Where to Request a Marriage Certificate Copy

You get a copy of your marriage certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were married, not from the courthouse or your church. Most states call this office the "vital records department" or "vital statistics office," though some use different names — New York calls it the Department of Health, and Louisiana calls it the Office of Vital Records. You can request a copy by mail, in person, or online if your state offers it. The office that issued your original certificate is the only one that can provide certified copies.

If you do not know which county you were married in, you can search your records for the marriage license or certificate you received at the time, which will show the county name. If you cannot find it, you can contact the state vital records office and ask them to search their records by your name and approximate marriage date — most will do this for a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married, not your local courthouse or the state capital.
  • You can usually request a copy by mail, in person, or online, depending on what your state offers.
  • You will need to provide your full name, your spouse's full name, and the date of marriage.
  • Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 in most states, and processing takes one to four weeks by mail.
  • If you were married outside the United States, you must request the certificate from the vital records office in that country.

How to Find Your State's Vital Records Office

The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your state name] vital records" online. This will take you to the state health department website, which lists the mailing address, phone number, and online request options. Many states now let you order a copy through their website without calling or mailing a form.

If your state does not have an online system, you can call the state vital records office directly and ask them which county office handles marriages from the county where you were married. They can also tell you whether you need to send a check or money order, or whether they accept credit cards. Some counties have their own websites where you can order online; others require you to mail a form and payment.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you request a copy, have ready your full name as it appeared on the marriage certificate, your spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and the county name. If you have changed your name since the marriage, include both your married name and your current name. Some offices also ask for the names of your parents, though this is less common now.

If you do not remember the exact date, provide the month and year, or even just the year — most offices can search by approximate date. If you do not know the county, tell the office the city or town where you were married, and they can usually figure out the county from that.

Ordering by Mail, Phone, or Online

If you order by mail, read the request form from your state's vital records website or call and ask them to mail you one. Fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the fee (usually $15 to $25), and mail it to the address on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can send the certificate back to you. Processing takes one to four weeks, depending on how busy the office is.

If you order by phone, call the vital records office and provide your information. They will tell you the fee and how to pay — some accept credit cards over the phone, others require a check mailed separately. Ask how long processing will take and whether they can rush the order for an extra fee.

If your state offers online ordering, you can usually upload a photo of your ID, pay by credit card, and receive the certificate by mail within one to two weeks. Some states now offer digital delivery, where you can read a PDF copy when ready after payment.

Certified vs. Uncertified Copies

A certified copy is an official document with a raised seal or watermark that proves it came directly from the vital records office. Banks, employers, government agencies, and courts accept certified copies as proof of marriage. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal and is not accepted for official purposes.

Always order certified copies unless you only need the document for your own records. Most vital records offices send certified copies by default, but confirm this when you place your order. If you need multiple copies for different purposes — such as one for a bank and one for a court — order at least two or three at once, since the cost per copy usually drops if you order more than one.

Cost and Processing Time

A certified copy costs between $10 and $30 in most states, with an average of around $15 to $20. Some states charge more if you need the copy rushed. A few states offer free or low-cost copies for certain purposes, such as name changes or passport applications — ask the vital records office whether your reason qualifies.

Standard processing by mail takes one to four weeks. If you need the certificate sooner, ask about expedited service, which usually costs an extra $10 to $15 and cuts the time to five to ten business days. Some offices offer same-day or next-day service if you pick up the copy in person.

If You Were Married Outside the United States

If you were married in another country, you must request the certificate from that country's vital records office or equivalent agency. Contact the embassy or consulate of that country in the United States, and they can tell you where to send your request and what documents you need to provide.

Processing times and costs vary widely by country. Some countries charge very little and process requests quickly; others charge significant fees and take several months. Ask the embassy whether you need to provide a certified English translation of the certificate, since some U.S. institutions require this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of my marriage certificate online?

Many states now offer online ordering through their vital records website, where you can submit your request and pay by credit card. Some states also offer digital delivery, where you read a PDF copy when ready. However, not all states have online systems yet, so check your state's vital records website to see what options are available.

What if I do not know which county I was married in?

Call your state's vital records office and provide your name, your spouse's name, and the approximate date of marriage. They can search their records and tell you which county issued your certificate. There is usually a small search fee, typically $5 to $10.

How many copies should I order?

Order at least two or three certified copies. You may need one for a bank, one for a court, one for a government agency, and one for your own records. Ordering multiple copies at once is usually cheaper per copy than ordering them separately later.

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

Yes, if you visit the vital records office in person, you can usually get a copy the same day or within a few hours. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment. Bring your ID and payment.

What if the vital records office cannot find my marriage record?

If they cannot find it after searching, ask them to provide a letter stating that no record exists. This letter can sometimes be used as proof of marriage in place of a certificate. You can also contact the courthouse in the county where you were married and ask whether they have a copy of your marriage license.