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

What Mississippi'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

Mississippi marriage license at a glance

Fee: $37 in DeSoto County, payable by cash or card; the clerk charges a processing fee on credit card payments. Waiting period: None. The DeSoto County Circuit Clerk says no blood work or waiting period is required. How long it is valid: The license does not expire once it has been issued, according to the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk.

The fee shown is from DeSoto County. Ask your county clerk whether the amount differs where you apply.

Mississippi 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: $37 in DeSoto County, payable by cash or card; the clerk charges a processing fee on credit card payments. (Source: desotocountyms.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 DeSoto County Circuit Clerk says no blood work or waiting period is required. (Source: desotocountyms.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license does not expire once it has been issued, according to the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk. (Source: desotocountyms.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Applicants under 21 need parental consent, according to the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk. (Source: desotocountyms.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both applicants must show proof of age, such as a driver's license, ID, passport or birth certificate. If a prior marriage ended by divorce within the last 6 months, DeSoto County requires a copy of the decree. (Source: desotocountyms.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Where to apply: Both applicants appear in person before the county Circuit Clerk. In DeSoto County, walk-ins are accepted at the courthouse in Hernando. (Source: desotocountyms.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: State health department search plus certified copy is $17, extra copies $6 each. You can also contact the circuit clerk in the county of issue. (Source: msdh.ms.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Mississippi?

$37 in DeSoto County, payable by cash or card; the clerk charges a processing fee on credit card payments. The fee shown is from DeSoto County. Ask your county clerk whether the amount differs where you apply.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Mississippi?

None. The DeSoto County Circuit Clerk says no blood work or waiting period is required.

How long is a Mississippi marriage license valid?

The license does not expire once it has been issued, according to the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk.

How do you get a certified copy of a Mississippi marriage certificate?

State health department search plus certified copy is $17, extra copies $6 each. You can also contact the circuit clerk in the county of issue.

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