HE-160
So You're Getting Married

by Dixie Porter Jackson, Extension Specialist, Consumer Economics and Mary Jane Johnson, Shorewood, IL
Whether you are planning a large or simple ceremony, there are many things to do when you are preparing for a wedding. The two of you may be selecting a ring, dishes, or an apartment. In the midst of all these activities, thoughts about such things as insurance, credit cards and property rights may get lost in the shuffle. And yet, they are going to be important to your future financial well-being. The purpose of this publication is to remind you of some of the legal and financial considerations that accompany a marriage.
How old must I be to get married?
You must be at least 18 years of age. If you are 17, you will need the consent of your parents or guardian. If you are 16 or under, you will need your parents’ permission and a judge’s permission.
If both parents have custody, both must give permission. If your parents are divorced, you need only the permission of the parent who has legal custody.
How do we get a license to marry?
You can apply for a marriage license at the county courthouse in which you are a resident. If you and your fiance' are from two different counties, either county is acceptable. If you both are from out of state, you should apply for a license in the county where you will be married.
When going to the county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license, you must have the results of your blood test and proof of your age (driver’s license or birth certificate). Proof of age requirements vary from county to county so check with the county clerk where you are going to apply. The license fee is $5.00 (1982).
The license application is dated and the marriage must take place within 60 days of that date. If not, you must apply for another license. There is also a 3 day waiting period which means the marriage ceremony cannot take place until three days after you have applied for the license. Some counties will post-date the license; others require you to return to the courthouse three days after you apply for the license to have it dated.
Where can we be married?
It is up to you to decide the location of your marriage ceremony. The only requirement: a qualified person must be willing to perform the ceremony at your chosen location. Also, remember that an Indiana marriage license is good only within the state. You may be married anywhere within the state—unless you are both out-of-state residents. In that case, you must be married in the same county in which you applied for the license.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA