Where to order your marriage certificate online
You can order a marriage certificate online through your state or county vital records office. Most states now offer this service on their official vital records website, though the process and fees vary by location. You will need to know the county where you were married, because that is where the record is kept — not your state capital.
Start by searching "[your state] vital records" or "[your county] marriage certificate" to find the correct office. State health departments usually handle vital records, but some counties run their own systems. Once you find the right website, you will see an online order form where you enter the names of both people married, the date of marriage, and sometimes the location. Payment is typically by credit card or debit card, and the certificate arrives by mail in one to three weeks.
A few states still require you to order by mail or phone instead of online. If the state website does not offer online ordering, look for a phone number or mailing address on that same page. Some counties also allow you to order in person at the vital records office if you need the certificate the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage certificates are kept by the county where you were married, not by your state, so you need to contact that specific county's vital records office.
- Most state and county vital records websites now have online order forms where you pay by card and receive the certificate by mail within one to three weeks.
- You will need both people's full names, the date of marriage, and usually the city or county where the marriage took place to complete an online order.
- Some counties offer same-day pickup at their office if you order in person, though online orders always arrive by mail.
- Fees range from $10 to $30 depending on your state or county, and rush processing is sometimes available for an extra charge.
What information you need to provide
Online order forms ask for the full legal names of both people who were married, exactly as they appear on the original marriage license. If either person has changed their name since the marriage, use the name from the marriage date, not the current name. The form also requires the date of marriage in month-day-year format.
You will also need to specify the county and city where the marriage took place. If you are unsure of the exact location, search your old marriage license, wedding announcement, or any official documents from that time. Some online systems let you search their database by name and date to find the record before you order, which helps confirm you have the right information.
Most offices ask how many certified copies you want. Order at least two copies — one for your records and one as a backup, since some institutions lose documents or require originals. Certified copies are identical and equally valid; there is no "official" version.
How to find your county's vital records office
The fastest way is to search the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website, which lists links to every state and many county vital records offices. You can also search "[your state] vital records office" directly in a search engine and look for the .gov website.
Once you land on your state's vital records page, look for a link that says "order online," "request a certificate," or "vital records." If your state does not offer online ordering, the same page will list the mailing address and phone number. Some states direct you to a third-party vendor that handles orders on their behalf — these are legitimate and find, though they may charge a small processing fee on top of the state fee.
If you cannot find your county online, call your county clerk's office or the county health department. They can tell you whether they handle marriage records, what the fee is, and whether they accept online orders. Keep the phone number handy — you may need it if your order gets delayed or if you have questions about the status.
Fees and processing times
Marriage certificate fees range from $10 to $30 per copy, depending on your state or county. Some places charge the same fee whether you order one copy or five; others charge per copy. A few counties offer a discount if you order multiple copies at once. The fee is usually non-refundable, even if you change your mind after ordering.
Standard processing takes one to three weeks from the time the office receives your order. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end, so budget four weeks total from order to arrival. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra $10 to $20, which cuts the processing time to three to five business days. A handful of counties offer same-day or next-day service if you pick up in person, though this is rare.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or sometimes check or money order if you order by mail. Online orders are processed when ready once your payment goes through. If you order by mail, the office will not start processing until they receive your check and order form, which can add a week to the timeline.
What to do if you cannot find your marriage record
If you search the vital records database and the marriage does not appear, the record may be filed under a different name, date, or location than you remember. Try searching with just the first and last name, leaving the middle name blank. If one person changed their name before marriage, search under both the maiden name and the married name.
If the marriage took place more than 50 to 100 years ago, the record may be archived or stored differently. Call the vital records office directly and describe what you know — the approximate year, the people's names, and any locations you remember. Staff can often search their archives or direct you to a historical records office.
If the marriage took place outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office in that country or region. Some countries have centralized systems; others require you to contact the local office where the marriage occurred. The U.S. State Department website has links to vital records offices in many countries.
Certified versus uncertified copies
A certified copy is an official document with a raised seal or security features that proves it came directly from the vital records office. Banks, employers, government agencies, and courts accept certified copies as proof of marriage. This is what you need for name changes, passport applications, Social Security updates, or divorce proceedings.
An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the official seal. It is cheaper and faster to obtain, but most institutions will not accept it for legal purposes. Some vital records offices offer uncertified copies for genealogy research or personal records only. If you are unsure whether you need a certified copy, ask the institution that requested the certificate — they will tell you which type they accept.
When you order online, the form usually specifies "certified copy" by default. If you see an option for "uncertified" or "informational copy," choose certified unless you have a specific reason not to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a marriage certificate if I do not remember the exact date?
Most online forms require the month and year at minimum, though some let you search by name and county alone. If you remember only the year, call the vital records office and ask whether they can search their database for you. Staff can often locate the record if you provide both people's names and an approximate year.
What if my name has changed since I was married?
Order using your name as it appeared on the marriage license, not your current name. The certificate will show the names from the marriage date. If you need the certificate to prove your current identity, bring a separate document showing your name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.
How long does it take to receive a marriage certificate by mail?
Standard processing takes one to three weeks, plus mail delivery time on both ends. Plan for four weeks total. Rush processing, if available, cuts the office processing time to three to five business days but does not speed up mail delivery. Some counties offer in-person pickup, which is the fastest option if available.
Can I order a marriage certificate for someone else?
Most states allow you to order if you have a direct interest in the record — meaning you are one of the people married, a parent, a legal guardian, or an attorney handling a case. Some states require a notarized request or proof of relationship. Check your state's vital records website for their specific rules about who can order.
What if the online order form will not accept my payment?
Check that your card has not expired and that the billing address matches your card issuer's records exactly. If the problem continues, try a different card or call the vital records office to order by phone or mail instead. Some older systems have trouble with certain card types or international addresses.