FAQs • Eddy County, NM • CivicEngage

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Clerk - Marriage Licenses

1. Who can perform a marriage ceremony?: a. An ordained member of the clergy.
b. An authorized representative of a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or pueblo may solemnize the contract of marriage without regard to sect or rites and customs the person may practice.
c. Active or retired judges, justices and magistrates of any of the courts established by the constitution of New Mexico, United States constitution, laws of the state or laws of the United States are civil magistrates having authority to solemnize contracts of marriage. Civil magistrates solemnizing contracts of marriage shall charge no fee therefor.

2. How many witnesses do I need for the ceremony?: 2 witness are needed, it is up to you to provide witnesses.

3. Where do I get married?: The Clerk’s Office does not provide wedding services. It is up to you to contact someone to perform the marriage. A list of persons available in Eddy County who perform ceremonies may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office, the rest is up to you.

4. If I don’t record the license after the ceremony is the marriage legal?: The employees of the Clerk’s Office are not attorneys. This is a legal question we recommend you seek legal counsel.

5. How long before the wedding should I get the license?: The license can be issued at any time BEFORE the ceremony is performed. It takes about 20 minutes to gather the information and issue the license.

6. What do I need to change my Driver's License or Social Security Card?: You must provide a certified copy from the Clerk's Office in order to change your information with the Motor Vehicle Department or Social Security.

Carlsbad - 325 S. Main St. Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Artesia - 602 S. 1st St. Monday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

8. If we don't use our Marriage License immediatley does it expire?: No, they do not expire. If you have a license and have decided not to use it, we ask that you notify the Clerk’s Office.