Start with the county clerk's office where you were married

The county clerk's office in the county where you got married is your first stop. That office keeps the original record of your marriage and issues certified copies. You do not need to go in person — most county clerks accept requests by mail, phone, or their website.

Find the right office by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage certificate" or "[your county name] vital records." The clerk's website will list the fee (usually $10 to $25 per copy), what information you need to provide, and whether they take credit cards or require a check.

If you do not remember which county you were married in, you can search your own records: marriage license, wedding announcement, or tax returns from that year often list the county. If that does not work, call the state vital records office — they can tell you which county holds your record.

Key Takeaways

  • The county clerk in the county where you married keeps your marriage record and issues certified copies by mail, phone, or online request.
  • You will need to provide your full name, your spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and sometimes the location of the ceremony.
  • Most county clerks charge $10 to $25 per certified copy and process requests within one to two weeks.
  • If you do not know which county, the state vital records office can search their index and tell you where your record is filed.
  • Some states allow you to order online through a state portal; others require mail or phone requests to the county directly.

What information you need to provide

Have ready your full name as it appears on the marriage license, your spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and the city or county where you were married. Some offices also ask for the name of the officiant (the person who performed the ceremony) or the license number if you have it.

If your name has changed since the marriage — through divorce, remarriage, or legal name change — bring documentation of that change. The clerk may need to see a divorce decree or court order to match your current name to the record under your married name.

How to request by mail

Write a letter to the county clerk's office that includes your request for a certified copy of your marriage certificate, the information listed above, the number of copies you need, and the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope or provide a credit card number if the office accepts payment that way.

Mail the letter to the address on the clerk's website. Processing time is usually one to three weeks, though some offices are slower during summer months or after holidays. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

Ordering online or by phone

Many county clerks now accept orders through their website. Search "[your county name] clerk vital records online" to see if yours does. You will enter the information above, select the number of copies, and pay by credit card. The office will mail the certificates to you.

If the website does not offer online ordering, call the clerk's office directly. Have the information ready and ask about payment methods, processing time, and whether they can mail the certificate to you or if you must pick it up in person. Some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee.

State vital records offices as a backup

If the county clerk cannot find your record or is unresponsive, contact your state's vital records office. Every state has one, usually housed in the health department or secretary of state's office. Search "[your state name] vital records" to find the office and their contact information.

State offices can search their index to locate your record, tell you which county holds it, and sometimes issue a certified copy themselves. Processing is often slower than going directly to the county, but this route works when you do not know which county to contact or when the county office is closed.

What a certified copy looks like and costs

A certified copy is an official photocopy of your marriage record, stamped and signed by the clerk. It has the county seal and the clerk's signature, which is what banks, employers, and government agencies require. A plain photocopy you make yourself is not valid for official purposes.

Fees range from $10 to $25 per certified copy depending on the county. Some offices charge extra for rush processing (three to five business days instead of one to two weeks) or for ordering by phone instead of mail. Ask about the total cost before you submit your request.

If you were married outside the United States

Contact the vital records office in the country or region where you were married. Many countries have a national registry of marriages; others keep records at the local or provincial level. The U.S. State Department website has links to vital records offices in most countries.

If you need an English translation of a foreign marriage certificate, some counties will accept a certified translation from a professional translator. Ask the office that will use the certificate (your employer, a bank, or a government agency) whether they require a translation and whether it must be certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?

Standard processing is one to three weeks by mail. Some county clerks offer rush processing for an extra fee, which can bring it down to three to five business days. Online orders sometimes process faster. Call the clerk's office to ask about their current timeline.

Can I pick up my marriage certificate in person instead of waiting for mail?

Yes, if you live near the county clerk's office. Call ahead to confirm they have the certificate ready and what hours they are open. Bring a photo ID and payment. Some offices allow you to pick up the same day if you request it in person.

What if the clerk says they have no record of my marriage?

Ask the clerk to search by your spouse's name as well, in case the record is filed under a different spelling. If they still find nothing, contact the state vital records office — they can search across all counties. It is also possible the marriage was never officially recorded, which happens occasionally with very old marriages or informal ceremonies.

Do I need to show ID or proof of relationship to order a marriage certificate?

Most county clerks do not require ID or proof when you order by mail or phone — they assume you are requesting your own record. If you are ordering on behalf of someone else, some offices require a notarized statement or proof of relationship. Call ahead to ask what they need.

Can I order multiple certified copies at once?

Yes. Tell the clerk how many copies you need in your request. Ordering several at once is often cheaper per copy than ordering them separately later. Most people order two to four copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.