How to Elope in Kentucky

Kentucky’s farmland offers the perfect location for a charming, rural wedding featuring barns and horse pastures.
Outline map of Kentucky

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Why is Kentucky great for an elopement?

Its rich history as a farming state mean that Kentucky has no shortage of small, rustic towns to elope in.

The “Bluegrass State” is scattered with old tobacco farms, horse pastures and, obviously, Bluegrass. This makes it perfect for a barn wedding, a lakeside elopement, or how about something really different and get married in a field while horses play and gallop around you? Imagine going for a horse ride after you’ve exchanged vows with your love, miles of deep green foliage stretching off into the distance, and surrounded by traditional plank fencing, whilst the sun sets across the rolling hills.

Kentucky sunsets offer the chance to view the sky ablaze with brilliant colors, painting the landscape with hues of orange, pink, and red. It’s a photographer’s, and a couple’s, dream wedding location.

GETTING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

All states require a marriage license, so you need to ensure that you understand all of the requirements very early in the planning process. Luckily, it’s fairly straightforward in most cases as long as you meet the criteria and follow the state requirements.

Here is what you need to know about getting a marriage license in Kentucky.

Is Same Sex Marriage Recognized?

Yes! Same sex marriage is recognized in all states, and at a federal level, under the Respect for Marriage Act which was signed into law in December 2022.

Will I Need to take a blood test?

No. Blood tests have been abolished as part of marriage license applications in all 50 states, so don’t worry if you’re afraid of needles!

Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Kentucky?

Marriage licenses in Kentucky are issued by the County Clerk’s Office.

Do I Need to be a Resident of Kentucky?

There is no requirement to be a resident of Kentucky to get married there.

Is there a waiting period to get married?

There is no waiting period to marry once a license has been issued in Kentucky.

How long will my marriage license be valid for?

Marriage licenses issued in Kentucky expire after a period of 30 days. If you haven’t been married within this time, you will need to submit a new marriage license application.

HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO GET MARRIED IN Kentucky?

To marry with no further caveats, the couple must be at least 18 years of age. Those aged 17 may still apply for a marriage license, with an order from the District Court. In reality, this would also require parental consent as the judge will likely seek this out as part of any decision-making. Nobody under the age of 17 is legally allowed to marry in Kentucky, regardless of parental consent.

WILL I NEED TO TAKE ID?

Couples must present valid photo ID at their appointment with the County Clerk’s Office. Options include: driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport.

HOW MUCH DOES A MARRIAGE LICENSE COST IN Kentucky?

Marriage license varies from county to county, but will typically be $50.

On Your Wedding Day

Once you’ve gotten the admin out of the way, you can get to the part you’ve been dreaming of: the wedding ceremony!

As you’d expect, each state has different requirements to make a marriage legal. Make sure you follow the guide below to get your marriage legally recognized.

Will i need witnesses to the marriage?

Two witnesses are required for marriages in Kentucky. These two witnesses are required in addition to the couple and officiant.

DOES Kentucky REQUIRE AN OFFICIANT FOR A WEDDING?

Officiants are requited to solemnize marriages in Kentucky. Marriages can be solemnized by ministers, priests or judges (current or retired).

Those ordained by online ministries are legally able to perform wedding ceremonies and solemnize the marriage, meaning that in reality almost any adult can be chosen as your wedding officiant.

SUMMARY

So that’s it, everything you need to know about eloping in Kentucky. And if you think that it could be the place to host your special day, why not give me a call to chat about your wedding? I’m an experienced elopement photographer, and an ordained minister, so in most cases I can be your officiant too!

Planning an Elopement?

Get my step-by-step guide and plan your dream elopement!

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