Kansas State Capitol Building

Kansas Wedding Laws

Written and updated for precision by the Kansas marriage law research team at GetOrdained™ on

Despite being landlocked in the middle of the U.S., Kansas has something for everyone. But whether a couple wants to marry in the suburbs of Kansas City, on the plains near Dodge, or at the top of Mount Sunflower, it is important to comply with Kansas's unique marriage laws and other requirements. For officiants, it is equally important to understand and meet all legal obligations. Whether you are planning to marry the love of your life in the Sunflower State or to officiate a wedding there, this in-depth guide should give you a working knowledge of Kansas's marriage-related rules.

Kansas Marriage Requirements

Min. Age of Couple:
Age 18 or Age 16 with Guardian Consent
Residency:
Not Required
Min. Distance of Kin Allowed:
Second Cousins
Marriage Equality:
Yes

To marry in Kansas, each member of the couple must be at least 18. State law does make an exception for marrying individuals between the ages of 16 and 18, however. If either member of the couple has not yet turned 18, it is possible to receive a marriage license with the written consent of all legal parents or guardians. Those who are 15 may marry after a judge determines it is in their best interests. For a marriage to be legally binding in Kansas, both members of the couple must be no closer related than second cousins. Of course, like with all other states, Kansas recognizes same-sex marriages.

How to Get a Kansas Marriage License

Who Picks Up License:
The Couple
Where License is Valid:
Any County in Kansas
Marriage License Pick-Up:
In Person Only
Cost of License:
$85.50
Accepted I.D. Types:
Government Issued ID
Proof of Divorce Required (If Applicable):
No
Blood Test Required:
No

Before marrying in the Sunflower State, a couple must obtain a marriage license. To do so, at least one member of the couple must appear in person before a county clerk or judge. To verify age, the applicant must provide a passport, driver's license or another acceptable form of identification. Applicants must also swear that all information they have provided in the license application is true. If it is not, the person who provided inaccurate information may be subject to a fine and even misdemeanor criminal charges. The cost for applying for a marriage license in Kansas is $85.50, which the applicant must pay in cash.

Applying For a Marriage License in Kansas

ULC-Officiated Ceremony Type:
Religious
Mandatory Waiting Period:
3 Days
License Valid For:
6 Months
License Must Be Submitted:
Within 10 Days of Ceremony

Kansas law requires all marriage licenses to have the names of the county, each member of the couple, and the clerk or judge who issued it. It must also have the date of issuance. Furthermore, absent a judicial order, no marriage license should be issued fewer than three calendar days after application. After the couple receives a marriage license that meets all legal requirements, they must marry within six months. If the wedding is to take place later, applying for a new marriage license is likely necessary. Fortunately, regardless of the location of the clerk or judge, the marriage license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in the Sunflower State. Ceremony officiants have 10 days after completing the ceremony to return the completed license to its issuer.

How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Kansas

Min. Age of Minister:
Age 18
Residency:
Not Required
Document(s) Required:
Ordination Credential
Online Ordination Recognized:
Yes
Relevant Office of Registration:
Probate Court
Latest Document(s) Submission Date Allowed:
Before the Ceremony
Minister I.D. # Issued:
No

Before conducting a marriage ceremony, ministers must provide their credentials to a Kansas probate court. State law allows for both religious and civil ceremonies, though. Ministers who receive their ordination through the Universal Life Church are religious actors under Kansas law. This is true whether the ceremony is religious in nature or only has secular elements. State law prohibits anyone who is not authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in Kansas. If ministers or anyone else do not have the authorization to conduct a marriage ceremony, they may have to pay a $100 fine.

Getting Married in Kansas

Marriage By Proxy Allowed:
No
Minister Required to be Present:
Yes
Number of Witnesses Required:
Varies by County
Min. Age of Witnesses:
18
Couple's Consent Required:
Yes
Pronouncement Required:
Yes

Marrying couples and officiants enjoy wide latitude to craft the ceremony as they see fit. Whether the ceremony has religious elements or is secular, each marrying couple must express the intention to enter into marriage. They must also consent to the union. Additionally, in Kansas, the officiant at the wedding ceremony must pronounce the couple legally married. This step is critical to solemnize the marriage.

Finalizing the Marriage

Officiant's Title on Marriage License:
Minister
Church/Ordaining Body:
Universal Life Church Ministries
Address of Church:
Minister's Home Address

While many of the officiant's duties end when the ceremony does, the officiant must ensure the marriage license is properly completed. This requires the signature of the officiant, each member of the couple, and two witnesses over the age of 18. Kansas law requires the completion of two marriage licenses. After successfully completing these licenses, the officiant should leave one with the couple and return the other to the clerk or judge who issued the license within 10 days of the ceremony. After that, the clerk or judge should add the marriage to the Kansas matrimonial registry and forward relevant information to the Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment.

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