"I'd marry you with paper rings."
Updated Apr 22, 2024How to Get Legally Married in Indiana and Plan Your IN Wedding
Here's how Hoosiers can nab that Indiana marriage license.
If you are looking forward to holding a classic midwestern wedding in the beautiful state of Indiana, look no further, we've got you covered. For Hoosiers, securing an Indiana marriage license to tie the knot isn't too difficult, but definitely requires some attention to detail. Nothing says midwest hospitality like Indiana, where you can host your wedding at a ton of gorgeous venues, including rose gardens, golf clubs, rustic barns and modern event centers. No matter your personal style, a venue in Indiana has got you covered. If you are on the hunt for some of the best vendors to plan your wedding, The Knot is here to help you along every step of the way. And of course, once you are well on your way to putting a ring on it, find some more information about changing your name in Indiana as well.
How to Get Married in Indiana
No matter the type of wedding you are looking to hold, Indiana can offer it to you. But, before you walk down the aisle, here are a few things you need to know to make it legal.
Is there a waiting period to get married in Indiana?
While Indiana has no waiting period to get married, there are a few legal requirements that you should be sure to check out before you run to the county clerk's office to get your marriage license.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Indiana?
Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years of age, or 16 with no more than 4 years age difference and a granted order from juvenile court that you can legally marry and are fully emancipated. If you already have a living spouse or are more closely related than second cousins, you and your new partner-to-be won't be legally able to wed.
What's considered a common law marriage in Indiana?
Indiana does not recognize common law marriages. For your wedding to be legally binding, you must have a marriage license and have participated in a marriage ceremony that was led by someone who was legally authorized to solemnize a wedding.
Indiana Marriage License 101
You've got the ring, the perfect partner you want to spend the rest of your life with and the location set, now all you need is the marriage license to make your upcoming nuptials airtight. So, where do you start?
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What do you need to get a marriage license in Indiana?
To secure your marriage license as an Indiana resident, you and your future partner have to appear in person at your county clerk's office in the area that you live, according to in.gov. For out-of-state couples, you need to appear at the clerk's office in the county where you plan to hold your wedding.
Once you've completed your application, have scoped out a day off for both you and your partner to show up, and are ready to finish the process. Here's what you need to pack in your bag. Both you and your partner must bring one of the following required documents:
- A valid drivers license or state-issued ID card
- Passport
- Birth certificate
Make sure your information is in English, otherwise you might need to get it translated and notarized before submitting it to the clerk. You will also need to provide your social security number and a certified copy of the divorce decree if you were previously married.
How much does an Indiana marriage license cost?
It costs $25 to get a marriage license for state residents and $65 for out-of-staters. Keep in mind, some offices will charge a $4 document fee and will charge an additional $4 for every additional copy of a marriage license you order. Some of these locations only accept cash, and those that accept credit or debit card will likely include a processing charge.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Indiana?
Luckily if you are looking to get married in Indiana, you will receive your marriage license right away and can even get married that very same day. The license is only valid for 60 days so if your wedding is not within the allotted time, you will need to reapply and repeat the process all over again.
Can you apply for a marriage license online in Indiana?
While you can start your application online and cut down on time, you need to appear in person to complete the process. Depending on the county you are applying to, many offices require you to complete the marriage license application process online before you show up in person. Your application will include some genealogical research that will be reported to the Indiana state library. This includes the full name, last known address and birth place of both of your parents.
How do you get a copy of an Indiana marriage license?
Additional copies of your marriage license can be ordered from the same office. You can preorder these copies when you submit your application, or you can order later once you've tied the knot. Each copy will cost an additional small fee.
How to Plan an Indiana Wedding
So, you've got your license and are ready to go. The only question is, how will you plan an absolutely spectacular wedding? With Indiana's natural beauty and gorgeous scenery, your wedding can have some breathtaking landscapes as the backdrop.
The Different Cities and Areas to Consider for an Indiana Wedding
Indianapolis and Fort Wayne are the most popular areas to host an Indiana wedding. If you are hoping to have a sleek cityscape with a bustling nightlife as your backdrop, Indianapolis may be the right place for you. But, if you are looking for something with unique architecture and sprawling public parks, your special day may be more suited to Fort Wayne.
What to Look For in an Indiana Wedding Venue
Depending on whether your wedding will be black tie or casual, you will find venues for everything from a rustic boho chic ceremony to a high-end reception held in a sparkling ballroom.
Couples looking for a more rustic vibe can tie the knot in a barn, while those looking to get in touch with nature can spend their special day in the botanical gardens or a park. If you are more interested in a black-tie affair, Indiana has a plethora of ballrooms, private clubs and traditional religious buildings that offer upscale elegant backdrops.
How to Find Indiana Wedding Vendors
You can also check out The Knot's Marketplace to find some of the best Indiana wedding vendors that will bring your dream wedding to life. Indiana has a vendor for everything from unique floral arrangements to delicious cakes, and no matter your tastes, you can find something that will make your day special.
The Best Times of Year to Have an Indiana Wedding for Good Weather
Due to the weather, indoor wedding venues are the best choice for most Indiana couples, since Indiana's freezing winters and heavy snowfall may make your rethink holding your wedding between the months of December to February, but the humid summers can be to warm for an outdoor wedding. Spring months bring heavy rainfall, but due to the temperate weather during Fall, there will be a large number of weddings held so you will probably be competing for venues.
