How to Get Legally Married in Oklahoma and Plan Your OK Wedding

Get ready to say "I do" in the Sooner State.
Emily Halonen Bratcher - The Knot Contributor.
by
Emily Halonen Bratcher
Emily Halonen Bratcher - The Knot Contributor.
Emily Halonen Bratcher
The Knot Contributor
  • Emily writes a variety of articles for The Knot Worldwide.
  • Emily also writes service journalism and public interest pieces for other publications.
  • Emily holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Updated Sep 23, 2021

From cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City to picturesque countryside towns, the Sooner State is filled with a variety of memorable places to say "I do." If you're looking to tie the knot at a rustic barn retreat or a contemporary hotel, a historic home to a secret garden, Oklahoma has you covered with an array of venues to make your big daydreams come to life. As you're planning, you might want to check out The Knot Marketplace, which offers curated lists of venues and vendors that can simplify your wedding planning process.

While you're planning your dream day, don't forget to look into the logistics of getting legally married in Oklahoma. Thankfully, the marriage license process in the state is pretty straightforward. If you're planning on changing your name, don't miss this article on how to change your last name in Oklahoma.

How to Get Married in Oklahoma

In addition to planning their wedding ceremony and reception, couples will also have to make sure they meet the requirements for legally getting married in the state of Oklahoma. Luckily, the process is pretty straightforward.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Oklahoma?

There is no waiting period to get married in Oklahoma, except if you are under the age of 18 or have been divorced. For those who are 16 and 17 years old, there is a 72-hour waiting period. Also, if you've been divorced, you'll need to wait six months after the divorce decree is given to apply for a marriage license.

What are the legal requirements to get married in Oklahoma?

To be married in the state of Oklahoma, you must be 18 years or older and show proof of age with a form of legal identification. Both parties must appear in-person at the Court Clerk's Office to apply for a marriage license. Although there are no residency requirements in Oklahoma, wedding ceremonies must take place in the state within 10 days of when the license was given.

For applicants who are 16 or 17 years old, parental consent (or consent from a legal guardian) will have to be given. Marriage is prohibited for applicants younger than 16 unless there's a court order.

What's considered a common law marriage in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is one of just a handful of states that still recognizes common law marriages, defined as a marriage between two parties who live together as a couple but did not obtain a marriage license or have a marriage ceremony.

Oklahoma Marriage License 101

Getting a marriage license in Oklahoma is easy if you meet a few requirements. Keep in mind that you should apply for your marriage license within 10 days of your wedding date and get your ceremony officiant to return it to the Court Clerk's Office after the wedding.

What do you need to get a marriage license in Oklahoma?

To be married in the state of Oklahoma, you must be 18 years or older and show proof of age with a driver's license, a birth certificate, a passport or another form of legal identification. Both parties must appear in-person at the Court Clerk's Office to apply for a marriage license. In the state of Oklahoma, there is no blood test requirement.

What does an Oklahoma marriage license cost?

The marriage license fee in Oklahoma is $50. But for couples that complete premarital counseling and present an original certificate of completion, the cost is just $5.

What are the premarital counseling requirements in Oklahoma?

Couples who get married in the state of Oklahoma might also want to enroll in a premarital counseling program. You might pick up a tip or two about achieving marital bliss, but it will also earn you a deep discount on your marriage license. To get that reduced fee, bear in mind that you'll need to complete a four-hour course with an approved health professional and obtain a certificate of completion.

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.

Can you apply for a marriage license online in Oklahoma?

To obtain a marriage license in the state of Oklahoma, both parties will need to appear in-person at a County Court Clerk's Office.

How Do You Get a Copy of Your Oklahoma Marriage License?

To obtain copies of your Oklahoma marriage license, you'll need to visit the Court Clerk's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday.

How to Plan an Oklahoma Wedding

After making sure you've met the legal requirements for saying "I do" in state of Oklahoma, couples can start planning their dream big day. From finding a venue to booking your vendors, The Knot Marketplace provides an extensive directory of wedding resources to help simplify your wedding planning process.

The Different Cities and Areas to Consider for a Oklahoma Wedding

With miles and miles of prairies and plains, Oklahoma is a great choice for couples looking to wed in the countryside with a backdrop of wide-open spaces and big skies. Rustic barn weddings are a big thing in Oklahoma. If you want more of a city vibe, Oklahoma City or Tulsa might be a better location. Stillwater, Oklahoma is another popular spot with its small-town feel.

What to Look For in an Oklahoma Wedding Venue

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in the wedding planning process, not to mention one of the priciest. Before you book, make sure you've got an idea of your budget, as well as your headcount so you'll know what size venue you need. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, you'll also want to look into a venue's backup plan since the weather in Oklahoma is so changeable. To help you sift through your Oklahoma wedding venue choices, the Knot Marketplace has details on thousands of venues that range in price and ambience.

How to Find Oklahoma Wedding Vendors

There are so many decisions to make when you're planning a wedding, from save-the-dates to floral arrangements, photographers to the wedding cake. With its lists of vendors broken down by location, The Knot Marketplace can give you a leg up in finding your Oklahoma wedding vendors.

The Best Times of Year to Have an Oklahoma Wedding for Good Weather

Oklahoma has all four seasons, including hot summers and icy winters. Centered in tornado alley, this state's tornado season has traditionally run from late spring to early summer. For the best chance of scoring mild weather, you might want to plan your wedding in late fall.

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