Where to Request Your Marriage Certificate
You get a copy of your marriage certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were married, not from the state capital or a federal office. That office is usually called the County Clerk, Recorder, or Register of Deeds — the name varies by state and county. You can request by mail, in person, or online depending on what your county offers.
The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your county name] vital records" or "[your county name] marriage certificate" in a search engine. Most counties now list their hours, fees, and process methods on their website. If you cannot find it online, call the main county courthouse and ask for the vital records department.
You will need to know the year you were married, the names of both people on the certificate, and the city or town where the marriage took place. If you do not have all of this information, the vital records office can often search their records by name and approximate year, though this may cost more or take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Request your marriage certificate from the county clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married, not your state capital.
- Most counties accept requests by mail, in person, or through their website, and fees usually range from five to twenty dollars per copy.
- You will need the year of marriage, both names, and the city where you married; the office can search by name and year if you do not have the exact date.
- Processing time varies from same-day in-person service to two to four weeks by mail, depending on the county and how busy they are.
- Some counties offer rush service for an extra fee if you need the certificate within a few days.
Requesting in Person at the County Office
Walking into the county clerk's office is usually the fastest option if you live near the courthouse. Most offices issue certified copies on the same day or within a few hours. Bring a photo ID and cash or a check, since not all county offices accept credit cards.
Call ahead or check the website to confirm the office hours and whether you need to fill out a form before you arrive. Some counties let you fill out the request form online and pick it up the same day; others hand you the form when you walk in. Ask how many certified copies you need — ordering extras at the same time costs less than returning later.
Requesting by Mail
Mail requests take longer but work if you cannot visit in person. read the process form from the county's website or call and ask them to mail you one. Fill it out with the information you have, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the form.
Processing time is usually two to four weeks, though some counties are slower during busy seasons. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the office can mail the certificate back to you. If you are in a hurry, ask whether the county offers rush service — many charge an extra five to ten dollars to process within three to five business days.
Requesting Online
A growing number of counties let you order a marriage certificate through their website using a credit card. Search "[your county name] order marriage certificate online" to see if yours is one of them. Online orders usually take five to ten business days to arrive by mail.
Online ordering is convenient but not always faster than walking in. The advantage is that you can submit the request at any time, even outside office hours. Make sure you are on the official county website — third-party services that offer to order certificates for you charge much higher fees and are not necessary.
What to Do If You Do Not Know the County
If you do not remember which county you were married in, start by calling the state vital records office. They can tell you which county has the record, though they usually cannot issue the certificate themselves. Search "[your state name] vital records office" to find the phone number.
You can also contact the city or town where you were married and ask the city clerk's office — they sometimes keep copies or can point you to the right county. If you have an old copy of the certificate at home, the county name is printed on it.
Fees and What You Will Receive
Certified copies cost between five and twenty dollars depending on the county, with most falling in the ten to fifteen dollar range. A certified copy is an official document with a raised seal or official stamp that proves it came from the county — this is what you need for legal purposes like changing your name, getting a passport, or proving marriage for benefits.
Some counties offer uncertified copies for less money, but these are not acceptable for legal or government purposes. Always order certified copies unless you only need the document for your own records. Most counties let you order multiple copies at once for a small additional fee per copy.
Requesting a Copy for Someone Else
You can request a copy of someone else's marriage certificate, but the rules vary by state. Some states require you to be one of the people on the certificate, a direct descendant, or a legal representative. Others allow anyone to order a copy.
Call the county vital records office and explain your relationship to the people on the certificate. They will tell you whether you can order it and what proof you may need to provide. If you are ordering for a minor child or as a legal guardian, bring documentation of that relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate by mail?
Most counties process mail requests in two to four weeks. Some are faster, some slower depending on how busy they are. If you need it sooner, ask about rush service when you mail your request — many counties offer three to five day processing for an extra fee.
Can I get a certified copy online without visiting the county?
Some counties let you order online and have the certificate mailed to you, which takes five to ten business days. Not all counties offer this yet. Check your county's website or call the vital records office to see if they accept online orders.
What if the county says they have no record of my marriage?
Ask the county to search by both names and a range of years in case the date is off. If they still find nothing, contact the state vital records office — the marriage may have been recorded in a different county than where the ceremony took place. Some older marriages may not be on file if the county lost records.
Do I need the original certificate or will a copy work?
For legal purposes like changing your name or getting a passport, you need a certified copy with the official seal. The original certificate is not required. Most people keep the original at home and use certified copies for official business.
Can I order a marriage certificate if I do not remember the exact date?
Yes. Tell the county the year and approximate month if you know it, and both names. The office will search their records by name and year. This may take longer and could cost more, but most counties can find it if you have the right names and year.