come up often. Let me cover the big ones quickly.
Same-sex marriage is fully legal in Utah. The requirements are exactly the same as for any other couple. No extra steps, no extra paperwork.
You also don’t have to live in Utah to marry there. There’s no residency rule. That’s why Utah is popular for destination weddings near places like Park City and the national parks.
Marrying someone from another country? That’s allowed too. A foreign national can marry in Utah with a valid passport. Just remember, the marriage itself doesn’t change anyone’s immigration status.
Here’s one more. Utah recognizes common law marriage, but with a twist. You can’t just live together and call it marriage. A couple has to petition a court to recognize an unsolemnized marriage. Personally, I think that court step catches a lot of people off guard.
How To Get Married in Utah, Step by Step
Ready to actually do this? Here’s your simple game plan. Follow it and you’ll be fine.
First, gather your documents. Grab your photo ID and Social Security number. If you were married before, find your divorce or death certificate.
Second, head to any county clerk’s office together. Apply for your license and pay the fee. Many counties let you start online, which saves time.
Third, plan your ceremony within 32 days. Remember, there’s no waiting period, so you can marry right away if you want.
Fourth, pick an approved officiant and line up two witnesses over 18. Double-check that your officiant is legally allowed to perform the ceremony.
Last step. After the wedding, your officiant signs the certificate and returns it to the county clerk. The county then mails you the official marriage certificate. That’s the proof you’re legally married.
Trust me, once you have that certificate, you’re all set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Utah marriage license good for?
It’s valid for 32 days from the day it’s issued. If it expires, you’ll need to apply and pay again.
Is there a waiting period before I can marry?
Nope. Utah has no waiting period. You can legally marry the same day you get your license.
Do I have to live in Utah to get married there?
No. Utah has no residency requirement, so anyone can marry there, even visitors from other states or countries.
Can 16 or 17-year-olds get married in Utah?
Yes, but it’s hard. They need parental consent plus juvenile court approval, and the age gap can’t be more than four years.
How much does a marriage license cost in Utah?
It depends on the county, but most charge around $30 to $50. Always call your local clerk to confirm.
Final Thoughts
There you go. Now you know the basics of getting married in Utah in 2026.
The rules really aren’t scary once you see them laid out. Get your documents, grab your license, find an approved officiant, and bring two witnesses. Done.
You’re not alone if some of this felt confusing at first. Most people don’t realize how specific these laws are until they start the process.
So here’s my advice. Bookmark this page, call your county clerk with any questions, and talk to a lawyer if your situation is tricky. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy your big day.
References
- Utah Code Title 81, Chapter 2 (Marriage), Utah State Legislature: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title81/Chapter2/C81-2.html
- Marriage information, Utah State Courts: https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case-categories/family/marriage.html
- Officiant Responsibilities and Legal Requirements, Utah County Clerk: https://www.utahcounty.gov/dept/clerk/marriage/LegalRespOfficiants.html
- Marriage, Utah Legal Services: https://www.utahlegalservices.org/node/33/marriage
- Utah Marriage Laws overview, American Marriage Ministries: https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/utah
