WHAT DO I NEED TO ELOPE?
There are different requirements for every state.
In Nebraska, you must:
be 19 years of age, or 17 years of age with notarized consent
be single, widowed, or divorced (divorce decree must be dated at least six months and one day prior to marriage license application date)
obtain a marriage license
secure the services of an officiant
solemnize your marriage within one year of obtaining the marriage license
have two witnesses at your marriage ceremony
HOW DO I GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE?
To get a marriage license in Nebraska:
complete a marriage license worksheet, which will have all the information needed for your marriage license application
go to any Nebraska county clerk's office with your future spouse (call ahead to confirm hours)
complete a marriage license application
provide proof of identity and age with a driver's license, passport, or certified birth certificate
pay $25 (bring cash to be safe, not all offices accept all forms of payment)
Who may perform a marriage ceremony?
There are different state requirements for officiants. In Nebraska, according to Revised Statute 42-108, the following people may perform marriage ceremonies:
every judge or retired judge
every clerk magistrate or retired clerk magistrate
every preacher of the gospel authorized by the usages of the church to which he or she belongs to solemnize marriages
After the ceremony, your officiant must return your marriage license, including witness names and address information, within 15 days to the issuing county clerk.
If you are interested in having a friend or family member officiate, visit The American Marriage Ministry, which allows you to have someone meaningful officiate your marriage at no cost.
IS IT REALLY THAT EASY?
Yes, it really is - just a few hours of your time and $25.
You can do as many of the "extras" as you would like, or none of them at all.
If you think you want to elope but aren't sure of what you want to do, elopement consulting can help.
should it really be that easy?
Probably not. Marriage has legal and financial implications, and both parties need to be smart.
Do you officiate marriages in other states?
Depending on the requirements of the state, yes. Please let me know in what state you would like to be married, and I can confirm my ability to officiate there.