State guide
North Dakota
North Dakota marriage licenses are generally issued by the county recorder, unless a board of county commissioners designates a different official. State law says the license is good for 60 days, there is no stated waiting period before issuance, and the marriage certificate must be signed by two witnesses. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- County recorder, unless the board of county commissioners designates a different official. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- Waiting period
- none found in the statute or official county pages searched. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- License valid for
- 60 days. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- Witnesses
- 2 required. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- License fee
- Up to $30 license fee plus $35 supplemental fee; total commonly published by counties as $65. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
Official resources in North Dakota
Official state code for license issuance, who may solemnize marriages, witnesses, validity, and fees. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
Official county page with current application process and published license fee example. ([burleigh.gov](https://www.burleigh.gov/departments/recorder/marriage-information/?utm_source=openai))
Official county ceremony page showing recorder-officiated civil ceremony scheduling and requirements. ([burleigh.gov](https://www.burleigh.gov/departments/recorder/marriage-ceremony-information/?utm_source=openai))
Official county page confirming no waiting period, 60-day validity, and a published county fee. ([gfcounty.nd.gov](https://www.gfcounty.nd.gov/government/tax-equalization-office/marriage-license-applications?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for North Dakota
- North Dakota licenses are issued by the county recorder unless county commissioners designate a different official. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- A North Dakota marriage license may be used only if issued not more than 60 days before the ceremony. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- The certificate of marriage must be signed by two witnesses. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- State law authorizes judges, municipal judges, and recorders to solemnize marriages, plus clergy and individuals authorized by a religious persuasion. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- State law allows up to $30 for issuing and filing the license, plus a mandatory $35 domestic-violence-prevention supplemental fee. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- State law sets a $30 fee for recorder- or designated-official ceremonies during regular courthouse hours. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
Courthouse ceremonies in North Dakota
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Burleigh County | County Recorder officiates civil ceremonies; in-office ceremonies during courthouse hours are by appointment. ([burleigh.gov](https://www.burleigh.gov/departments/recorder/marriage-ceremony-information/?utm_source=openai)) |
| Cass County | Cass County’s official policy manual says the Finance Office performs courthouse civil ceremonies by appointment. ([casscountynd.gov](https://www.casscountynd.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/7661/639014788083730000)) |
| Stark County | The County Recorder performs marriage ceremonies at the Stark County Courthouse by appointment. ([starkcountynd.gov](https://www.starkcountynd.gov/index.asp?SEC=%7BB5DB3F45-2E1A-4571-9C48-3618D9A818C7%7D&utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Bring two witnesses for a courthouse ceremony; the witness signatures are part of the statutory marriage certificate form. ([ndlegis.gov](https://ndlegis.gov/prod/cencode/t14c03.pdf))
- If you want a recorder-officiated ceremony, check county-specific rules because some counties publish appointment windows, cash requirements, or off-site options. ([burleigh.gov](https://www.burleigh.gov/departments/recorder/marriage-ceremony-information/?utm_source=openai))
- If neither applicant is a North Dakota resident, plan to marry in the same county where the license is obtained. ([gfcounty.nd.gov](https://www.gfcounty.nd.gov/government/tax-equalization-office/marriage-license-applications?utm_source=openai))
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?