Do Wyoming marriage license expire?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

Wyoming marriage licenses do expire. According to the County Clerk’s office, a marriage license issued in Wyoming is valid for a period of one year from the date it is issued. This means that the couple must have their marriage ceremony within one year of obtaining the license.

It is important to note that this expiration date applies to all marriage licenses issued in Wyoming, regardless of the specific county in which the license was obtained. Whether you obtain your license in Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, or any other county in Wyoming, the expiration date remains the same.

The one-year expiration period allows couples a reasonable amount of time to plan and prepare for their wedding ceremony. It is advisable to apply for a marriage license several weeks or even months in advance to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and there is ample time for any required waiting period or processing.

If the marriage ceremony does not take place within the one-year period, the couple will need to reapply for a new marriage license. This involves completing the application process again and paying the required fees. It is essential to remember that the expiration date is strictly enforced, and a marriage license cannot be used for a wedding ceremony after it has expired.

After the marriage ceremony has taken place, the officiant is responsible for completing and returning the marriage license to the County Clerk’s office within a specified timeframe. Once the license is received and processed, the County Clerk’s office will issue a certified copy of the marriage license to the couple upon request. This certified copy serves as proof of marriage and can be useful for various legal and administrative purposes.

In the event that a couple needs a certified copy of their marriage license, it is recommended to contact the Wyoming Department of Health. They can provide detailed information on how to obtain a certified copy and any associated fees or requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the process for obtaining a certified copy may vary depending on the specific county in Wyoming where the marriage license was issued.

Wyoming marriage licenses do have an expiration date of one year from the date of issuance. It is crucial for couples to plan their wedding ceremony within this timeframe to ensure the license remains valid. If the marriage ceremony does not occur within the one-year period, the couple will need to reapply for a new marriage license.