Marriage License

Marriage License

Marriage licenses are obtained from the Clerk of District Court's Office located in the Law & Justice Center at 615 S. 16th Ave., Rm. 302 in Bozeman. We are available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., appointments are not necessary. We ask that you arrive no later than 4:30 to allow time for processing. The license will be issued the same day and must be obtained prior to the marriage ceremony.

The license can be used immediately or within 180 days from the date of issuance. It is valid in any county within Montana, but not in any other state or country. 

After the marriage ceremony, the license must be returned 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.  

***If you have already had a ceremony and consider yourselves married, DO NOT fill out the Marriage License Application Form.  Instead, fill out the Declaration of Marriage Application.***

Steps to Obtaining a Marriage License
1. Complete the
Marriage License Application Form

This form MUST be completed online prior to obtaining a Marriage License. It can be completed on a computer, phone, tablet, or other internet accessible device. 

2. Both Parties MUST appear together in front of the Clerk of District Court

         Please Bring a Photo ID and $53 in Cash or Card (Checks are not accepted)     

District Court Clerk’s Office
Law and Justice Center
615 S. 16th Ave., Room 302
Bozeman, MT 59715

3. Find a qualified officiant to preform your ceremony
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
-A Notary Public

* Your officiant does not need to provide their credentials to our office. 

4. Get Married

5. Return your Marriage License to the Clerk of Court to be recorded

After the marriage ceremony the license must be returned to the Clerk's office within 30 days for completion.

What to Bring to Obtain a Marriage License (see below for additional requirements if under 18)

  • Montana law requires both parties to appear before the Clerk of District Court. If both parties are not able to be present, the party who is unable to appear must complete their portion of the marriage license application and sign it before the Clerk of District Court where they are located. The party who appears in our office must provide proof of age for themselves and the non-present party. This could be a valid driver’s license, government-issued identification card, birth certificate, or valid passport. 
  • 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 and may be paid in cash or by debit or credit card. Checks are not accepted.

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 the 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.  

Obtaining a Copy of Your Marriage License         

Copies are available at the Clerk of District Court's office – 615 S.16th Ave., Rm. 302, Bozeman, MT  59715. You may come to our office, send a written request, or email our Records Clerk at GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov

We need the following information:

  • Full names, include maiden name(s)
  • Date of marriage
  • Specify whether you are requesting a regular or certified copy
  • If sending a written request include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
  • Appropriate fee – can be paid by cash, credit or debit card, or a check or money order made payable to the Clerk of District Court

Cost:

Regular copy: $5.00 each

Certified copy: $7.00 each