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The requirements are simple, although they vary from state to state. In general, a man and
woman wishing to marry must obtain a license in the state in which they wish to be married,
usually from a county clerk or a clerk of court. The fee usually is low.
Some states require the man and woman to have blood tests for venereal disease--but
not for AIDS--before the license is issued. Some states do not require this test if the two have
already been living as husband and wife. If the test shows that a would-be spouse has a
venereal disease, certain states may not issue a license. Other states will allow the marriage if the
couple knows the disease is present.
In some states a couple must show proof of immunity or vaccination for certain diseases.
A few states demand a general physical examination.
If one or both of the parties have been married before, the earlier marriage must have
been ended by death, divorce, or annulment.
Parties who wish to marry must have the "capacity" to do so. That means the man and
woman must understand that they are being married and what it means to be married. If
because of drunkenness, mental illness, or some other problem, one of parties lacks "capacity,"
the marriage will not be valid.
Close blood relatives cannot marry, although in some states, first cousins can marry. Of
those states that allow first cousins to marry, a few states also require that one of the cousins no
longer be able to conceive children.
Most, but not all, states require a waiting period, generally one to five days, between the
time the license is issued and the time of the marriage ceremony.