Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Boone County?
Marriage licenses in Boone County are issued by the Boone County Clerk's Office at 2950 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Boone County sits directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati and is one of the fastest-growing counties in Kentucky. It encompasses Florence, Erlanger, and Burlington. Many Cincinnati-area couples choose Boone County for its lower fees compared to Hamilton County, Ohio ($35.50 vs $55) and Kentucky's no-waiting-period rule.
The $35.50 Fee
Boone County's marriage license fee is $35.50 — significantly lower than Ohio's Hamilton County ($55) and Indiana's nearest counties. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $6.00 each. Payment: cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Kentucky has no waiting period (KRS §402.080). Your Boone County license is valid for ceremonies immediately upon issuance and remains valid for one full year.
If you live in the Cincinnati metro area, Boone County offers no waiting period (vs. Ohio's 5-day wait), lower fees ($35.50 vs $55), and a 1-year validity window (vs Ohio's 60 days). The Burlington courthouse is about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. The license is valid for ceremonies in Kentucky only — if your ceremony is in Ohio, apply in Ohio.
License Validity — 1 year
Your Boone County marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Kentucky. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Boone County issuing office within the timeframe required by Kentucky law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $6 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kentucky has no residency requirement. Cincinnati and Greater Cincinnati Ohio residents frequently apply in Boone County. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Kentucky. If your ceremony is in Ohio, you must apply in Ohio.
Both Boone and Kenton Counties (Covington) are popular choices for Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati-area couples. Fees are similar ($35–$46 range), both have no waiting period and 1-year validity. Kenton County's Covington courthouse may be more convenient for some; Boone County's Burlington office typically has shorter wait times.
No. Kentucky eliminated the premarital blood test requirement years ago. There is no medical examination or health screening required to obtain a marriage license in Boone County or anywhere in Kentucky.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Boone County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Clerk
The County Clerk handles marriage license applications for Boone County. Certified copies are $6 each from the county clerk — order several at once for all name change purposes.
Kentucky has no waiting period and a 1-year validity window. The $35.50 fee is among the lowest in the Southeast.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Boone County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $35.50 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: None from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Kentucky: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Kentucky within the 1 year validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Kentucky law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Kentucky. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.