Getting a Marriage License in Montana
Where to apply for a marriage license in Montana, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Both parties complete and sign a marriage application, and at least one of them appears before the clerk of the district court and pays the $53 license fee. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 40-1-202, 40-1-203, 40-1-212
| Getting a marriage license | Both parties complete and sign a marriage application, and at least one of them appears before the clerk of the district court and pays the $53 license fee. Each applicant must provide a birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence of age, and proof that the marriage is not prohibited. The license takes effect when issued and expires after 180 days. The sections reviewed do not set a waiting period. |
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| Minimum marriage age | The license requires proof that each party will be 18 when the license takes effect, or 16 or 17 with judicial approval. The district court may approve a 16- or 17-year-old's marriage if the minor has the consent of both parents (or the parent with care and control, or a guardian) or has no parent capable of consenting. The court must require both parties to attend at least two marriage counseling sessions at least 10 days apart, and may approve only if it finds the minor can assume the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage is in the minor's best interest; pregnancy alone does not establish best interest. |
Where to get help in Montana
More Montana divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Montana
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Montana
- Establishing Paternity in Montana
- Changing Your Name in Montana
- Child Custody Laws in Montana
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Montana
- Divorce Records in Montana
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Montana
- How to File for Divorce in Montana
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Montana
- All Montana divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Montana?
Both parties complete and sign a marriage application, and at least one of them appears before the clerk of the district court and pays the $53 license fee. Each applicant must provide a birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence of age, and proof that the marriage is not prohibited. The license takes effect when issued and expires after 180 days.
What is the legal age to get married in Montana?
The license requires proof that each party will be 18 when the license takes effect, or 16 or 17 with judicial approval. The district court may approve a 16- or 17-year-old's marriage if the minor has the consent of both parents (or the parent with care and control, or a guardian) or has no parent capable of consenting. The court must require both parties to attend at least two marriage counseling sessions at least 10 days apart, and may approve only if it finds the minor can assume the responsibilities of marriage and the marriage is in the minor's best interest; pregnancy alone does not establish best interest.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.