Getting a Marriage License in Kentucky

A license is required before any marriage. Both parties must appear in person before the county clerk and show documentary proof of age, such as a birth record or certificate, passport, driver's license, or other government- or school-issued ID showing date of birth. A Social Security card or other government ID is requested for identification, but the number is not recorded. Any county clerk may issue the license when the female party is 18 or older (or a widow) and applies in person; otherwise it is issued in the county where she lives. The license is valid for 30 days, counting the day it is issued. The statewide county clerk fee for the marriage license, indexing, recording and certificate is $26.50.

Marriage of a person under 18 is prohibited and void, except as KRS 402.210 allows. No license may be issued if either party is under 17. A 17-year-old may marry only with a family court (or District Court) order granting permission and removing the disabilities of minority; the petition must include a parent or custodian's sworn consent and proof of maturity and self-sufficiency. The court must deny the petition if, among other things, the age difference is more than four years, abuse or coercion is present, or it is not in the minor's best interest. At least 15 days must pass after the order before a license is issued.