JACKSON (AP) — Couples itching to get married in Mississippi may no longer have to endure a waiting period.

The House gave final passage Wednesday to Senate Bill 2851, which would abolish the state’s three-day waiting period and blood test before issuing a marriage license.

Although some House members questioned letting people get married without waiting, the chamber ultimately voted 84-37 for the measure.

It now goes to Gov. Phil Bryant for his signature.

The measure was supported by circuit clerks, who issue marriage licenses, and by tourism promoters, who said the waiting period was a hindrance to weddings involving brides and grooms from out of town. The state Health Department says the blood test, which checks just for syphilis, only found about two dozen positive cases last year out of more than 20,000 people.

“This will help boost tourism for places like Natchez and other places that compete in the destination wedding market,” said Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, who handled the bill before the House.

Tourism officials from Natchez and the Gulf Coast have endorsed the bill, saying out-of-town brides and grooms sometimes struggle to reach a destination in time to meet the waiting requirement. Now, a judge can waive the requirement in such cases.

Opponents questioned whether it’s really a good idea to allow people to get married on a whim.

“If this bill passes, you could have young people going down to the courthouse and rushing into something,” said Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton.

But Lamar said it’s unfair to believe the bill would result in Las Vegas-like quickie wedding chapels.

Considering the declining marriage rates in American society, House Judiciary A Committee Chairman Mark Baker, R-Brandon, said, “I think anything that encourages marriage is good.”

The minimum age for marriage in Mississippi is 15 for women and 17 for men. However, men and women under 21 must receive consent from their parent or guardian. Circuit clerk courts are forbidden from issuing a marriage license if either party appears to be intoxicated or suffering from a mental illness or disability that prevents them from understanding the nature of the license.