Marriage License and Wedding FAQ

• Any person who is at least 18 years old may apply for a Marriage License.
• Any minor who is 16 or 17 years old may apply for a Marriage License with parental or guardian consent.
• Others, please call 782-9014 for information.

If either party is a minor applicant, ages 16 or 17 (not yet age 18): The party must have consent of at least one parent or legal guardian. Minors will need an original or certified copy of the birth certificate which lists the name of the consenting parent. (No photocopies of documents may be accepted.)  Legal guardians are required to present a certified copy of the court ordered guardianship papers. (No photocopies may be accepted.) A parent or guardian is required to have acceptable identification to prove they are the parent on the birth certificate or the legal guardian on the guardianship order.

If it is not possible for the parent or guardian to be present, an original, notarized statement in English must be presented with the certified copy of the birth certificate or a certified copy of the guardianship order at the time of the issuance of the marriage license. The notarized statement should contain the parent or legal guardian’s full name, relationship to the minor, minor’s full name, birth date and the statement that the parent or legal guardian gives consent for the minor to marry. All documents must be in English or translated into English by a notary.

A person less than 16 years of age may marry only if either parent or legal guardian files an action, pays all court fees as provided by law, and presents a court order, from a Nevada State Court, authorizing the Clerk to issue the marriage license. Applicants should contact an attorney to prepare the documents.

If either or both of you were previously married, you will be required to provide the date, city and state of the divorce.

There is no waiting period for the issuance of a Marriage License.

No. There are no medical exams or blood tests required in order to apply for a Marriage License.

No, the marriage ceremony requires a properly issued license.

You can apply for a Marriage License in Douglas County at the County Clerk’s Office in Minden and at the Tahoe General Services Office. See above for hours and addresses.

The fee for a Marriage License is $60.00.  Fee does not include a certified copy of the marriage certificate which can be obtained for an additional $15.00.  Fee payable in cash, by cashier’s check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted.

A Marriage License is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. The marriage must be solemnized within that time.

Your marriage ceremony may be performed by any of the following:

• A regularly ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other authorized individuals per NRS 122;
• All judicial officers (Judges) of the State of Nevada.
• Authorized Notary Publics per NRS 122
• Chaplains of the Armed Forces.

A Marriage License must be returned to the Recorder’s Office within 10 days after the wedding, since a marriage cannot be officially recorded until it is returned to the Recorder’s Office. The party who performed the wedding is responsible for returning the completed license.

This service is not available in Douglas County.

• You can obtain a certified copy of a Marriage License(Certificate) by requesting in writing, in person or by phone.
• To request a certified copy of your Marriage License(Certificate) in writing you must send a letter with both names of the couple and the date of the marriage along with a money order or certified check payable to: Douglas County Recorder in the amount of $15.00 along with a self- addressed stamped envelope to: Douglas County Recorder, PO Box 218, Minden, NV., 89423, OR you may phone 775-782-9024.
• To request a certified copy of your Marriage License(Certificate) in person you must go to the Douglas County Recorder’s Office at 1616 8th Street (2nd Floor) in Minden. You must provide them with the information indicated above and the appropriate fees.