Idaho is one of the easiest states to get married in because there’s no waiting period, you don’t need witnesses, and the process is straightforward. All this, plus the state’s natural beauty, is why Idaho is the perfect place for couples looking for a laid-back wedding experience.
But even so, you may have found yourself confused about when, where, and how to get your marriage license. You’ve come to the right place, because as an ordained Idaho elopement photographer, I walk couples through this process all the time.
Here’s everything you need to know to get your Idaho marriage license for your wedding or elopement in the Gem State!
Do You Need an Idaho Marriage License?
No matter where you live, if you plan to get legally married in the state of Idaho, you will need to have an Idaho marriage license. In addition, you will need an ordained minister to sign the license after your ceremony.
Read on to find step-by-step instructions for how to get and use your marriage license.
What do You Need to get a Marriage License in Idaho?
- Approximately $30-$35 cash (or a credit card, however, a processing fee will be added).
- Your social security numbers. If you’re from outside of the U.S., you should also bring identification from your home country.
- Proof of identity and age. This can be a current driver’s license, state-issued ID, Passport, or your birth certificate.
- Some offices require a reservation to be made ahead of time, so make sure to check if that’s a requirement at the office you’ll be visiting.
It’s always best to check the website of the County Recorder’s Office you’ll be getting your license from to make sure you have everything you need.
How to Apply for Your Idaho Marriage License
Marriage licenses are applied for in person at the local County Recorder’s Office. Some offices require you to fill out an online application before showing up or require an appointment to apply for your marriage license, so it’s best to check the website of the office you’ll be getting your license from.
Visit Idaho.gov for more information about getting married in Idaho.
Once you receive your marriage license, you can use it the same day, and it will be valid for one year. Your license will be valid for weddings held anywhere in Idaho.
If you are traveling for your elopement, plan to arrive at least 1 day before your wedding to obtain your marriage license, as you must apply in person. While there’s no waiting period once you receive your marriage license, it’s always best to allow extra time so your wedding day runs smoothly and stress-free.
Where to Get Your Idaho Marriage License
You will need to apply for and pick up your Idaho marriage license in person from the County Recorder’s Office. There are 44 counties in Idaho, so finding the closest one to you is an important step in the planning process.
Below are the most common areas I help couples elope and the nearest County Recorder’s Offices:
Where to Get Your North Idaho Marriage License
Kootenai County Recorder’s Office
Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Address: 451 N Government Wy, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
A convenient location if you’ll be flying into the Spokane International Airport and eloping anywhere in North Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, Priest Lake, Sandpoint, the National Forest, etc.)
Bonner County Recorder’s Office
Location: Sandpoint, Idaho
Address: 1500 US-2 #336, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Most convenient for weddings in Sandpoint and Priest Lake, or if you’ll be eloping in the Selkirk Mountains.
Shoshone County Recorder’s Office
Location: Wallace, Idaho
Address: 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID 83873
The best location for getting married in Wallace, at Silver Mountain, or the surrounding National Forest.
Where to Get Your Boise Marriage License
Ada County Recorder’s Office
Location: Boise, Idaho
Address: 200 W. Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Perfect if you’ll be getting married in Boise or passing through Boise on your way to Stanley.
Where to Get Your Stanley Marriage License
Boise County Recorder’s Office
Location:
Address: 420 Main St, Idaho City, ID 83631
A great option if you’ll be driving to Stanley from Boise for your wedding.
Custer County Recorder’s Office
Location: Challis, Idaho
Address: 801 Main St, Challis, ID 83226
The closest place to get your marriage license to Stanley.
Baline County Recorder’s Office
Location: Hailey, Idaho
Address: 206 1st Avenue South, Suite 200, in Hailey, Idaho
This is the next closest location to get your marriage license if you’ll be getting married in Stanley. It’s also a convenient location if you’ll be getting married in Sun Valley or Craters of the Moon.
Where to Get Your Island Park Marriage License
Fremont County Recorder’s Office
Location: Anthony, Idaho
Address: Court House, 151 W 1st N, St Anthony, ID 83445
The nearest place to get your Idaho Marriage License if you’ll be getting married in Island Park, Idaho.
Madison County Recorder’s Office
Location: Rexburg, Idaho
Address: 134 E Main St, Rexburg, ID 83440
A convenient location to get your marriage license for your Island Park wedding if you’ll be flying into Idaho Falls.
Teton County Recorder’s Office
Location: Driggs, Idaho
Address: 150 Courthouse Drive, Driggs, ID 83422
Best for weddings taking place on the Idaho side of the Teton Mountains.
When Should You Apply for Your Idaho Marriage License?
Because Idaho marriage licenses are valid for a full year, you can get your license whenever is most convenient for you.
If you’ll be traveling from out of state for your Idaho elopement or wedding, I always recommend adding at least 1 day for getting your marriage license. Even though there is no waiting period, this gives you extra time in case of delays so you’re not stressing on your wedding day.
If you live in Idaho, as soon as you have a wedding date solidified, you can choose a time to get your license. I usually recommend anywhere from 1 week to a month in advance, just to give plenty of time.
How to Get Married in Idaho
Now, let’s get into how to legally get married in Idaho, step-by-step
- Find the nearest County Recorder’s Office and make an appointment if required.
- Bring the necessary documentation & payment to apply for your marriage license.
- Fill out the application in person.
- Receive your marriage license.
- Have an ordained minister sign your paperwork after you exchange vows.
- Return the signed paperwork either via mail or in person.
When you get your marriage license, you’ll receive two papers for your minister to sign: a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate.
The Marriage License is issued before your wedding ceremony and serves as your permission to get married. The Marriage Certificate is what you receive after the signed license has been filed (usually, you’ll receive this in the mail) and is the official proof that you got married.
Who can Marry You in Idaho?
You will need someone who is ordained to sign your marriage license for it to be legally valid. This can be an ordained minister, loved one, or even your photographer.
How to Get Ordained in Idaho
If you want a loved one to marry you on your elopement day, they can easily get ordained online for free! You can become ordained through Universal Life Church for weddings in most states, including Idaho, and it’s a very easy process. Just fill out the form, submit it, and your application will be reviewed and should be approved quickly.
What Happens to Your Idaho Marriage License After Your Wedding?
After your Idaho wedding, your officiant fills out the license, signs it, and returns it to the county recorder’s office, usually by mail. The county then officially records your marriage. You won’t receive a marriage certificate automatically, so you’ll need to order certified copies once it’s filed.
Here’s exactly what needs to happen after you exchange vows:
1. Your Officiant Fills Out the Marriage License
After you’ve exchanged vows, your marriage license must be filled out by the officiant and signed by you and your spouse.
They’ll fill in:
- The date of your ceremony
- The location
- Their name and title (minister, priest, judge, etc.)
- Their signature
- Your signatures (you and your partner)
- Any required witness signatures (Idaho does not require witnesses, but if your officiant uses them, it’s fine)
When you receive your marriage license, it will include instructions for what needs to be filled out to make it easy for your minister to complete the form properly.
2. The License Gets Returned to the County Recorder’s Office
In Idaho, it is the officiant’s responsibility to return the signed marriage license; however, sometimes the couple will drop it off. The license just needs to be returned to the same County Recorder’s Office where it was issued and should be returned within 30 days.
It can be returned in person or via mail.
Most officiants mail it back the next business day. Don’t stress about this part, just make sure you know how they plan to return it so nothing gets lost.
3. The County Officially Records Your Marriage
Once the Recorder’s Office receives your license, they review it and officially record your marriage.
This usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the county and the time of year.
You Won’t Receive a Marriage Certificate Automatically
This part surprises a lot of couples: The signed license is not the same thing as your official marriage certificate.
To get the official certificate (the document you need for name changes, Social Security updates, insurance, etc.), you need to order certified copies.
4. Get your certified marriage certificate
Once your license has been recorded, you can request certified copies through the county recorder from which you received your license or through the Idaho Vital Records. Certified copies typically cost around $16–$21, depending on the county.
Most couples order two certified copies so they have one to keep and one to send in for name changes, passports, etc.
5. What to Do If Something Gets Lost or Delayed?
If, for whatever reason, you or your officiant is not able to return the license within 30 days, contact the County Recorder’s Office to let them know, and they’ll walk you through what needs to happen next.
Idaho is pretty flexible. If your license is returned late or gets lost in the mail, the county can usually reissue or resolve it without much hassle. It’ll just delay your certificate. Another reason to double-check that your officiant mailed it!
Common Questions about Idaho Marriage Licenses:
Some offices require an appointment to apply for your marriage license, and some don’t. You’ll need to check the website of the specific County Clerk’s office you’ll be getting your license from to find out whether you need to make a reservation to get your marriage license.
To get your Idaho marriage license, you will both need to be present and need to bring: current photo identification, Social Security Numbers, and approximately $30 cash.
A marriage license in Idaho costs between $28-$35, plus any applicable fees if paying by credit card or debit card.
No, you can use your marriage license immediately after you receive it.
Your Idaho marriage license is valid for one year (365 days) after you receive it for your wedding anywhere in the state of Idaho.
Yes, both people need to be present when applying for a marriage license.
Yes – Idaho doesn’t require residency to get married here. You just need to make sure you have a valid Idaho marriage license and an ordained minister to sign it.
No witnesses are required for you to get married in the state of Idaho!
Happy eloping!
