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

What Montana'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

Montana marriage license at a glance

Fee: $53, set in state law. Waiting period: No waiting period. The license is valid the minute it is issued, per the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court. How long it is valid: Effective when issued; expires after 180 days.

Montana 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: $53, set in state law. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: No waiting period. The license is valid the minute it is issued, per the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court. (Source: beaverheadcountymt.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Effective when issued; expires after 180 days. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The license allows the ceremony in any county of Montana. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Judges, public officials with marriage powers, mayors, city judges, justices of the peace, notaries public, tribal judges, or any mode recognized by a religious denomination or tribe. (Source: leg.mt.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: 18, or 16 and 17 with judicial approval under 40-1-213. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Each applicant gives a birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence of age. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: The clerk of district court; the application is signed by both parties and at least one appears in person. (Source: leg.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: The state Office of Vital Records does not issue marriage records; it only holds a searchable index. (Source: dphhs.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Montana?

$53, set in state law.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Montana?

No waiting period. The license is valid the minute it is issued, per the Beaverhead County Clerk of District Court.

How long is a Montana marriage license valid?

Effective when issued; expires after 180 days.

Who can officiate a wedding in Montana?

Judges, public officials with marriage powers, mayors, city judges, justices of the peace, notaries public, tribal judges, or any mode recognized by a religious denomination or tribe.

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

The state Office of Vital Records does not issue marriage records; it only holds a searchable index.

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