Marriage License
What will I need to apply for marriage license?
How far in advance must we apply for marriage license?
When can we apply for marriage license?
Can I get married at the courthouse?
How can I get information regarding old marriage licenses (i.e., genealogy)?
Can I get married if I'm under the age of 21?
- Both parties must be 21 years of age or older, appear before the clerk together, provide proof of age (drivers license or birth certificate), and pay $22.00. (The fee will increase to $36.00 on 7/1/2019.) If either party has been previously married, we will also need to know the date the last marriage ended. Both parties should also be prepared to provide both parents' full (including maiden) names. You may also complete this form and bring with you when applying to streamline the process. You will be issued the license on the day you apply. After the ceremony, you will be required to return the license to the clerk for recording no later than 5 days after the marriage.
How far in advance must we apply for marriage license?
- Once a marriage license is issued, there is no time limit on completing the marriage ceremony.
When can we apply for marriage license?
- Marriage licenses can be issued Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because the application process can be lengthy, we do ask couples to come to the office no later than 4:30 p.m.
Can I get married at the courthouse?
- You will receive your marriage license the same day you apply, and you may have the ceremony the same day. However, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with a licensed minister or other official with the authority to perform marriage ceremonies according to state statute.
How can I get information regarding old marriage licenses (i.e., genealogy)?
- Marriage records from 1874-current are held locally in the circuit clerk's office. Any license prior to that date would have been destroyed by fire. Records can be researched for a fee of $17 per marriage, which includes a certified copy if the record is here. We will need both the complete groom' name and the bride's complete name, including her maiden name, and the approximate date of marriage. You may also download this form and submit along with payment for a quicker response
Can I get married if I'm under the age of 21?
- If you are not yet 21 years of age, you must have parental consent to marry in Mississippi. This is commonly handled by the parents signing the marriage license application when the couple applies for the license. If you are over the age of 18 but not yet 21, your parent(s) may submit a sworn statement giving their permission for you to marry in lieu of appearing before the clerk. If the parents submit this sworn statement, the underage parties must present a birth certificate or other legal documents verifying the parentage. The necessary form may be found here. Certain restrictions apply to persons under the age of 18 applying for marriage license. Please contact the clerk's office for more details.