Your marriage license comes in an envelope pre-addressed to the County Clerk's Office. Inside the envelope you will also find a form for requesting a certified copy of your license. I strongly recommend that you get at least one certified copy. There are many instances in which you may have to show proof of your marriage, such as changing the married name on your passport when you renew it, or so your new spouse can receive military allotment checks, or to include your new spouse on your health insurance, or many others that come up. Fill out the request form in advance and bring it to the wedding in the envelope with the license. The fee for the certified copy is $12 - $13 (varies by county). Enclose a check made out to the County Clerk for this amount. Enclose the ministers cash in the same envelope.

The minister will take all this home after the wedding and mail it to the county for you. It can take from 4-8 weeks to receive your certified copy, so be patient.