Detailed Montana Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with judicial approval)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16+ with judicial approval. Montana prohibits first-cousin marriages, recognizes same-sex marriages, and does not require residency.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $53
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if previously married
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply in person at the Clerk of District Court. Proof of divorce is required for previously married individuals.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
- Waiting Period: None
- License Validity: 180 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
Marriage licenses are valid for 180 days with no waiting period. Completed licenses must be returned to the issuing Clerk of District Court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Clerk of District Court
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Documentation requirements vary by county.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2 (18+)
The minister and two adult witnesses must be present, though the couple may use a proxy. Legally required elements include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with judicial approval)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $53
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued Photo ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if previously married
- Blood Test: Not Required
- Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
- Waiting Period: None
- License Validity: 180 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Clerk of District Court
- Marriage By Proxy: Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2 (18+)
The officiant must complete the marriage license, listing “minister” as their title and “Ministries of Love” as the ordaining body. The license must be returned to the issuing Clerk of District Court within 30 days.