Archive for May, 2010

No matter all the hard work you’ve put into planning your special day, it won’t mean much if you forget to obtain the marriage license!

 

Age Requirements

Applicants under the age of 18 must have parental consent.  Additionally, applicants age 16 must have a court order.

 

Blood Test

Marion County does not require the prospective bride or groom to provide a blood test at the time of application.

 

Fees

At the time of initial application, the fee is $18 if at least one applicant is a resident of Marion County.  If neither applicant is a Marion County resident, the fee is $60 at the time of initial application. CASH ONLY. No personal checks or money orders will be accepted at the time of application.

 

Identification

Applicants under the age of 18 must have an original certified copy of their birth certificate.  Applicants ages 18 or older must show one of the following forms of identification at the time of application:

ü a valid driver’s license;

ü current state-issued identification card;

ü original certified birth certificate;

ü baptismal certificate with date of birth;

ü military identification;

ü passport;

ü life insurance policy with date of birth;

ü school identification card; or

ü transcripts of school records indicating date of birth.

 

Previous Marriage

If either applicant has been married previously, the license application requires information on the month, year and manner (e.g., divorce, death, annulment) in which the marriage ended.  If either applicant has been divorced for less than 60 days, a copy of the divorce decree must be provided.

 

Waiting Period

Marriage licenses can be issued on the same day of application.  There is no legal waiting period to obtain a marriage license and no witnesses are required.  Both applicants must appear at the Clerk’s Office in person to complete the application; however, they may come at different times.  If necessary requirements are not met on the same day, the application may be held for no longer than sixty (60) days, after which time, it will be voided.  Once issued, a marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days during which time the marriage must be performed.

 

Where to Apply

Indiana residents must obtain a license in the county in which at least one of them resides.  Proof of residency is required in one of the following forms:

ü current driver’s license;

ü state identification card;

ü a rental lease; or

ü current utility bill.

 

Out of state residents must obtain a marriage license in the county in which the marriage will be performed.  Both applicants must apply for their license in person.

 

If both applicants live in another Indiana county and plan to marry in Marion County, they must apply for the license in their home county. For example, if the couple lives in Boone County and have planned a wedding in downtown Indianapolis, they must apply for their license in Boone County NOT Marion County.

 

Hoosier couples deciding to marry out of state or in another country should research the marriage laws of that jurisdiction as an Indiana marriage license is not transferable to another state or country.

 

Marion County Clerk
Marriage License Division
200 E. Washington Street
Suite W-122
Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 327-4720

Hours: 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday

 

Other Central Indiana County Clerk’s Offices: 

Boone County 765-482-3510
Hamilton County 317-776-9629
Hancock County 317-477-1109
Hendricks County 317-745-9351
Johnson County 317-736-3708
Madison County 765-641-9443
Morgan County 765-342-1025
Shelby County 317-392-6320

 

Who Can Perform a Ceremony

Once the marriage licenses are obtained, it is necessary to make arrangements to have the ceremony performed. Below is the Indiana Code that shows the persons authorized to solemnize a marriage.

Burns Indiana Statute 31-11-6-1

1. A member of the clergy of a religious organization (even if the cleric does not perform religious functions for an individual congregation), such as a minister of the gospel, a priest, a bishop, an archbishop, or a rabbi.
2. A judge.
3. A mayor, within the mayor’s county.
4. A clerk or a clerk-treasurer of a city or town, within a county in which the city or town is located. A clerk of the circuit court.
5. The Friends Church, in accordance with the rules of the Friends Church.
6. The German Baptists, in accordance with the rules of their society.
7. The Bahai faith, in accordance with the rules of the Bahai faith.
8. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in accordance with the rules of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
9. An imam of a masjid (mosque), in accordance with the rules of the religion of Islam.

Marion County has nine Township Small Claims Courts whose judges can perform a ceremony. Please contact them directly for details. They are listed in the Government/City-County Offices section of the white pages under Small Claims Courts.