If you’re planning to have your ceremony in one county and live in another, you may want to get your marriage license in the county where you live. This may be more convenient for you to record the license after the ceremony, especially if you’re planning to leave on a honeymoon. To find an address for the correct county clerk’s office, go to https://www. sos. state. nm. us/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal/county-clerk-information/ and scroll down until you find the county you want.
The county clerk’s website will have information on whether you can complete the application and submit it online. If you do submit your application online, copy the transaction or confirmation number so the county clerk can retrieve your application.
The form is available at the county clerk’s office if your parents want to come with you to get your marriage license. If your parents don’t want to come with you to get your marriage license, they can sign the form in advance for you to take with you. However, if they don’t sign the form in front of the court clerk, they’ll have to sign it in front of a notary. Take the original notarized form with you to the clerk’s office. In addition to written permission from your parents, you must also have your original birth certificate and a certified copy to prove your age.
The clerk will review your application and issue your license immediately. You don’t have to wait for it to be issued or return to the office to pick it up. If either you or your intended spouse is not a US citizen, bring your passport from your country of nationality.
If you lose your license between the date it’s issued and your ceremony, you can always go and get another one. However, you’ll have to fill out a new application and pay an additional fee.
New Mexico state law requires 2 independent witnesses for any marriage. Those witnesses will have to fill out information about themselves and the ceremony or exchange of vows on your marriage license and sign it. They must be over 18. Your witnesses don’t have to know you. If you don’t have any family or friends in the area, consider asking people in the courthouse if they would be willing to serve as a witness. Many people would be honored to be a part of your special day.
Most officiants will charge you a fee for performing the ceremony. However, you might also consider getting a friend or family member to do it for you. There are online organizations where anyone can get ordained for the purposes of officiating a marriage ceremony. Some of these organizations charge a fee, while others are free. [8] X Research source
If you’re planning an elaborate ceremony and reception with a lot of guests, it’s generally best to hire a wedding planner. Otherwise, you’ll be fussing with the details and won’t have the opportunity to enjoy your big day.
Make sure this is done the day of the wedding so they’re signing it on the right day.
If you get married in the courthouse, you’re responsible for bringing your own witnesses. Court employees may not be able to serve as witnesses. However, in a pinch, you may still be able to find people in the courthouse who are willing to serve as witnesses.
There is no charge for the simple recording of your license after it’s been issued.
County clerks charge an additional fee of $2. 50 for each certified copy. [14] X Research source
