Do you get a marriage license where you live or get married?
Consequently, do you have to get a marriage license in the county you are getting married in?
You can usually apply for your marriage license at any county clerks office in the state in which you want to be married. Some states require you to apply in the county clerks office in which you want to be married. Most states require a small fee, and receiving your marriage license usually takes a few days.
Similarly, can you have a marriage license in one state and get married in another?
Most states require you to apply for your marriage license at the town or county clerk's office where the ceremony will be taking place. Your state of choice may not have any waiting period, in which case you can apply for your out of state marriage license and get married in the same day!
US citizens need marriage licenses to marry because it is in their state's interests to regulate marriage. Marriage is regulated by and large by each state government, not by the US government. States in the US regulate marriage for four main reasons: 1) It aids in property transfer and dispute.