Free Tool

Marriage License State Comparison

Compare up to 3 states side-by-side — waiting periods, fees, validity windows, and a plain-language "best for elopements" score.

Select up to 3 states to compare. You can choose 1, 2, or all 3.

What to Look For When Comparing States

Best for Same-Day

No waiting period + no appointment requirement + convenient hours = ideal for elopements. Nevada and North Carolina lead here.

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Best on Cost

Indiana ($18), Missouri (~$45), and Virginia ($30–$45) offer the lowest fees. Texas drops to $22 with the premarital course.

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Best Validity Window

Planning far out? Nevada, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia all offer 1-year validity — the maximum available anywhere in the US.