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Figure 31.3 (Continued)U.S. Marriage Laws Summary TableState Age Waiting Blood Cost Validity ResidencyRequirement Period Test of Licensefor License for LicenseNebraska 19 None Some $15 1 Year NoneNevada 18 None None Varies Indefinitely NoneNew Hampshire 18 3 Days None $45 90 Days NoneNew Jersey 18 72 Hours None $28 30 Days NoneNew Mexico 18 None None $25 Indefinitely NoneNew York 18 1 Day None $20-$30 60 Days NoneNorth Carolina 18 None None $40 60 Days NoneNorth Dakota 18 None None $35 60 Days NoneOhio 18 None None $45 60 Days NoneOklahoma 18 None Yes $25 10 Days NoneOregon 18 3 Days None $60 60 Days NonePennsylvania 18 3 Days None $25-$40 60 Days NoneRhode Island 18 None None $24 3 Months NoneSouth Carolina 18 1 Day None $25 Indefinitely NoneSouth Dakota 18 None None $40 20 Days NoneTennessee 18 None None $31 30 Days NoneTexas 18 3 Days None $36 30 Days NoneUtah 18 None None $40 30 Days NoneVermont 18 None None $20 60 Days NoneVirginia 18 None None $30 60 Days NoneWashington 18 3 Days None $52 60 Days NoneWest Virginia 18 None None $23 Indefinitely NoneWisconsin 18 5 Days None $50-$60 30 Days YesWyoming 18 None None $25 Indefinitely None*Please use the above information as a guideline. Verify all information by contactingyour local county clerk.and Elka as legally married because the Rhode Island law, whichallows the common-law marriage, was properly followed.A divorce is required to end a common-law marriage. Henry andElka, in Example 4, would have to go through a formal divorce procedureif they decide to end their common-law marriage.Ceremonial MarriageFrom early colonial times, a marriage ceremony could only beofficiated by a cleric or magistrate. Today, most states still require somekind of ceremony or other serious rite to solemnize marriage. However,as long as the parties declare that they take each other as husbandChapter 31: Marriage 683