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How to Get Married in Louisiana

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Louisiana!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: Louisiana has no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license. There is a 72-hour waiting period before a wedding ceremony may be performed. In Orleans Parish, this period may be waived by Judges of the First or Second City Courts for Louisiana residents. If both bride and groom are nonresidents, the ceremony is performed in Orleans Parish and the wedding officiant is registered with Orleans Parish, the wedding officiant can waive the waiting period.

For a Louisiana marriage license, both parties require a Social Security number and a certified copy of a birth certificate or certified birth card, as well as a current driver's license, state ID or passport. For license applicants who are born outside the United States, an original birth certificate is required as well as an authorized translation by the foreign country’s consulate. Additionally, those who have been previously married must present a final divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse.

Only one party needs to be present to apply for a license, but that person must bring all required documentation for both the bride and groom. Since all Louisiana marriage licenses are issued under the auspices of the parish clerk of court in each parish, the particular clerk's office where the applicants plan on obtaining a marriage license should be contacted for exact locations and hours, specific requirements and fee details before appearing for a license. A marriage license obtained in one Louisiana parish may be used for a ceremony in any other parish. Once all requirements are met, applicants receive two copies of the license, which they hand over to the wedding officiant.

Under 18: The legal age on consent in Louisiana is 18 years of age (in order to marry without the consent of other parties). Couples older than 16 but younger than 18 years old may get a license with the signed consent of both parents, legal guardian or an order from a judge of juvenile court. For females younger than 16, permission is limited to a written order by a juvenile court judge.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $27.50 in Louisiana.

Officiants: Legally acceptable marriage officiants in Louisiana are judges, justices of the peace and clergy who have registered with the parish clerk of court to perform marriage ceremonies. Two witnesses at the ceremony are also necessary. After the ceremony, the officiant sends the two copies of the completed license showing a marriage took place to the local parish clerk of court. One copy is kept by the clerk of court, and one copy is sent to the Louisiana State Vital Records Office.

Couples are warned to make sure that the wedding officiant is legally authorized to pronounce the bride and groom man and wife. New Orleans law bans mystics, fortune tellers and palm readers from performing marriage ceremonies.

Valid: If the marriage does not occur within 30 days of the date the license was issued, the license is invalid and a new one must be obtained for an additional license fee.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Louisiana.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Louisiana?

How to Get Married in Kentucky

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Kentucky!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: Marriage applicants do not have to be Kentucky residents to get married in Kentucky, and there is no waiting period. A marriage license has to be obtained at the county clerk's office and both parties need to be present. An ID is required to obtain a marriage license in Kentucky. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, current picture ID, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport. Blood tests are not required. If either of the parties was previously married, most counties in Kentucky mandate that both parties bring proof of death or divorce.

Under 18: The legal age to marry in Kansas is 18. However, a person can get married as young as 16 if he or she has permission from his or her parents or legal guardians. If the parents are married, not legally separated, and no legal guardian has been appointed, the minor needs permission from either the mother or father. If both parents are legally divorced, and each has joint custody, the minor needs permission from both parents. Consent can also be obtained from another person that has legal custody of the minor.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $35.50 in Kentucky.

Officiants: The person performing the marriage ceremony must be an ordained or licensed clergyman or justice of the peace who has been licensed in Kentucky to perform weddings. Kentucky state law requires that the wedding have two witnesses. The person performing the ceremony must then issue a statement confirming the ceremony was indeed performed. This statement must include the name and title of the person performing the ceremony, the names of the people married, the date and place of the marriage, and the names of the two witnesses. This certificate must also include the legal qualifications of the person performing the ceremony.

Valid: The license is valid for 30 days, including the day it was issued.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Kentucky.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

For more information obtaining a marriage license in Kentucky click here.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Kentucky?

How to Get Married in Kansas

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Kansas!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: A license can be obtained at a district court clerk's office. Only one applicant needs to be present to turn in the application, but the applicant must know all the necessary information to complete the form for both partners. There is a 3 day wait after filing the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply without parental consent. Blood tests are not required. The ceremony must be in the state of Kansas.

A photo ID (such as a driver's license and a Social Security card) are necessary to obtain a marriage license in Kansas. If applicants have been previously married, they must provide the dates the marriages ended. Applicants who have been divorced within 30 days prior to submitting the marriage application have to wait until more than 30 days have passed to obtain a marriage license.

Under 18: The legal age to marry in Kansas is 18. Exceptions may be made for 16- and 17-year-olds if permission is granted from both parents or legal guardians. In the case of a minor without parents or guardians, a judge can grant permission to marry. A 15-year-old in Kansas must receive permission to marry from a district court judge.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $59 in Kansas (there may be additional processing fees). License must be paid for with exact change.

Officiants: Judges and ordained ministers or religious leaders can officiate weddings in Kansas. Two witnesses ages 18 or older must be present at the ceremony. The Kansas marriage code also allows two partners to marry themselves, stating the following: "The two parties themselves, by mutual declarations that they take each other as husband and wife, in accordance with the customs, rules and regulations of any religious society, denomination or sect to which either of the parties belong, may be married without an authorized officiating person."

Valid: The license expires six months after the date of issuance.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Kansas.

Common Law Marriage: Kansas allows common-law marriages. There is no time requirement or cohabitation minimum for common-law marriages in Kansas. According to the marriage laws, "A common-law marriage will be recognized in Kansas if the couple considers themselves to be married and publicly holds themselves out to be married and if they are legally eligible to marry. No minimum period of cohabitation is required."

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

For more information obtaining a marriage license in Kansas click here.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Kansas?

Wedding Advice for Newly Engaged Couples: Allie Harper

Allie Harper Moore is the irreverent mind behind Allie's New Day - a blog about her life AND PUGS!!! Jen is a devoted member of Tulle Nation who shared her engagement ring shopping experience and pre-engagement photot shoot with y'all. Today, she's back and sharing her destination wedding planning experience.

Allie remembers her destination wedding day as, "Seriously amazing! It was a total dream wedding. We had perfect weather, a fantastic venue at the resort, and all of our very closest family and friends. And I was marrying the love of my life. We had a very touching and meaningful ceremony on the beach, followed by a kick ass party by the pool."

Image Courtesy of: Lotus Blossom Photography

Read on for an exclusive interview with Allie Harper Moore of Allie's New Day and her "Wedding Advice for Newly Engaged Couples"...

How to Get Married in Indiana

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Indiana!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: To apply for a marriage license in Indiana, both you and your future spouse must appear in person at the Clerk's Office in an Indiana county where one of you resides, or for non-residents in the Indiana county where the marriage will be solemnized. Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older and cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when applying or more closely related than second cousins (though there is an exception if you are first cousins and both at least sixty-five (65) years of age).

Applicants must provid any one of the following forms of identification to prove their identity and date of birth:

• Current, valid drivers license or state-issued ID card
• Passport
• Birth Certificate

If previously married, an applicant will need to provide the date that the marriage ended. In addition, some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree. The Clerk's Office will collect some family information that will be reported to the Indiana State Library (by law) for the purpose of genealogical research. Applicants must provide the following for both parents:

• Full Name
• Last known address
• Birthplace (state or foreign country)

Under 18: In Indiana, a couple may be married if one or both applicants are 17-year-old applicants, both parents or legal guardians must be present to give consent at the time of the marriage application. If one or both applicants are younger than 17, permission must be granted by a court order, which requires certain criteria, such as both minors must be at least 15 years old and the female must be either pregnant or have given birth.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: The marriage license fee is $18 if one or both parties are Indiana residents and $60.00 for out-of-state residents. Some offices also charge an additional document fee of $2.00. Each copy of the Certified Marriage License (required for name change at BMV, SSN, etc.) is also $2.00. Most counties require these fees to be paid in cash.

Officiants: Marriage officiants can be clergy members, judges, mayors, clerks, imams, members of the Friends Church, German Baptists, Baha'i faith leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Witnesses are not required for marriage ceremonies in Indiana.

Valid: A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued and couples may be married as early as the same day.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Indiana.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

To Apply Online click here.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Indiana?

How to Get Married in Iowa

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Iowa!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: There is no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in Iowa. There is a required three-day waiting period after the marriage license application has been received. The waiting period may be waived, however, in the case of an emergency with a court order. After a judge approves a court order to expedite the marriage, both partners must present the order to the county registrar and pay a $5 fee in order to validate the license.

Applicants must be 18 to obtain a marriage license in Iowa. Applicants must apply at a county registrar's office. Both partners as well as a witness must be present when the application is turned in. However, if one of you can't be present at the Recorder's Office to apply for the license, the absent party can sign the Iowa marriage license application before a Notary Public.

Applicants must furnish a photo ID such as a driver's license or state-issued ID at the time of the marriage application. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens but must provide proof of identity. If either partner was divorced within 60 days, a signed copy of the divorce decree is required.

Under 18: Marriage license exceptions may be made for applicants who are 16 and 17 who have permission from a judge and an additional Consent to Marriage of a Minor form.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: The cost of a marriage license in Iowa is $35 cash only. The fee and acceptance of checks or credit cards varies from County to County.

Officiants: A judge, an ordained or licensed clergyman or a justice of the peace can officiate weddings in Iowa. Two witnesses must be present at the wedding ceremony.

Valid: Licenses expire six months after the date of application.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is legal in Iowa. Same-sex couples can marry using the same process as opposite-sex couples.

Common Law Marriage: Iowa recognizes common law marriages and does not have a time requirement for couples to be categorized as common-law spouses. In Iowa, a common-law marriage is a social relationship "that meets all the necessary requisites of a marriage, except that it was not solemnized, performed or witnessed by an official."

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

For More Information:

Iowa Department of Public Health
321 E. 12th, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Iowa?

Reader Question: Planning a Potted Plant Wedding Reception

Whee! Another reader question from Tulle Nation! I love these because 1. I get to help y'all solve your wedding dilemmas and 2. It means someone's out there reading me (Heh.). Today's question comes from Liz who's planning a wedding for June:

"I have always lived in apartments I love plants and growing things. At the store today I saw a bunch of cheap yellow flower pots and that got me wondering; does anyone use in the soil flowers for reception centerpieces? I can't think of any blog posts that showed this, but I also can't see why not.

My reception is going to be at a picnic shelter by a lake at a local state park. We're catering bbq from a local favorite and having a cupcake cake instead of a traditional wedding cake. I had planned on decorating the picnic tables by using a plastic lime green table runner and adding a plain vase full of yellow plastic bubble dispensers (favors), a ribboned vase full of yellow flowers, and large origami flowers I have folded out of pictures of flowers. I haven't actually purchased any flowers yet, which is why I am asking. Seeds are a lot cheaper than roses.

What are the upsides and downsides of using potted plants in decorating? Is this a thing people do? Are there pictures of this?"

Liz, people TOTALLY do potted plants for centerpieces. I almost went this route myself after seeing it done at a friend's wedding. Here's some amazing potted plant centerpieces to inspire you:

Images Courtesy of: Megan Clouse Photography, Apartment Therapy, Wedding Dish, Barillaus.com, Martha Stewart, Diana Ma Weddings

I also thought I'd include a few ideas for you on additional (and affordable) little details and decor for your potted plant wedding:

• One idea for wedding favors is to make seed bombs. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and look cute when wrapped in tissue paper (image courtesy of: Good Housekeeping).
• Another favor idea is to DIY some seed-filled matchbooks. Super cute and super easy.
• And one last favor idea, how about just offering regular old seed packets? Then cover them with a cute label, glue them to a stick, and "plant" them in a container (image courtesy of: Giuliana Photography).
• If the price is compatible, why not swap out the plastic green runners for cheap fabric ones? That way, after the wedding you can either sell them or donate them after the wedding and get a little of the money back.
• Leave out some cute birch straws for your guests to use in their drinks. It's an extra but SO cute and a sweet detail.
• Add a bit of detail to your table settings with some floral paper napkins. They'll dress up plainer (and cheaper) plates and silverware.

Well, Liz, I hope that helps you out and gives the confidence to follow through with your fab potted plant wedding reception! Anyone else out there have any budget-friendly garden wedding suggestions for Liz?

Partnered Post: Tips for Wearing Wedding Shoes All Day

Throughout your wedding, you will be the center of attention. Your dress, your demeanor, and your smile should look perfect, but your shoes can negatively affect the way you feel. Uncomfortable shoes can cause pain that can make standing unbearable. Your wedding shoes not only accent your dress; they also must fit properly and provide enough support so that you will be comfortable for hours. Here are some tips that will help you stand in your wedding shoes all day without feeling as though your smile is forced.

Image Courtesy of: Joann Arruda

Choosing Your Wedding Shoes

Make comfort a priority. Not every bride needs to wear high heels. Choose a health height that lets you walk down the aisle and dance with ease. Brides marry wearing boots, ballet slippers, heels, and even sandals, so choose shoes that complement your style, taste and feet size. Feet tend to expand at the end of the day, so try on wedding shoes late in the day. This will ensure that your shoes will not feel tight regardless of how long you stand in them.

When you try shoes on, pay attention to the cushioning since a well-padded shoe will be more comfortable. The lower the heel, the less pressure there will be on your foot as you walk. A wider heel will provide more stability than a narrow one.

Consider purchasing a second pair of the same shoes to bring to the wedding. If you damage a shoe, lose a heel bottom, or your shoes feel uncomfortable wearing a different pair may help.

Wear Your Wedding Shoes before the Big Day

Do not keep your wedding shoes in the box until your wedding day. Breaking in your shoes will make them more comfortable to wear. Try on your shoes in the evening and wear them around your house for short periods of time. Even if, you wear the shoes while you are sitting down, they will stretch slightly and become more comfortable, but try to do some activity in the shoes, so that they stretch in different directions. If desired, wear your shoes with socks because the extra layer between your feet and the shoe will help stretch the shoe. You can also keep shoe trees in your shoes to help them expand.

Prepare Your Shoes for Walking and Dancing

Purchase non-skid pads for the bottom of your shoes. You will be spending a lot of time walking and dancing, so skid proofing your shoes will make it easy to move with confidence. You can also scuff your shoes to make the bottoms less slippery.

Prepare for Emergency Foot Relief

Bring supplies to make your feet comfortable. Bandages can cover blisters and lotion can help soothe aching feet. Pain medication can also provide relief if walking in your shoes feels exceedingly painful. 

Following these tips should make it easy to wear your wedding shoes for hours. Remember, taking the time to select comfortable shoes and prepare them for your wedding day will make it easy to wear them effortlessly. 

How to Get Married in Illinois

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Illinois!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: There are no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in Illinois. All applicants must file the marriage license application in the county where the marriage will take place. Illinois has a one-day waiting period after the application has been filed. Partners can apply for a marriage license at the county clerk’s office in the county in which they will be wed. Both partners must be present to sign the application in front of the county clerk.

Illinois requires a valid photo ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID) to apply for a marriage license. In the event that an applicant does not have a photo ID, two forms of ID will be required: one showing a current address (such as a bill), and another such as a medical/car insurance card, credit card or statement, bank statement, paycheck stub or active-duty military ID. Social Security cards are not accepted forms of identification for a marriage license in Illinois.

For previously married applicants, information on when and where the marriage ended will be required. A clerk may also require a copy of divorce decree or certificate of dissolution of marriage. Illinois does not allow common-law marriages. First cousins can marry in Illinois if they are 50 or older or if either partner presents a doctor’s note stating that the applicant is sterile. Individuals who reside out of state may not apply for a marriage license in Illinois if such a marriage would not be legal in their home state.

Under 18: Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may apply for a marriage license with consent from parents or guardians, but the court can waive the parental consent requirements in special cases. No one younger than 16 can be married in Illinois.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $15-$60 (depending upon the county).

Officiants: Ordained ministers, judges, retired judges, and public officials whose powers include solemnization of marriages.

Valid: A marriage license is valid for 60 days after the date of issuance.

Equality Rights: No. However, effective June 2011, same-sex couples have spousal rights through civil unions. Marriage in Illinois is still limited to a man and a woman. The spousal rights include "such things as hospital visitation, making health-care decisions, and matters concerning probate of a partner's estate." Same-sex couples can apply for a civil union license at Illinois county clerk’s offices.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

For More Information:

Illinois Dept. of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
605 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62702-5097
217-782-6553
Fax: 217-523-2648

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Illinois?

Top Five Budget Tips for the Wedding Dress

In today's 5 for 5, I'm offering suggestions on how to save money on the wedding dress (On the 5th day of every month, I share a downloadable infographic with my Top Five Budget Tips for a specific facet of wedding planning).

Hope this helps y'all find your perfect, budget-friendly wedding dress! (click the image below for a free PDF!):

Top Five Budget Tips for the Wedding Dress

1. Don’t be afraid to buy a pre-owned dress. Sure, it’s not romantic but you can get a used gown for 30-90% off. After all, it was probably only worn once or was a display model. Or, cruise Craigslist for a dress that someone bought but never used (it happens a lot). Another option is The Wedding Dress Project, see if one of the FREE dresses there works for you. 
2. Check the end-of-the or last-season sales. Most stores (both online and off) sell last season's designs or fitting samples at steep discounts once the newer lines come in.
3. Borrow a dress or alter a hand-me-down. This is less costly than having a traditional wedding dress redesigned or altered.
4. Consider renting your wedding dress. For a much lower price that purchasing, you can rent the latest designer gown or a more traditional style. This is a good option for those with no sentimental attachment to a dress they’ll wear for one day.
5. Buy a white dress from a regular clothing store. Places like J Crew, Ann Taylor, and even Target sell lovely lace and silk-like dresses in white that look amazing… and for a fraction of the cost of a dress labeled as a “wedding gown”.

Be sure to check out all our 5 for 5 suggestions.