Five things to know about your Montana Marriage License
Photo: Mountain Life Photography
Congratulations! If you’ve landed here you’re likely planning an adventure elopement or destination wedding in Montana and are ready to secure your Montana Marriage License!
As a Montana wedding officiant, I get a lot of questions from folks trying to sort out the misinformation they find on the internet. Hopefully my experience can guide your process. Because the laws vary in each state, it’s a great idea to research the full process ahead and prepare yourself for each step. You’ll need to get the marriage license, have it signed and then the license needs to be submitted for recording. The legality of your marriage relies on these steps and it’s important to follow the rules. I'll guide you through the process as it relates to the Montana wedding laws, handle administrative details, and help you have the wedding day you've dreamed of. Celebrate your love in beautiful Montana with us!
Photo: Green Door Photography
How to Apply for Your Marriage License
A marriage license is a legal form that gets registered in the state where you are getting married. The first step in getting your Montana marriage license is to visit the website for the Clerk of Court of the county office for the city close to where you’ll be in Montana. This is a really big state, so look at a map, note which county is closest to where you will be, and then look up their website.
For example, if you’re planning to get married in Glacier National Park, you’ll likely fly into the Glacier National Airport, which is located in Kalispell, MT. Kalispell is in Flathead County, so you’ll need to visit the website of the Flathead County Clerk of Court. On the website are the hours and rules for that location and details about next steps. Many of the Montana Clerks of Court offices require an online application.
NOTE: A Montana marriage license is valid for 180 days,
may be obtained in any county in Montana but is valid only in Montana.
Photo: Megan Fetters Creative
2. How to Get your Montana Marriage License in hand
By Montana law, both people getting married must be present to sign the application in person when picking it up at the Clerk of Court office. At that time, you’ll also need to prove your age with the required documents and pay the fee.
This means that you need to build time into your wedding preparation timeline to go together to pick up your license at the county office. Again- look at the map!
Build it into the schedule- maybe with a quick coffee date before and a romantic lunch after, instead of trying to squeeze it in between hair and makeup or sending a groomsman to pick it up- that won’t fly!
The wait time is different in bigger cities than in small towns, but budgeting twenty minutes for the stop in Flathead County is quite reasonable. The parking lot usually has spaces, the building has both stairs and an elevator and the staff are friendly and helpful. They’ll answer your questions, tell you things you’ll forget, hand you extra papers that say the things, and remind you to bring your license to your ceremony to have it signed.
Photo: Dina Remi Photography
3. The Signing- Papers and Pronouncement
Once you have the marriage license in hand, you are ready for a wedding ceremony to seal the deal. Though the signing of the license is the legal procedure, the accompanying rituals that anchor a wedding are not dictated by state law. The only state legal requirement for a wedding in Montana is a Declaration of Intent, which is the part where the officiant asks the couple: Do you want to be married to each other? and they each say, “I do.”
For many folks, that’s all they need!
We meet in the park downtown,
I ask if you want to be married,
you say yes,
I sign the papers and,
we snag some selfies for the scrapbook!
Some folks want more! I offer a classic ceremony that’s short and sweet, which you can embellish with a ritual, blessing or a song or - we can really get to know each other and I can retell your love story for all your gathered guests and fill the evening with frivolity! Check out the options below!
Changing Your Name?
If you want to change your name when you get married, the place to start is by signing your NEW NAME when you sign the marriage license. Some folks like to practice.
Photo: Green Door Photography
4. Turn in the Marriage License
After the ceremony and the selfies, the last step is to bring the paperwork back to the originating Clerk of Court’s office for filing/registration. Until this step is completed, there is not record of your being married, so it “doesn’t count” legally, until you get that paper processed. As an officiant, it is part of my job description to do that step. I first create a pdf file from a photo of the paper, which I send to you, the couple, the next day- with a little follow-up note. I bring the marriage license to the clerk of court on the next business day unless the originating office is far away, in which case I send it via certified mail so that there is a receipt.
Some couples want to have a certified copy of the license sooner than the time it takes our local office to process and mail one back to them, so they’ll submit the signed license themselves and also avoid the postage fees that the Clerk of court might charge. In Montana- they’re happy to oblige!
5. Keeping the Pretty Copy of the Montana Marriage license with the Gold Seal
Many of my couples have expressed confusion about turning in the license when they had understood that they’d get to keep the pretty copy of their marriage license with the golden seal (at least- that’s what the Flathead County office provides- not all licenses look the same).
I KNOW you have to turn it in if you want it to count. I now also know that, YOU GET IT BACK! After you turn in the paperwork and the clerks register it all in their computers, they can send you back the original with the gold seal. You can also get certified copies, for an extra fee. These options are useful for keepsakes AND for circumstances in which you’ve changed your name and need proof in order to update other things like social security records, your driver’s license, and your passport.
Photo: Jason Shikora Photography
The Montana Marriage License is not only an important document but also a crucial requirement if you're planning to tie the knot in Montana. It serves as the foundation of your marriage, guaranteeing its legality and establishing the platform for a lifetime of stability and happiness. By following just these few simple steps, you can ensure that your marriage is not only a solemn and joyful occasion but also recognized under the law, providing you with the myriad benefits that come with a legally binding union. Whether it's securing joint health insurance, filing taxes jointly, or simply enjoying the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that your marriage is officially recognized, obtaining a Montana Marriage License is the gateway to a solid and prosperous future together.
Ready to make your dream wedding a reality?
Choosing the right officiant is crucial for a seamless and memorable wedding experience. As your Montana wedding officiant, I bring not only expertise but also a deep commitment to ensuring your special day reflects your unique love story. Let me handle the legalities and details so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love.
Contact me today and let's start planning your perfect ceremony in beautiful Montana!
