Marriage License Applications & Common Questions

Marriage License Q & A

Who may apply for a marriage license?

Any person who is at least 19 years old may apply for a marriage license.

Any minor who is 17 or 18 years old may apply for a marriage license with a parental or legal guardian consent. The consent form must be notarized.

What do I need to get a marriage license?

We can assist you

Do we both have to be present?

Not in Douglas County - But yes in Sarpy County

If we are getting married in another state but live in Nebraska, where do we obtain our marriage license?

You will need to obtain your marriage license in the state where you are getting married.

If I live in one county of Nebraska but we are getting married in a different county in Nebraska, where do I obtain my marriage license?

You may obtain your marriage license in any county in Nebraska as long as you get married in Nebraska.
The marriage license certificate will be on file in the county where you obtained the marriage license.

I got married in another state/country. Do I need to file the license here?

No, you do not need to file your marriage license from another state/country in Nebraska.

Who may perform my marriage ceremony?

•Any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy may perform a marriage ceremony.
•All judges, retired judges and clerk magistrates also may perform marriage ceremonies.

What are the hours and location? 145 Main Street, Springfield, NE. Ceremonies are performed by appointment after you obtain a license.

Will my name be published in the newspaper?

Nebraska marriage licenses are public record. Your name and age will be published in the Omaha World-Herald and in the Daily Record. The newspapers come in daily to pick up the list of names of the applicants from the day before. Usually your name will be printed within a couple of days after the day that you applied.

If you do not want you name in the paper, you will need to discuss that with the Omaha World Herald at 402-444-1000 or the Daily Record at 402-345-1303.

What do we do if we want to be married by a judge or Officiant.

Judges perform weddings in Douglas County only after 4:30 P.M. Monday - Friday. We perform ceremonies 24/7.

Do I need witnesses to get married?

You will need two witnesses when you get married. The witnesses do not need to be present when you get the license, but they will need to be present at the marriage ceremony.

How do I change my name?

•You will need a certified copy of your marriage license to change your name.
•The fee for a certified copy of your marriage license is $5.00.
•You can prepay for a certified copy of your marriage license at the time you apply for your marriage license.
Once you are married you will need to contact the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 and the Douglas County Treasurer for your state ID or driver's license at 402-444-7103 if you are planning to change your name.

Sarpy County Clerk http://www.sarpy.com/clerk/marriage_license.html
Douglas County: http://www.douglascounty-ne.gov/countyclerk/marriage-licenses