Southern Wedding Laws

ALABAMA
You do not have to be a resident of Alabama to get married, and there is no waiting period before a wedding ceremony can occur. Valid documentation must be provided for both parties and should be in the form of drivers licenses and/or certified birth certificates, and social security numbers.

Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and should be in the form of certified divorcee decrees or death certificates. New marriages cannot occur until at least 60 days after the final divorce decree has been issued. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 30 days. Common law marriages and same sex marriages are not legal in the state of Alabama.

Alabama judges and licensed ministers or pastors of recognized religious organizations may perform wedding ceremonies.


FLORIDA
You do not have to be a resident of Florida to get married, but Florida law requires that residents complete a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last year before application. If a course has not been completed, there is a three day waiting period before a wedding ceremony can occur. Valid documentation must be provided for both parties and should be in the form of drivers licenses, social security cards, and/or certified birth certificates.

Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and should be in the form of certified divorcee decrees or death certificates. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 60 days. Common law marriages and same sex marriages are not legal in the state of Florida.

In Florida, marriage ceremonies may be performed by justices of the peace, notary public, or any ordained or licensed clergymen.


GEORGIA
You do not have to be a resident of Georgia to get married, but non-residents must apply in the county where their ceremony will occur. There is no waiting period before a wedding ceremony can occur in Georgia. Valid documentation must be provided for both parties and should be in the form of drivers licenses and certified birth certificates. Applicants will also be required to fill out a form.

Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and should be in the form of certified divorcee decrees or death certificates. Common law marriages and same sex marriages are not legal in the state of Georgia.

Justices of the peace, and any licensed or ordained clergymen may perform wedding ceremonies in Georgia.


NORTH CAROLINA
You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to get married, and there is no waiting period before a wedding ceremony can occur. Valid documentation must be provided for both parties and should be in the form of drivers licenses, proof of social security numbers, and/ or certified birth certificates.

Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and should be in the form of certified divorcee decrees or death certificates. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 60 days. Common law marriages and same sex marriages are not legal in the state of North Carolina.

Marriage ceremonies may be performed by magistrates or any licensed or ordained clergymen.


SOUTH CAROLINA
You do not have to be a resident of South Carolina to get married, and some counties enforce a 24 hour waiting period before a wedding ceremony can occur. Valid documentation must be provided for both parties and should be in the form of drivers licenses and social security numbers.

Proof of nullification of previous marriages is not required by South Carolina law. Once issued, the marriage license is good indefinitely and has no expiration period. Common law marriages are allowed by state law, but same sex marriages are not legal in the state of South Carolina.

Any ordained or licensed clergymen and justices of the peace may perform wedding ceremonies in South Carolina.