Marriage licenses are obtained from the Clerk of District Court's office located in the Law and Justice Center. The license can be used immediately or within 180 days from the date of application. It is valid in any county within Montana, but not in any other state or country. After the marriage ceremony, the person who performed the ceremony must return the license to the Clerk's office within 30 days for completion. Once it is returned to the couple, the license can be used as proof of name change with Social Security and in changing the name on a
driver's license.
What to bring to obtain a marriage license: (See below for additional requirements if under 18.)
Both the bride and groom must appear.
Each must show a valid driver's license issued by any state. A valid passport or birth certificate can be used in place of a driver's license.
As of October 1, 2007, a rubella blood test is no longer required for a bride between the ages of 18 and 50. The parties may sign an Informed Consent/Waiver of Requirement of Blood Test form. These forms are available at the Clerk of District Court’s Office or online at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/PHSD/Lab/Environmental/pdf/premaritalcertfillable.pdf. If you obtain the form from a source other than the Clerk of District Court, please bring the form with you when applying for your marriage license. If the bride is over the age of
50, no waiver is required.
If either party was previously married, the full name of the ex-spouse as well as the exact date of the divorce or death must be written on the application. The dissolution decree or death certificate are not required as proof.
Cost:
The fee for a marriage license is $53.00 in cash. Checks, debit cards, and credit cards are not accepted.
A Montana marriage can be solemnized by:
Clergy (out-of-state clergy need not be registered in Montana)
Judge (or retired judge) of a court of record
Public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages
Mayor, City Judge, Justice of the Peace
Tribal Judge
Download Montana's marriage license application.
Marriage Licenses for those aged 16-18:
A person must be at least 16 to marry in Montana. Follow above requirements with the following additions:
Obtain parental permission (they will sign the application form from Clerk's office, not online form)
Show proof of couple attending two counseling sessions prior to filling out application
Obtain Judicial approval
Contact Clerk's office to get proper paperwork and more specific instructions.
For Out-of-state applicants who are unable to be present at Clerk of District Court's Office prior to ceremony:
Fill out the Montana Marriage Application before a Clerk of District Court or a Notary Public in your state. The Clerk of District Court or Notary Public that you appear before must swear you in to tell the truth. You must complete boxes 5a through 26d and 32a through 35c. You must also put your signature in Boxes 36a and 36b. Either the Clerk of District Court or the Notary Public must complete boxes 37 and 38 and affix their seal thereto.
After completing the marriage application, send the following to the Gallatin County Clerk of District Court, 615 South 16th Street, Room 302, Bozeman, MT 59715:
1. Completed Montana Marriage Application, signed by both bride and groom and either the Clerk of District Court or a Notary Public with their seal.
2. Informed Consent/Waiver of Requirement of Blood Test form signed by both the bride and groom.
3. $53 for the license fee. (Money Order only - no personal checks)
4. Statement of how to proceed when license is complete. At your request, we can mail the license to you or give it to someone you designate to pick it up for you.
When we receive the documents, we will then issue a Montana Marriage License for you to get married within the State of Montana. You must come to Montana and be married within 180 days. After that time, the application expires and you would have to reapply.
Obtaining a copy of your marriage license:
Copies available at the Clerk of District Court's office.
Cost: regular copy $5.00, a certified copy for official use $7.00
How to obtain in person or in writing (include SASE if request in writing):
Provide your full names (maiden name for the bride)
Provide date of marriage
Request regular or certified copy
Provide appropriate fee - can be cash or check made out to Clerk of Court.
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