Getting Married in Indiana: Legal Requirements and Considerations

In Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent (17 with parental consent). Both parties must apply for a marriage license in person at a county clerk's office, provide valid identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and pay the license fee (typically $18-$60 depending on residency). The license is valid for 60 days after issuance, and your ceremony must take place within that timeframe. Indiana does not require blood tests or waiting periods for marriage licenses.

You should apply for your Indiana marriage license no more than 60 days before your wedding, as the license is only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. However, don't wait until the last minute either - allow at least a few days to process the paperwork. There is no waiting period in Indiana, so you can get married the same day you receive your license if you wish.

In Indiana, marriages may be solemnized by: clergy or religious leaders of any faith; judges (current or retired); mayors; clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town; and certain elected officials including members of the Indiana General Assembly. Indiana also allows for a one-day officiant authorization that permits a friend or family member to perform your ceremony. This requires filing an additional form with the clerk's office.

No, Indiana does not recognize common law marriages established within the state after January 1, 1958. However, Indiana will recognize valid common law marriages that were established in other states that do recognize such marriages. If you're currently in a long-term relationship without a formal marriage in Indiana, you do not have the legal protections of marriage regardless of how long you've been together.

Indiana is not a community property state; it follows equitable distribution laws. This means that property acquired during marriage isn't automatically considered jointly owned 50/50. However, in the event of divorce, courts will divide marital property (assets acquired during marriage) in a way deemed fair, though not necessarily equal. Property owned before marriage typically remains separate property, but can become commingled if not kept distinct. If you have significant assets, consider a prenuptial agreement to clearly define property rights.

Name changes after marriage are optional in Indiana, not mandatory. If you choose to change your name, your marriage certificate serves as the legal document needed to update your identification. You'll need to update your Social Security card first, then your driver's license at the BMV, and finally other documents like passports, bank accounts, etc. Both spouses have the option to take the other's surname, hyphenate surnames, or keep their original names.

Yes, prenuptial agreements (also called premarital agreements) are generally enforceable in Indiana if they meet certain requirements. The agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties, entered into voluntarily, and include full financial disclosure. Indiana courts may not enforce provisions that were unconscionable when signed or that relate to child custody or support. For a prenup to be valid, both parties should have independent legal counsel, and the agreement should be signed well before the wedding (not days before).

When you marry, your tax filing status will change. Indiana residents file state taxes using the same filing status as their federal return (married filing jointly or married filing separately). Marriage can create a 'marriage penalty' or 'marriage bonus' depending on your incomes. If both spouses earn similar high incomes, you might pay more tax filing jointly than you would as singles. However, if one spouse earns significantly more than the other, you might pay less tax. Consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.

Marriage is considered a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of open enrollment periods. You typically have 30 days after your wedding to add your spouse to your employer-sponsored health plan. If both spouses have employer coverage, you'll need to decide whether to maintain separate policies or join one plan. Compare costs, coverage networks, and benefits carefully. Some employers charge more for spousal coverage if the spouse has access to their own employer-sponsored insurance.