Indiana Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

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Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
  • Minister Presence: Required
  • Witnesses Required: None
  • Couple’s Consent: Required
  • Pronouncement: Required

Indiana allows couples to tailor their ceremonies to reflect their beliefs and traditions. However, the ceremony must include a formal consent to marry from both parties, which the officiating minister must pronounce for the marriage to be legally binding.

Requirements for the Couple

  • Minimum Age: 18 years (17 with Guardian Consent; 15 with Court Approval if expecting a child)
  • Residency: Not Required (required during COVID for some licenses)
  • Kinship Restrictions: Second Cousins; First Cousins if both are 65+
  • Marriage Equality: Yes

Couples must be at least 18 to marry. Minors aged 17 may marry with parental or guardian consent, while minors aged 15 can seek court approval in specific circumstances. Indiana prohibits marriages between close relatives closer than second cousins, with limited exceptions for elderly first cousins.

Marriage License Requirements

  • Who Picks Up: The Couple
  • Where Valid: County of Issuance
  • Pick-Up: In Person Only
  • Cost: $18 for Residents; $60 for Non-Residents (+$2 Filing Fee in some counties)
  • Accepted ID: Government-Issued ID and Proof of Residence
  • Proof of Divorce: Varies by County
  • Blood Test: Not Required

Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the county clerk’s office. If neither person is an Indiana resident, the license must be obtained in the county where the wedding will take place. Some counties may require additional documentation, such as prior divorce decrees or a Social Security card.

Marriage License Facts

  • Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
  • Mandatory Waiting Period: None
  • License Validity: 60 Days
  • Submission Deadline: By Expiration

Marriage licenses in Indiana are valid upon issuance and remain valid for 60 days. The officiant must complete two certificates attached to the license—one for the couple and one to return to the issuing county clerk before the license expires.

Requirements for the Minister

  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Residency: Not Required
  • Documents Required: Varies by County
  • Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
  • Registration Office: County Clerk

Indiana recognizes a broad range of officiants, including judges, mayors, religious clergy, and ministers ordained online by the Universal Life Church. Ministers should check with the county clerk to confirm documentation requirements. The Classic Wedding Package is recommended for necessary credentials.

Final Steps

  • Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
  • Church/Ordaining Body: Universal Life Church Ministries
  • Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address

Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant must fill out both copies of the marriage certificate, including:

  • Their name, title, and ordaining body.
  • The couple’s names and addresses.
  • The time and place of the ceremony.
  • The date and county of license issuance.

The officiant must provide the original certificate to the couple and return the duplicate with the license to the issuing clerk within 60 days of issuance, and no later than 30 days after the ceremony.

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