Complete Wedding Guide
Getting Married in Mississippi
Everything you need to know about marriage licenses, requirements, costs, and planning your wedding in Mississippi. Mississippi offers authentic Southern soul with antebellum homes, live oaks, Gulf Coast beaches, and Delta blues culture at the most affordable prices in the South.
Mississippi Marriage License Requirements
Mississippi is one of the few states where the legal age to marry without parental consent is 21 rather than 18. The marriage license has no expiration date once issued. The 3-day waiting period can be waived.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Mississippi?
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and county board supervisors. Any religious society can authorize someone to perform marriages under their customs.
Wedding Costs in Mississippi
Average Wedding Cost
$21,000
This includes venue, catering, photography, attire, and other typical wedding expenses in Mississippi.
Average Guest Count
140
The typical Mississippi wedding hosts 140 guests. Plan your seating, catering, and photo sharing accordingly.
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall
The most popular seasons to get married in Mississippi. Book venues early during peak season.
Popular Wedding Regions in Mississippi
Gulf Coast
Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis offer beach venues, casino resorts, and coastal charm.
Natchez & River Country
Mississippi River bluff towns with grand antebellum mansions and some of the oldest homes in the South.
Jackson & Central
The capital city features botanical gardens, historic neighborhoods, and a growing food scene.
Top Wedding Venues in Mississippi
How to Get Married in Mississippi: Step by Step
Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk in Mississippi with your partner. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of age, and the license fee of $21 to $30. Both partners must appear in person.
Wait 3 days
After receiving your license, you must wait 3 days before the ceremony. Your license is valid for No expiration after issuance, so plan your ceremony date within that window.
Choose Your Officiant
In Mississippi, your wedding can be officiated by ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Make sure your officiant is properly authorized before the ceremony.
Hold Your Ceremony
Have your ceremony at your chosen Mississippi venue. Mississippi does not require witnesses, though many couples still choose to have them.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license and return it to the Circuit Court Clerk. Once filed, you will receive your official marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage.
Mississippi Wedding Planning Tips
Mississippi is one of the most affordable states for weddings in the entire country
Natchez pilgrimage season (March to April) shows off the finest antebellum homes
Spring and fall offer comfortable weather while summers are intensely hot and humid
Planning your Mississippi wedding? Collect every guest photo.
Once you have your marriage license sorted, make sure every guest can share their photos and videos. With Pix Wedding, guests scan a QR code and instantly upload to your shared album. No app downloads. No hassle.
Create Your Free AlbumNo credit card required. Setup takes under 2 minutes.
Explore Mississippi Wedding Venues
Browse our guide to the best wedding venues across Mississippi.
Wedding Photo Sharing in Mississippi
Learn how to collect every guest photo at your Mississippi wedding.
Popular Wedding Searches in Mississippi
Wedding Guides for Other States
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage laws and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your local Circuit Court Clerk in Mississippi before making plans. Last reviewed: 2026.
Mississippi Marriage & Wedding FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A marriage license in Mississippi costs $21 to $30. You can apply at the Circuit Court Clerk. No residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can apply as well.
Mississippi has a 3 days waiting period after the marriage license is issued before the ceremony can take place. The license is valid for No expiration after issuance.
Ordained ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. Judges of any court, justices of the peace, and county board supervisors. Any religious society can authorize someone to perform marriages under their customs.
The minimum age to marry without parental consent in Mississippi is 21. With parental consent, individuals as young as 17 may marry.
No. Mississippi does not require a blood test for a marriage license. No US state currently requires blood tests for marriage.
The average wedding in Mississippi costs $21,000 with an average guest count of 140. Spring and Fall are the most popular seasons for weddings in Mississippi. Popular wedding regions include Gulf Coast, Natchez & River Country, Jackson & Central.
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Invitation Wording
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Best Way to Get Guest Photos
The single method with the highest participation rate.
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Step-by-step setup for every platform.
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