Kentucky State Marriage Laws 

Couples planning to tie the knot in Kentucky, also known as The BlueGrass State, must be at least 18 years of age and must provide a driver’s license, social security card and birth certificate when applying for a marriage license.  Neither blood nor medical tests are required, and there is no waiting period.  If either the bride or groom were previously married, a copy of the divorce decree, proof of annulment or their former spouse’s death certificate must be provided. 

Individuals who are under the age of 18 and wish to be married in the state of Kentucky must have written consent from parents or a legal guardian on the state’s Consent to Marry form.  In addition, two witnesses (18 years of age or older) must be present.  The form must be signed by a parent or guardian and sworn by a deputy clerk before being considered valid.  Minors cannot be married in the state of Kentucky unless their parent(s) or guardian(s) are residents of the state.  If the bride is pregnant, it is possible to apply for permission to marry without parental consent.  Anyone under the age of 16 who wishes to be married must have approval from the District Court.   

The state of Kentucky does not have any residential requirements, which means you can exchange vows even if you are not a resident of the state.  Vacationers, former residents and all others are free to tie the knot in this southern state.  Once granted, a marriage license is valid for 30 days.  Application and/or marriage license fees may vary by county, which means you must check with the local courthouse regarding the actual cost and acceptable payment methods.  The average cost is $34.00 to $36.00 and it is advisable that applicants have cash, a money order or cashier’s/certified check on hand when applying for a marriage license. 

Same sex marriage is not permitted in the state of Kentucky.  Common law marriages, which are those that a state may acknowledge after a couple has lived together for a certain amount of time, are not recognized unless they were legalized by another state.  A wedding can be officiated by a licensed ordained clergyman or a justice of the peace. 

Planning a wedding isn’t state law, but it certainly makes for a more memorable experience.  The official state flower, which is the goldenrod, would be ideal for a bridal bouquet, wedding decorations, etc.  There are a number of tranquil locations, resorts and tourist destinations that would make Kentucky a ‘golden’ choice for an upcoming wedding. 

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only.  It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice.  Marriage laws and requirements can change, which means that you should check with your county courthouse regarding the application process for a marriage license, laws, fees and other requirements.   

To obtain a copy of a Kentucky marriage certificate, send $6.00 to: Office of Vital Statistics

Department for Health Services, 275 East Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.

Kentucky Family Code

Chapter 402 provides information on Kentucky's' marriage laws.