How to get married in Louisville, Kentucky

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How to get married in Louisville, Kentucky | Courthouse Photographer & Officiant, Marriage license cost

January 18, 2026

CONGRATULATIONS!

I’m so hyped that y’all are getting married! If you’re planning to tie the knot in Louisville, Kentucky, here’s everything you need to know to make the process smooth and easy.

Contact a Louisville Wedding Photographer here!

HOW TO GET MARRIED IN LOUISVILLE, KY

Here’s your checklist.

  1. Visit the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in Person
  2. Fill out a Marriage License Form
  3. Bring a Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)
  4. Pay the $40 Fee (Cash only)
  5. Have Your Ceremony Within 30 Days
  6. Return the Marriage License After the Ceremony

Congrats, you’re officially married!

couples getting married in louisville, kentucky

HOW TO GET A JEFFERSON COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSE

First, you’ll need to visit the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in person. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Both parties must be present.
  • Acceptable IDs: Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport.
  • You both must be at least 18 years old.
  • Fee: $40 (Cash Only).

Where to Apply:

  • Main Office: 527 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202-2814
  • Phone: 502.574.5700
  • Professional License Department: Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St., Room 100A
  • Other Locations: Any of the seven branch locations in Jefferson County

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

couples getting married in louisville, kentucky

GETTING MARRIED IN LOUISVILLE, KY

You have two main options for your wedding ceremony:

  1. Courthouse Ceremony
  2. Officiant Ceremony

COURTHOUSE CEREMONY

Requirements:

  • Your Marriage License
  • Your Partner and Two Witnesses
  • $15 Fee

Notes:

  • A courthouse official or magistrate will officiate the ceremony.
  • You can have up to 6 people in the courtroom.
  • After the ceremony, the courthouse official and witnesses will sign the marriage license, making your marriage legally valid.

couples getting married in louisville, kentucky

USING AN OFFICIANT

You don’t have to get married in a courthouse. Once you have your marriage license, you can hire an officiant to elope at your desired location.

After the Ceremony:

  • The officiant will file the signed marriage license with the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office to officially record your marriage.

Who Can Officiate:

  • Clergy
  • Justices and Judges of the Court of Justice
  • Retired Justices and Judges of the Court of Justice (except those removed for cause or convicted of a felony)
  • County Judge/Executives
  • Justices of the Peace and Fiscal Court Commissioners authorized by the Governor or County Judge/Executive
  • Certain religious societies

couples getting married in louisville, kentucky

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?

You can get your marriage license on the same day you apply.

CAN YOU GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE AND GET MARRIED THE SAME DAY IN KY?

Yes, you can apply for your marriage license and have your ceremony on the same day.

IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD OR BLOOD TEST REQUIREMENT?

No, Kentucky does not require a waiting period or a blood test to get married. DO I NEED TO BRING MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DIVORCE DECREE, OR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD? Only a valid photo ID is required. If you have been previously married, it's a good idea to bring your divorce decree. !couples getting married in louisville, kentucky

527 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202-2814

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