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Kentucky marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Kentucky's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Kentucky marriage license at a glance

Fee: $60 in Boone County, collected by the county clerk when the license is issued. The fee is nonrefundable. Waiting period: None. The Franklin County Clerk states there is no waiting period, blood test, or physical requirement for a Kentucky marriage license. How long it is valid: 30 days, counting the date of issue. After that the license is invalid.

Kentucky counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Boone County; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Kentucky marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $60 in Boone County, collected by the county clerk when the license is issued. The fee is nonrefundable. (Source: boonecountyclerk.ky.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. The Franklin County Clerk states there is no waiting period, blood test, or physical requirement for a Kentucky marriage license. (Source: franklincountyclerk.ky.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: 30 days, counting the date of issue. After that the license is invalid. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Witnesses: At least two people besides the couple and the officiant must be present at every marriage. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Ministers or priests in regular communion with a religious society, judges and justices (including retired), county judges/executive, authorized justices of the peace, and certain religious societies. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: No license if either party is under 17. A 17-year-old needs a family or district court order granting permission, and 15 days must pass after the order. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both parties must be present and show documentary proof of age, such as a birth record, passport, driver's license, school or government ID, or immigration record. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: The county clerk where the bride-to-be lives. If she is 18 or older (or a widow) and applies in person, any county clerk may issue it. (Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Check with your county clerk. Official page

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Kentucky?

$60 in Boone County, collected by the county clerk when the license is issued. The fee is nonrefundable. Kentucky counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Boone County; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Kentucky?

None. The Franklin County Clerk states there is no waiting period, blood test, or physical requirement for a Kentucky marriage license.

How long is a Kentucky marriage license valid?

30 days, counting the date of issue. After that the license is invalid.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Kentucky?

At least two people besides the couple and the officiant must be present at every marriage.

Who can officiate a wedding in Kentucky?

Ministers or priests in regular communion with a religious society, judges and justices (including retired), county judges/executive, authorized justices of the peace, and certain religious societies.

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