State guide
New Mexico
New Mexico marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, and the state remains unusually simple for licensing: no waiting period and no license expiration on the county pages reviewed. Civil ceremonies are commonly handled by judges or courts rather than by the clerk's office itself.
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
- Waiting period
- none
- License valid for
- does not expire
- Witnesses
- 2 required
- License fee
- $55 statewide
- Friend or one-day officiant
- No official one-day or temporary officiant designation was found in the official New Mexico sources reviewed; the marriage must be solemnized by a person authorized under state law.
Official resources in New Mexico
Official county clerk page with New Mexico marriage-license basics including no waiting period and no expiration.
Official county clerk page showing current process, fee, and that licenses do not expire.
Official 2025 enacted law raising the statewide marriage-license fee to $55.
Official court page for Bernalillo County-area judges who schedule wedding ceremonies.
Official county probate court page for civil wedding ceremonies in Santa Fe County.
Key facts for New Mexico
- County clerks issue marriage licenses in New Mexico.
- Santa Fe County says there is no waiting period to obtain a marriage license.
- Santa Fe County and Sandoval County both state the marriage license does not expire.
- The statewide fee is $55 under 2025 SB 290.
- Official New Mexico court materials describe two adult witnesses for the ceremony.
- Official sources reviewed did not show self-uniting marriages; they require a ceremony by an authorized officiant.
Courthouse ceremonies in New Mexico
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | Second Judicial District judges list wedding availability for the Bernalillo County district court. |
| Santa Fe County | Santa Fe County Probate Judge offers wedding ceremonies, generally at the county administrative complex. |
| Sandoval County | Sandoval County Probate Judge offers wedding officiant services by appointment. |
What to do next
- Book the county clerk appointment first, because some counties require advance scheduling even though there is no waiting period.
- Line up two adult witnesses before the ceremony and confirm whether the judge or court can provide them.
- Return the completed paperwork promptly after the ceremony, because county pages commonly instruct couples to get it back for recording within 90 days.
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?