Application Guide
General Help
Completing the Application
Each couple completes one application together, with each person filling out their own section. The purpose of the marriage license is to legally connect two individuals as one couple. If two separate applications were started, simply complete one and ignore the other.
Applying from Different Devices
Your application is stored securely on the Utah County server. Until the license is paid for, your personal application link will always return you to the same application. You may access it from any device or location, including switching between a smartphone and computer.
Applying in Person
Applicants who prefer assistance or the in-office experience are welcome to visit the office during business hours. Marriage licenses issued in person are still digital licenses.
Getting Assistance
If you need help with your application, contact the Marriage License Division at marriage@utahcounty.gov or 801-851-8109. Staff are available to answer questions and assist with the process.
Personal Information
Name at Birth
Applicants are asked to provide their last name at birth. Because people may change names through marriage, divorce, or adoption, this information helps connect the marriage record to other vital records.
Gender Selection
It is best if the gender listed on the application matches the gender on the identification document. If the listed options do not reflect your identity, the application includes an “Other” option.
Social Security Number
If you have been issued a U.S. Social Security Number, Utah law requires it to be collected. Only the last four digits appear on the application. If you have not been issued a Social Security Number, you can select the appropriate option indicating this.
Use of Personal Information
Information collected during the application process is required by Utah State law or Utah Office of Vital Records policies. The completed application becomes part of a vital record maintained by the county.
Residential Address
Choosing the Correct Address
The residential address on the application represents your current residence. In most cases, applicants should provide their current address. If your present location is temporary, such as during travel, military assignment, or schooling, you may instead list your permanent residence.
Mailing of Documents
Documents are not mailed to the residential address unless it is also listed as the shipping address.
Identity Verification
Acceptable Identification
Applicants in the United States are encouraged to use a driver's license or state ID. Applicants outside the United States typically use a passport. The system can compare identification against a library of more than 6,000 government-issued identity documents.
Capturing your Photo
When taking the required facial photo:
- Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face
- Use a plain, uncluttered background
- Maintain a neutral expression similar to the one shown on your ID
These steps help the system match your photo with your identification.
Manual Identity Verification
If the system cannot automatically verify your identity, you will be directed to complete Manual Identity Verification. This process includes uploading images of your ID and recording a brief video affidavit.
A deputy clerk will review your submission and reply with an email with instructions for continuing your application or a request to submit additional documentation if needed. The manual identity verification process typically takes a few business days.
Correcting Name or Birth Date Errors
Your name and birth date are typically pulled directly from your ID. U.S. driver's license data is read from the barcode, while other IDs may use optical character recognition (OCR). Occasionally the system may read the information incorrectly.
If your name or date of birth appears incorrectly, contact the Marriage License Division for assistance. You may be asked to submit another image of your ID through the Manual Identity Verification tool so staff can correct the information.
Parent Information
Why Parent Information is Collected
After 75 years, marriage records become public records. Genealogists and family historians often research these records, and the parent information helps provide historical context.
Parent Names
Applicants should enter their parents' names at birth, or as they would appear on a birth certificate. For mothers, this is typically their maiden name.
Unknown Parent Information
If you do not know certain details, it is acceptable to enter “unknown.” It is better for information to be incomplete than inaccurate.
Statistical Information
Why This Information is Collected
Certain information requested on the application is collected for statistical purposes by the Utah Office of Vital Statistics.
Recent Divorce Documentation
If you have been divorced within the last 60 days, the office must review your divorce decree before issuing the marriage license. The application will prompt you to upload the document. If it is not in English, an English translation must also be provided.
Once the review is complete, you will be notified so you can continue the application.
Education Information
If your education does not match the U.S. education system exactly, choose the closest equivalent level, such as high school graduation, associate or technical degree, or bachelor's degree.
Race and Ethnicity Options
The race and ethnicity categories are defined by the Utah Office of Vital Statistics. Applicants should select the option that most closely reflects their background. These selections do not affect the marriage license process.
Digital Signature
Utah law requires marriage applicants to provide an affidavit stating there is no lawful reason preventing the marriage. Applicants who will not physically be in the state at the time of the ceremony are required by law to provide additional affidavits. Our system requires all applicants to agree to all terms. Check the box next to each section indicating that you have read and understand the section, and that it represents a true statement. Your digital signature at the bottom represents your affidavit.
Shipping Address
Where Documents are Sent
The shipping address is the location where your certificate of marriage will be mailed after the wedding ceremony. No documents are sent before the ceremony. Shipment of documents to areas outside of the United States will also be assessed a shipping fee.
Ordering Documents & Services
Optional Documents and Services
Additional options available during the application process include:
- Apostille Requests
- Additional certified copies of the marriage certificate
- A copy of the marriage license application (often referred to as the long form license)
Applicants with U.S. shipping addresses may also choose FedEx shipping when ordering additional certified copies.
Apostille Requests
An Apostille Request can be ordered during the marriage license application by selecting it from Optional Documents and Services. When ordering an apostille, you will indicate the country where the document will be used and the number of copies required.
Apostilles can also be ordered separately through the Utah County website.
Payment
Marriage License Fees
The base marriage license fee includes:
- $40 to Utah County
- $10 to the Utah Children's Defense Fund
Applicants may also choose to donate $10 to the Victims of Domestic Violence Fund.
Online applications include an additional $20 fee for the Utah Marriage Commission. This fee can be waived if applicants have completed qualifying premarital counseling or education.
Information about these resources is available through the Utah Marriage Commission, hosted by Utah State University Extension.
Marriage Education Discount
Applicants who complete approved premarital counseling or education may qualify to have the $20 Utah Marriage Commission fee waived.
Documents Services and Shipping Fees
Payment for any additional documents and services ordered will be included with your marriage license payment. Shipment of documents to areas outside of the United States will also be assessed a shipping fee. Marriage license fees, including payment for documents and services ordered with the marriage license, are non-refundable.
Accepted Payment Methods
The online system accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit or debit cards. A transaction processing fee will be applied.
ZIP or Postal Code for Payment
Many credit and debit cards require a ZIP or postal code for security verification. If your card does not have one associated with it, you may enter 000000 to proceed.
After Your Application
Sending the Marriage License to an Officiant
After completing your application and receiving your digital license, you will be directed to a page where you can enter the email address of your officiant. Selecting “Send Email” will deliver a message to the officiant containing:
- A link to your marriage license
- Instructions for performing the ceremony
- Instructions for finalizing the license
Receiving Your Certificate
Nothing is issued before the wedding ceremony. The marriage license is fully digital until the officiant finalizes it after the ceremony.
For U.S. addresses, certificates are typically mailed by the end of the next business day after finalization. For international shipping, applicants may receive an email requesting confirmation before documents are sent. A tracking number will be provided once the documents ship.