Getting married in the United States: checklist

License and ceremony

• 1. Check the requirements of the office where you will applyLearn the fee, identification, waiting period, witness, and license validity requirements from the relevant county or city clerk.
• 2. Apply for a marriage licenseApply to the county or city clerk with the required identification and documents; in some states, both parties must appear in person.
• 3. Complete the waiting periodWait 24 hours, 72 hours, or 3 days, depending on your state; check for any statutory waivers.
• 4. Have your ceremony performed by an authorized personHave an authorized person perform the ceremony in the state where the license is valid, and have witnesses sign if required.
• 5. Follow up on the return of the license to the officeMake sure the person who performed the ceremony returns the license to the relevant office within the specified period.
• 6. Obtain the certified marriage certificateObtain a certified copy after registration; for use in Türkiye, have it apostilled by the state's Secretary of State office.
  Embassy of Türkiye in WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaCounsellor for Labor and Social Security – WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaCounsellor for Religious Services – WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaAll (45) →
• 7. Report the marriage to a Turkish diplomatic missionIf you are a Turkish citizen, report the marriage to a Turkish diplomatic mission within 30 days.
  Embassy of Türkiye in WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaCounsellor for Labor and Social Security – WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaCounsellor for Religious Services – WashingtonConsulates and Embassies · District of ColumbiaAll (45) →