State guide
Nebraska
Nebraska marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, but ceremonies are generally handled by judges, clerk magistrates, or authorized clergy rather than by the clerk’s counter itself. State statutes set a statewide $50 license fee effective July 18, 2026, require two witnesses, and make the license usable only in Nebraska for one year.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county clerk
- License valid for
- 1 year
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $50 statewide statutory fee
Official resources in Nebraska
Core statute on who issues Nebraska marriage licenses and the one-year validity rule.
States the ceremony must include at least two witnesses besides the minister or magistrate.
Sets the statewide county-clerk fee for issuing a marriage license and recording the certificate.
County clerk page for applying in Lincoln, with links to officiant guidance and judges who perform ceremonies.
County clerk page for applying in Papillion and contacting judges for ceremony availability.
Key facts for Nebraska
- A Nebraska marriage license must be obtained from a county clerk in Nebraska before the ceremony.
- A Nebraska license expires one year after issuance and must be used in Nebraska.
- At least two witnesses are required at the ceremony, besides the minister or magistrate.
- Nebraska law authorizes judges, retired judges, clerk magistrates, retired clerk magistrates, and authorized preachers to solemnize marriages.
- County clerks receive a statewide $50 fee for issuing the license and recording the marriage certificate, effective July 18, 2026.
- Lancaster and Sarpy clerk pages route courthouse-style ceremonies to judges rather than clerk-performed civil ceremonies.
Courthouse ceremonies in Nebraska
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Lancaster County | Clerk issues licenses; courthouse-style ceremonies are handled by judges listed on the county clerk’s official page. |
| Sarpy County | Clerk issues licenses and the official page lists Sarpy County judges to contact for marriage ceremonies. |
What to do next
- Apply together at any Nebraska county clerk office and verify the office’s in-person document requirements before going.
- If you want a courthouse-style ceremony, contact a listed judge before buying travel or vendor plans; judges set their own schedules and fees.
- Bring or arrange two witnesses for the ceremony, because Nebraska requires them.
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?