Marriage Licenses/Weddings

The State requests that all Marriage Licenses be applied for online using the links below.

http://www.kscourts.org/Public/Apply-for-Marriage-License or https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/oja/marriage_license

Simply fill out the form with your information (make sure to select the correct County at the top of the first page of the form).  The County you select will be the County that will be processing your marriage license. Please do NOT use AUTOFILL when filling out the application on the website. If you have any questions regarding the process please read the FAQ's on the Website.

Once you have finished the application process there is a THREE DAY waiting period before the Court will process your marriage license.  If you haven't received you license after 4 days please call one of our offices at 620-221-5470 or 620-441-4520.  Once you have gotten married please make sure that either you or your officiant return the license to the Court either by dropping it off in person or by mail: Cowley County District Court - Winfield, PO BOX 472 Winfield, KS 67156 or to Cowley County District Court - Ark City, PO BOX 1152 Arkansas City, KS 67005.  There is also a drop box at both courthouses that the marriage license can be returned to us in a sealed envelope. (Please make sure all names are legible when the license is returned to us)

 If you wish to have a judge perform your wedding ceremony, you may obtain information concerning the judges availability and cost for performing the ceremony from District Court Clerks Office using the phone numbers provided above.  We will not schedule a wedding until we have issued the marriage license.

Once you have gotten married wait TWO WEEKS then contact VItal Statistics for your Marriage Certificate (we suggest getting at least two certified copies);  click on the link below and follow the instructions on the page to order the copies.  

https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1165/Office-of-Vital-Statistics

If you do not have access to a computer or smart phone then you may obtain a marriage license at the District Court Clerks Office in Winfield or Arkansas City. To obtain a marriage license, you must file an application with the District Court Clerks Office and pay a fee of $85.50 in cash only. When you apply for the license, you must provide a photo I.D. for both the prospective bride and groom, however there is no requirement that both parties be present to apply for the license. There is a 3 day waiting period between the time that your apply for the marriage license and the time the license may be issued.