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Marriage License Application
Congratulations!
When planning your wedding, don't forget you must obtain a marriage license. You may apply for a marriage license in St. Joseph County at the Main Clerk's Office, or the Mishawaka Clerk's Office.
Apply
The St. Joseph Circuit Court Clerk offers an online service for couples to pre-apply for a marriage license. One or both of you must be residents of St. Joseph County OR if not residents you must be getting married in St. Joseph County. The Online Marriage License Application (OMLA) makes it easier and more efficient to obtain a marriage license. You may complete the web-based application form online prior to visiting the Clerk's office. It will shorten the time spent in the Clerk's office to obtain the license. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to fill out the paperwork. Please keep that in mind when you are deciding when to come in.
You may also apply in person at the office of the Circuit Court Clerk in South Bend or Mishawaka.
Access: Pre-apply online
Where to Apply
Whether you pre-apply online, you still have to come to the Clerk's office in South Bend or Mishawaka to obtain your license. If you do not pre-apply online, you can apply in the office of the Clerk. A valid identification to prove your identity and Date of Birth must be shown whether you pre-apply or apply in the office.
Application Location Regulations |
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Age Requirements
You must be 18 years of age to file for a license without parental consent. If the bride and/or groom is 17 years old, both parents must consent to the marriage by signing the application.
If the applicant(s) are 16 years of age or under, you must first obtain a court order before you apply and your parents must sign the application. You must file a petition with the Clerk's Office ($141) in order to obtain the court order. A hearing will be set by the judge assigned to the case. After receiving the court order from the Judge, bring it to the Clerk's office to apply for the license.
Blood Tests
The State of Indiana does not require blood test results be presented at the time of application.
Identification to Bring to Apply |
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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: |
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If You Were Married Before
If either applicant was married before, the license application requires information on the month, year, and manner (for example, divorce, death, or annulment) in which the marriage ended.
Waiting Period
In the State of Indiana, the marriage license can be issued on the same day of application. There is no waiting period. Both applicants must appear at the Clerk's Office in person to complete the application. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. If you do not marry within the sixty days, the license will expire and you will have to apply for a new one.
License Cost
At the time of the application, the fee is $29 if one or both of the applicants is a resident of the State of Indiana. If both applicants reside out of state, and intend to marry in Indiana the fee is $65 payable at the time you apply. No personal checks are accepted. Please bring cash or a money order.
Who Can Perform a Ceremony |
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IC 11/06/31 States who is authorized to solemnize a marriage. |
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If you choose to be married by a judge in St Joseph County, please contact their offices directly to set an appointment.
Changing Your Name After Marriage
Access the Social Security website information on changing your name.
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Clerk- South Bend
Physical Address
101 S Main Street
Basement of Court House
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: 574-235-9635Fax: 574-235-9838
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Mishawaka Division
Physical Address
219 Lincoln Way West
County Services Annex
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: 574-235-9635Fax: 574-256-6225
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. 4:30 p.m.