Get your marriage certificate from the county where you were married
The county vital records office in the county where your marriage took place is your first stop. That office holds the original record and issues certified copies. You do not need to go in person — most counties accept requests by mail, phone, or their website. Some have moved to online ordering systems where you can pay by card and receive the certificate by mail within one to three weeks.
If you do not remember which county, check your marriage license from the wedding day, or search your state's vital records directory. Every state maintains a list of county offices with their contact information and accepted payment methods.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married, not your current county of residence.
- Most counties accept mail, phone, or online requests and do not require you to appear in person.
- Bring or provide your full name at the time of marriage, your spouse's full name, the marriage date, and the county name.
- Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 per copy depending on the county, and processing takes one to four weeks by mail.
- If the county office is closed or records are unavailable, your state vital records office can sometimes issue a certificate or direct you to an alternative source.
How to request by mail or phone
Call the county vital records office and ask what information they need. Standard requests require your full name at marriage, your spouse's full name, the exact marriage date, and the county. Some offices ask for your current address and phone number. Ask the fee amount and whether they accept check, money order, or card payment.
If you mail a request, include a letter with all required information, your signature, a copy of your ID, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can return the certificate to you. Mail to the address listed on the county website. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks after the office receives your request.
Online ordering through county websites
Many counties now offer online ordering through their vital records portal. Search "[county name] vital records online order" to find the system. You will enter your information, upload a photo of your ID, pay by card, and select how many copies you need. The certificate ships to your address by mail.
Online systems vary by county. Some charge a service fee on top of the certificate fee. Processing time is often faster than mail — typically one to two weeks. Check the county website for the exact timeline and whether they offer rush processing for an additional fee.
What to do if you cannot find the county office
If you do not know which county issued your marriage license, contact your state vital records office. Every state has one, usually housed in the Department of Health or a similar agency. The state office can search their index for your marriage record and either issue a certificate themselves or tell you which county holds the original.
State offices charge a search fee even if they do not find a record. Searches take longer than county requests — often four to six weeks. But if the county office has closed, moved, or lost records in a fire or flood, the state office may be your only option.
Certified versus uncertified copies
A certified copy bears the county seal and the vital records officer's signature. Banks, courts, employers, and government agencies accept only certified copies as proof of marriage. This is the version you need for name changes, passport applications, Social Security updates, or divorce proceedings.
An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal. It has no legal standing. Some counties offer uncertified copies at a lower price for personal records only — but if you need the certificate for any official purpose, order the certified version from the start.
Cost and processing time by method
| Method | Cost per copy | Processing time | How to request |
|---|---|---|---|
| County mail request | $10–$30 | 2–4 weeks | Mail letter with ID copy and payment |
| County phone request | $10–$30 plus card fee | 2–4 weeks | Call office, provide info, pay by card |
| County online order | $10–$30 plus service fee | 1–2 weeks | County website portal, pay by card |
| State vital records office | $15–$40 | 4–6 weeks | Mail or phone; includes search fee |
What information you need to provide
Have ready your full legal name as it appeared on your marriage license, your spouse's full legal name, the exact date of marriage, and the county name. If you have changed your name since the marriage, provide both your name at marriage and your current name.
Some offices ask for your current address, phone number, and a reason for the request. A few ask for a photocopy of your ID to verify your identity. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you may need a notarized authorization letter or proof that you are a direct descendant or spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage certificate if I do not remember the exact date?
Most offices can search by approximate year or month and name. Call the county office and give them the year and the names. They will search their index and tell you the exact date, then issue the certificate. Some charge a search fee even if they find the record.
What if my name has changed since I was married?
Provide both your name at marriage and your current name when you request. The certificate will show the names as they appeared on the original license. If you need a new certificate with your current name, you must go through a legal name change process in court — the vital records office cannot update the original record.
How many copies should I order?
Order at least two or three certified copies. You will need one for your records and may need others for passport applications, Social Security, or employer verification. Extra copies cost only a few dollars more and save you a second request later.
Can I pick up a marriage certificate in person instead of waiting for mail?
Some county offices offer same-day or next-day pickup if you visit in person with your ID and payment. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and whether they have the certificate ready. Not all counties offer this option, so ask before you travel.
What if the county says they have no record of my marriage?
Ask the office to search again by different name spellings or a wider date range. If they still find nothing, contact the state vital records office — they can search statewide records. It is also possible the marriage was recorded in a different county than where the ceremony took place, so ask the county office which county might hold the record.