State guide
Kansas
Kansas marriage licensing now runs through the district court system, with online application through the Kansas Judicial Branch and issuance by the clerk or judge of the district court. Kansas keeps a three-day wait and six-month validity, but it also preserves unusual solemnization options, including certain self-uniting religious ceremonies.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- clerk of the district court or a district judge
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- License valid for
- 6 months
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses over 18 required
- License fee
- $59 statutory fee; some court pages still show $85.50
Official resources in Kansas
State court portal residents use to start the Kansas marriage-license application.
Official statute on issuance, waiting period, and six-month expiration.
Official statute on who may solemnize and when the couple may marry without an authorized officiant.
Official fee statute stating the marriage-license fee and surcharge authority.
Official state vital-records page explaining where completed Kansas marriage licenses are filed and how to order certificates.
Key facts for Kansas
- Kansas licenses are issued by the clerk or judge of the district court under K.S.A. 23-2505.
- Kansas has a 3-day waiting period after application unless a district judge allows earlier issuance for emergency or extraordinary circumstances.
- Kansas licenses expire 6 months after issuance if the marriage does not occur.
- Kansas requires at least 2 competent witnesses over 18, besides the officiant.
- K.S.A. 23-2504 allows self-uniting only within the customs of a religious society, denomination, or sect of either party.
- The statutory license fee is $59; some court pages still publish $85.50 from the prior surcharge period.
Courthouse ceremonies in Kansas
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Shawnee County | District court publishes a courthouse weddings page and directs couples to available judges. |
| Douglas County | District court says judge ceremonies are available by request after license issuance; $60 for courthouse service, with added off-site/weekend/holiday fees. |
| Johnson County | Official county news states district and retired judges can perform wedding ceremonies in courtrooms or elsewhere. |
What to do next
- Apply through the Kansas Judicial Branch portal and allow processing time beyond the 3-day statutory wait.
- If you want a judge to officiate, contact the district court in the county where you want the ceremony after your license is issued.
- Use the ceremony county's published judge or wedding page, because Kansas judges are authorized but not required to perform ceremonies.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?