Get your marriage certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were married
You do not order a marriage certificate from the place where your ceremony happened. Instead, you request it from the vital records office (also called the county clerk's office or registrar's office) in the county where the marriage license was issued and the ceremony took place. This is a government office, not a wedding venue or church.
The office that holds your original record is determined by location, not by who performed the ceremony. A marriage at a church, courthouse, or private venue all go to the same county vital records office. You will need to know which county the marriage took place in to contact the right office.
Most counties allow you to request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. Some now accept online requests through their website. Processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on the county and the method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married, not the venue or officiant.
- You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and sometimes the names of parents or witnesses.
- A certified copy costs between $10 and $30 in most counties, though fees vary by location.
- Mail requests typically take two to four weeks; in-person requests are usually faster.
- Some counties offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need the certificate sooner.
How to find the right county vital records office
Start by identifying the county where the marriage took place. If you are unsure, check your marriage license or ask the person who officiated the ceremony. Once you have the county name, search online for "[County Name] vital records office" or "[County Name] clerk's office marriage certificates."
Most county offices have a website with instructions for ordering, fees, and contact information. Some states maintain a centralized directory of vital records offices. The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website includes links to state vital records offices, which can direct you to the correct county.
If you cannot locate the office online, call the county courthouse main number and ask for the vital records or clerk's office. They will tell you the correct department and how to submit your request.
What information you will need to provide
When you request a marriage certificate, have the following details ready: the full legal names of both spouses (as they appeared on the marriage license), the date of marriage, and the county where the marriage took place. Some offices also ask for the names of parents or the names of witnesses.
If you do not remember the exact date, provide the month and year or the approximate date. Most offices can search by name and year if the exact date is not available. If either spouse's name has changed since the marriage, provide both the name on the license and the current name.
You may be asked whether you need a certified copy (with an official seal and signature) or an informational copy. A certified copy is required for legal purposes such as changing your name, updating a passport, or proving marriage for benefits. An informational copy is cheaper but not valid for official use.
Ordering by mail
Most counties accept mail requests. read the process form from the county vital records website or call and ask for it to be mailed to you. Fill out the form with the required information, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the office can return your certificate. Some counties require a photocopy of your ID to verify your identity. Check the office's website or call ahead to confirm what documents they need.
Mail requests typically take two to four weeks from the time the office receives your request. If you need the certificate faster, ask whether the office offers rush processing or expedited mail service for an additional fee.
Ordering in person or by phone
If you live near the county vital records office, you can visit in person. Bring a photo ID, the required information about the marriage, and payment in cash or check. You may receive the certificate the same day or within a few business days, depending on the office's workload.
Some counties allow phone requests. Call the vital records office, provide the required information, and ask about payment options. They may accept credit card payment over the phone or ask you to mail a check. Confirm the mailing address and expected delivery time before you hang up.
Hours and wait times vary by county. Call ahead or check the website to learn when the office is open and whether you need an appointment.
Ordering online
A growing number of counties offer online ordering through their vital records website. You will enter the required information, select the number of copies you need, and pay by credit card. The certificate is then mailed to your address.
Online ordering is convenient but processing times are similar to mail requests—usually two to four weeks. Some counties that offer online ordering also offer rush processing for an additional fee. Check the website to see whether rush service is available and what it costs.
Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to order certificates for you. These services charge a markup on top of the county fee. Ordering directly from the county vital records office is faster and cheaper.
Cost and payment methods
A certified marriage certificate costs between $10 and $30 in most counties, though some charge more. Fees vary by county and by the number of copies you request. Most offices charge a per-copy fee, so ordering multiple copies at once is usually more economical than ordering one at a time.
Payment methods depend on how you order. Mail requests typically require a check or money order. In-person requests may accept cash, check, or card. Online and phone requests often accept credit or debit cards. Confirm the accepted payment methods before you submit your request.
If the office offers rush processing, expect to pay an additional $5 to $15 per copy. Some counties also charge extra for expedited mail delivery.
What to do if you cannot locate your record
If the county vital records office cannot find your marriage record, it may not have been filed. This occasionally happens if the officiant did not submit the paperwork or if there was an error in the filing. Ask the office whether they have a record of the marriage license process, which may have been filed separately.
If no record exists, contact the person who officiated the ceremony—a clergy member, judge, or justice of the peace. They may have a copy of the signed license or be able to help you locate the filing. Some states allow you to file a delayed marriage certificate if the original was never registered.
If you need a marriage certificate urgently and the county cannot locate the record, consult a family law attorney in your state. They can advise you on whether a delayed filing or court order is possible in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many certified copies should I order?
Order at least two or three copies. You will need one for your records and may need additional copies for name changes, passport applications, or other official purposes. Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering them separately later.
Can I order a marriage certificate for someone else?
Most counties require you to be one of the people named on the certificate or have a legal relationship to them (such as being a parent or attorney). Some counties allow when ready family members to order. Call the vital records office to ask whether you are authorized to request the certificate.
What if my name has changed since the marriage?
Provide both your name as it appears on the marriage license and your current name when you request the certificate. The certificate itself will show the names as they were at the time of marriage. If you need a document showing your current name, you may need a certified name change document in addition to the marriage certificate.
How long does a marriage certificate take to arrive?
Mail and online requests typically take two to four weeks. In-person requests may be processed the same day or within a few business days. Rush processing, if available, usually takes three to five business days for an additional fee.
What is the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy?
A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office and is valid for legal purposes. An informational copy is cheaper but cannot be used for official transactions. Order a certified copy unless the office specifically tells you an informational copy is acceptable.