Getting Married in Utah: Legal Requirements and Process

In Utah, both parties must appear in person at any county clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You'll need to bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) and your Social Security number. The fee varies by county but is typically $30-$50. Utah marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and can be used anywhere in the state regardless of which county issued it.

While optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities. In Utah, prenuptial agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and executed before the marriage. For the agreement to be enforceable, there must be full financial disclosure, no coercion, and ideally each party should have independent legal counsel. Consider whether this is appropriate for your situation based on assets, debts, business interests, or inheritance expectations.

If either spouse plans to change their name after marriage, you'll need to complete this process. In Utah, you can use your marriage certificate as proof of name change with the Social Security Administration, DMV, and other institutions. Start with Social Security, then update your driver's license, passport, and other documents. For name changes beyond taking a spouse's surname, you may need to file a formal name change petition with the court.

Marriage is a significant life event that necessitates updating your estate plan. In Utah, a valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator (you), and witnessed by two competent individuals. Without a will, Utah intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. Your will should name an executor, guardians for minor children (if applicable), and specify how you want your assets distributed.

This document allows you to designate your spouse (or another person) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In Utah, a healthcare power of attorney must be in writing, signed by you, and either witnessed by two adults or notarized. Consider including specific instructions about life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care. Utah law recognizes electronic signatures for these documents.

This document authorizes your spouse (or another designated person) to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. In Utah, a durable power of attorney must be in writing, signed by you, and notarized. You can specify which powers you want to grant (e.g., banking, real estate, taxes) and when they take effect. Consider whether you want the powers to be effective immediately or only upon incapacity ('springing' power of attorney).

Review and update beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other financial assets. In Utah, beneficiary designations typically override will provisions, so it's crucial to ensure these forms reflect your current wishes. Contact each financial institution for their specific beneficiary designation forms and procedures.

Decide whether to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination approach. In Utah, joint accounts with rights of survivorship allow the surviving spouse immediate access to funds without going through probate. However, joint accounts expose assets to both spouses' creditors. Consider your financial management style and preferences when making this decision.

Marriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance or switch to a family plan. In Utah, you typically have 30-60 days after marriage to make these changes outside of the regular open enrollment period. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the specific process and documentation required.

Marriage affects your tax filing status and potentially your tax liability. In Utah, you'll need to file state taxes as married (either jointly or separately) to match your federal filing status. Consider consulting with a tax professional to understand whether filing jointly or separately is more advantageous based on your incomes, deductions, and credits. Update your W-4 withholding with employers if necessary.

If you're moving in together or changing addresses, update your address with USPS, DMV, voter registration, banks, credit cards, insurance providers, and other important entities. Also update emergency contact information with employers, doctors, and other relevant organizations to list your spouse.

For real estate and vehicles, decide how you want to title the property. In Utah, married couples can hold property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship (property automatically transfers to surviving spouse) or as tenants in common (each spouse's share passes according to their will). For property owned before marriage, consider whether to add your spouse to the title, which may have tax and liability implications.