Do both parties have to be present to obtain a marriage license & what documentation is absolutely necessary to receive the license? If both present, can we be married the same day @ the court house?

You both need to be there to obtain a license but you must wait 24hrs to get married

Both have to be present signed the paper work to get the license. I recommend fill it out thru the website so when you get there is just verify the information you provided both need Identification and pay a fee 35 dollars. So they could give you the license. Not sure If you could get married the same day. But sure the next day you can.