
Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Canada also allows same-sex marriage, but not all provinces permit it.
Full Answer
What states have legalized same-sex marriage?
Following this, opponents of same-sex marriage began tightening marriage restrictions, with several states approving state constitutional amendments specifically defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In 2008, California and Connecticut both legalized same-sex marriage, followed by Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Can you get married the same day you buy a marriage license?
The answer to this question is that it depends where the couple will be holding their wedding ceremony. Each state makes its own marriage laws. Some states allow a marriage license to be used the same day it’s purchased, but other states have a marriage ‘waiting period.’
Can you get married on the same day in all 50 states?
You’d be surprised to know that many states allow it. Of the 50 states in the US, 31 have no restrictions on granting licenses and marrying the couple on the same day. In those states, there is also no waiting period, so you apply, get it, and get married.
What are the laws for getting married in each state?
Our marriage law guide breaks down each state’s laws for engaged couples such as age requirement, license expiration time, state residency and more. It's important that you and your partner looking into your state's marriage laws and obtain a license well before the big day.

Which state is easiest to get married in?
The 5 Easiest States to Get Married InThe Easiest States to Get Married In #1: Colorado. ... The Easiest States to Get Married In #2: Idaho. ... The Easiest States to Get Married In #3: Wyoming. ... The Easiest States to Get Married In #4: Utah. ... The Easiest States to Get Married In #5: Montana. ... Finding Your Perfect "I Do" Location.
Where in the US can you get married the same day?
For example, Mississippi requires a blood test and a 3-day waiting period to issue a marriage license, and in California, you can get married on the same day you apply for a marriage license.
What states can you elope?
This is only allowed to be performed in a few states currently, including Colorado, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This is a great option for couples who want to have an elopement in one of these states!
Is there a waiting period to get married in Oklahoma?
An Oklahoma marriage license is good for ten days. Applicants under the age of 18 must wait 72 hours after obtaining a license to get married, and if you're recently divorced, there's a six-month waiting period before you can apply for a new license.
Where is the easiest place to elope?
Top 5 Easiest Places to Elope in the US:Colorado.California.Montana.Washington State.Oregon.
Where can I get married just the two of us?
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has launched its “Just the Two of Us” wedding package. The resort is inviting couples to combine their wedding and honeymoon through a personalized package on the island of St. Lucia.
Can I get married online?
A virtual wedding is a wedding where the officiant, guests, and couple are joined together by a video call. Having your wedding ceremony virtual doesn't mean you can't have the extras like a venue, decor, flowers, live musician and more!
Where is the cheapest to elope?
Cheap elopement destinations in the United States that are still gorgeousLake Tahoe.British Virgin Islands.Bali.Scotland.Oregon Forrest.In the Montana Mountains.Colorado Mountains.California Coast.More items...•
How can I get married in Texas without a ceremony?
In Texas, a marriage relationship can be created either through a (1) ceremonial process, (2) an informal or “common law” marriage relationship, or (3) marriage by proxy. Once a marriage relationship is created, it's presumed to be valid.
Can you get married the same day in Oklahoma?
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Oklahoma? You can get your marriage license the same day you apply for it, as there is no waiting period in Oklahoma.
How does a courthouse wedding work?
A courthouse wedding is a nonreligious ceremony that allows you to legally marry your partner. Unlike a religious ceremony, courthouse weddings are presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk.
What documents do I need to get married in Oklahoma?
Both parties must present valid identification, which could be:Certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state or county, not the hospital.State I.D.Military I.D.Other state or federal document issued as proof of identity and age.Valid driver's license-not expired.Valid passport.
Can you get married in Vegas same day?
Yes, you can receive your marriage license and get married the same day in Las Vegas. Click here to see the requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Nevada has no blood test or waiting period. The Marriage License Bureau is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, 365 days per year and does not take appointments.
Can you get married the same day in New York?
After you obtained your marriage license you will need to wait 24 hours to have your ceremony. This means: You can NOT get married the same day that you obtained your license.
Can you get married same day in California?
The Same Day Marriage option is available to those who are ready to go for it! If that's you, call us now to schedule an appointment. Requirements: You must bring your marriage license and government issued photo I.D. with you.
Can you get married same day in Arizona?
Obtaining Your Arizona Marriage License Getting a marriage license in Arizona is fairly easy compared with other states. There is no waiting period and blood tests aren't required. You can get married the same day that you apply for your marriage license as long as you provide all of the appropriate documentation.
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Which states have legalized same sex marriage?
On November 6, 2012, Maine, Maryland and Washington became the first states to legalize same-sex marriage through popular vote. On June 26, 2015, in the landmark civil rights case Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and ...
How many states have legalized gay marriage?
Thirty-seven states have legalized gay marriage, with restrictions in Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama. The following 37 states (and the District of Columbia) have legalized same-sex marriage: The following 13 states have not legalized same-sex marriage:
When did same sex marriage start?
On February 12, 2004, the first same-sex marriage in the United States happened in San Francisco, California. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon become the first gay couple to marry and receive official recognition after being together for 50 years. On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state and sixth jurisdiction in ...
Is same sex marriage legal in 2021?
Same Sex Marriage States 2021. Same-sex marriage is the marriage of people of the same sex or gender. While same-sex marriage is [legal in many countries] (/country-rankings/countries-where-gay-marriage-is-legal it is still a debate in many places around the world.
How many states have a ban on same sex marriage?
29 states have constitutions that include bans on same-sex marriage and/or other types of unions, and 31 have statutes that ban same-sex marriage and/or other types of unions, although these are all defunct under the Obergefell ruling. In November 2020, Nevada became the first state to repeal its constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
What is the same sex marriage law?
Statute bans same-sex marriage, recognition of out of state same-sex marriage s, contractual rights granted by virtue of the marriage, and any same-sex relationships.
What are the rights of same gender married spouses?
(d) The rights of same-gender married spouses, with respect to a child of whom either spouse becomes the parent during their marriage, shall be the same as the rights (including presumptions of parentage, paternity and maternity in Chapter 8 of this title) of different-gender married spouses with respect to a child of whom either spouse becomes the parent during their marriage.
How old do you have to be to marry a half blood cousin?
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, two persons, regardless of gender, at least 18 years of age, not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of the half blood, and not having a [husband or wife] spouse living, may be joined in marriage.
What amendment is the sanctity of marriage?
ALABAMA CONSTITUTION - Amendment 774. Sanctity of Marriage Amendment (=Ref.1, cited as the approves of Marriage Amendment)
Is a union of one man and one woman valid?
Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.
When did the Supreme Court legalize same sex marriage?
Hodges on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized same-sex marriage in a decision that applies nationwide, with the possible exception of American Samoa and some tribal nations . 29 states have constitutions that include bans on same-sex marriage and/or other types of unions, and 31 have statutes ...
How many states have legalized gay marriage?
As of 2020, 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage. Alabama, Missouri, and Alabama have done so with restrictions. Thirteen U.S. states have a ban on same-sex marriage; however, eight of these states have court rulings in favor of allowing same-sex marriage.
Which state was the first to recognize gay marriage?
In the 2020 election, Nevada became the first state to recognize gay marriage in a state constitution. The ballot question asked voters if they support an amendment recognizing marraige "as between couples regardless of gender.".
When did gay marriage become legal?
Legalization came through state courts, the enactment of state legislation, or the result of the decisions of federal courts until 2012. On November 6, 2012, Maine, Maryland, and Washington became the first states to legalize gay marriage through a popular vote.
What is gay marriage?
Gay marriage, also known as same-sex marriage, is the marriage of people of the same sex or gender. In 1970, a same-sex couple in Minnesota applied for a marriage license and was denied.
Which amendment guarantees same sex marriage?
Hodges that a fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by the Fourteenth Amendment , and that states must allow same-sex marriage.
When was the State Marriage Defense Act passed?
The State Marriage Defense Act, introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2014, would require the federal government to recognize the validity of a marriage based on a person's legal residence (place of domicile), rather than on the validity of the marriage when and where it was solemnized (place of celebration). The Obama administration has generally used the latter standard. Its sponsors described it as a way to clarify the federal government's response to Windsor and restore the ability of the a state to control the definition of marriage within its borders.
What is the Pennsylvania marriage amendment?
The bill would ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. Pennsylvania would become the first northeastern state with a marriage amendment. According to state law, the amendment must receive a majority vote from both chambers of the legislature in two consecutive sessions before voters are allowed to decide its fate.
How many states have the statewide sex act?
Performed statewide in 20 states and Mexico City, in certain municipalities in three other states, and recognized by all states in such cases.
Which court case obliged the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens?
The Coman v. Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens.
Is same sex marriage legal in California?
California Supreme Court overturns Proposition 22 and rules that in 30 days, same-sex marriages must be legal. Yes. Same-sex marriage licenses issued in California from June 17, 2008 to November 5, 2008. On November 5, 2008, Proposition 8 goes into effect banning same-sex marriage in the Constitution of California.
Where to marry in Arkansas?
Arkansas. From Little Rock to Fayetteville, Fort Smith to Jonesboro, there are lots of places to marry in The Natural State. And because there’s no waiting period (for couples over 18) and marriage licenses are valid for 60 days, it’s pretty easy to plan an Arkansas wedding.
Where to get married in Michigan?
If you’re getting married in Michigan, be aware that residents must file their marriage license application in the county where they reside and non-residents need to file in the county where they’re marrying.
How old do you have to be to get a marriage license?
State Residency: You don’t have to be a resident to receive a marriage license. Age Requirement: Legal age is 18. Individuals under age of 18 must have parental consent and be issued in the county where the couple lives. License Expiration: The license will expire 30 days after it has been issued.
How much does a wedding cost in Arizona?
And if you’re on a budget, weddings in Arizona average at around $23,000, well below the nearly $30,000 national average. Identification Needed: Both parties will need a valid government-issued photo ID (i.e. driver’s license, passport, etc). State Residency: State residency is not required for a marriage license.
How old do you have to be to get married in Florida?
Age Requirement: Both individuals must be 18 years of age or older to be married without parental consent. No one under the age of 16 can be married in Florida. License Expiration: A marriage license in Florida will be valid for 60 days after it has been issued.
How long does a marriage license last in New Mexico?
When marrying in New Mexico, be aware that though your marriage license will never expire, it must be returned within 90 days after your ceremony.
How long is a marriage license valid in Alabama?
In terms of legally marrying in Alabama, it’s pretty simple—there’s no waiting period, but marriage licenses are only valid for 30 days.
When did same sex marriage become legal in Connecticut?
Michael Miller, left, and Ross Zachs marry on the West Hartford Town Hall steps after same-sex marriage became legal in Connecticut on November 12, 2008. Photos: Same-sex marriage in the U.S. PHOTO: Angela Jimenez/Getty Images. Lara Ramsey, left, and Jane Lohmann play with their 7-month-old son, Wyatt Ramsey-Lohmann.
Who is the governor of Hawaii who signed the same sex marriage bill?
Photos: Same-sex marriage in the U.S. PHOTO: Craig T. Kojima/Honolulu Star-Advertiser/AP. On November 13, 2013, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, left, and former state Sen. Avery Chumbley celebrate with a copy of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser after Abercrombie signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.
When was the Marriage Equality Act signed into law?
Donna Nesselbush, right, embraces a supporter after the Marriage Equality Act was signed into law at the statehouse in Providence on May 2, 2013.
Who struck down the same sex marriage ban?
U.S. District Court Judge Karen Schreier struck down the state’s same-sex marriage ban in January, but blocked enforcement pending an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Is Georgia a same sex state?
Georgia is one of just two states with no legislative action or pending legal decisions whatsoever on same-sex marriage. The other is North Dakota. However, lawsuits are pending to overturn the state’s 2004 ban.
Is the same sex marriage ban still in effect?
The judge, however, postponed his ruling from going into effect to give the state time to appeal. A federal appeals court heard arguments in the case in January. In the meantime, the same-sex marriage ban is still in effect.
