Start with the county clerk where you were married
The county clerk's office in the county where you were married holds the original record and issues certified copies. This is almost always the fastest and cheapest route. 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 by visiting your state vital records website, which lists all county offices and their fees. Fees typically range from $10 to $25 per copy, depending on the county.
Key Takeaways
- The county clerk in the county where you married is your first stop and usually the cheapest source for a certified copy.
- Most county clerks let you request by mail, phone, or online without visiting in person.
- You will need to provide the names of both spouses, the marriage date, and sometimes the city or town where the ceremony took place.
- Processing times range from same-day to two weeks depending on the county and whether you pay for expedited service.
- If the county clerk cannot find the record, your state vital records office can search statewide records or direct you to the correct county.
How to request by mail or phone
Call the county clerk's office and ask what information they need. Have ready the full names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the city or town where you married. Some offices also ask for your relationship to the couple (spouse, parent, attorney) to confirm you have a right to the record.
If you mail a request, include a check or money order for the fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a note with the same information you would give by phone. Mail to the address listed on the county clerk's website. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks.
Request online if your county offers it
Many county clerks now accept requests through their website or through a state portal. Search "[your county name] clerk online marriage certificate request" to see if this option exists for you. Online requests often process faster than mail — sometimes within days — and you can pay by credit card.
Some states use a single statewide portal for all counties. For example, California uses VitalChek and New York uses the Department of Health portal. Check your state vital records website to see whether your county participates in a statewide system.
What to do if the county clerk cannot find your record
If the county where you think you married does not have the record, contact your state vital records office. The office name varies by state — it may be called the Department of Vital Records, Department of Health, or State Registrar — but every state has one. A state search costs more than a county search (usually $20 to $40) but covers all counties at once.
The state office can also tell you if the record was filed in a different county than you expected. This sometimes happens when the marriage license was issued in one county but the ceremony took place in another, or when the couple lived in a different county at the time of filing.
Expedited service and rush fees
If you need the copy quickly, most county clerks offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25 on top of the standard fee. Expedited service typically means the copy will be ready within three to five business days instead of one to two weeks.
Some counties also offer same-day service if you visit in person, though this depends on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask whether same-day service is available and whether you need an appointment.
Certified versus uncertified copies
A certified copy is an official document with the county seal and the clerk's signature. Banks, employers, government agencies, and courts require certified copies. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal and is not accepted for official purposes.
Always request a certified copy unless you are certain you only need an uncertified one. The fee is the same either way, and certified copies are what you will actually need.
What happens if your marriage was very recent
If you married within the last few weeks, the record may not yet be filed with the county clerk. The officiant (judge, minister, or other person who performed the ceremony) has a important date — usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state — to file the license with the county. If the important date has not passed, contact the person who married you and ask whether they have filed yet.
If the filing important date has passed and the record still does not appear, contact the county clerk's office directly. They can tell you whether the license was received and when the certified copy will be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a certified copy cost?
Fees range from $10 to $25 per copy depending on the county. Some counties charge less for the first copy and more for additional copies ordered at the same time. Call your county clerk's office or check their website for the exact fee.
Can I get a copy if I am not the person who was married?
Most states allow spouses, parents, children, and attorneys to request copies. Some counties ask you to state your relationship to the couple. If you are requesting for a legal reason, bring documentation of that reason — for example, a court order or a letter from an attorney.
What if I do not remember the exact date I was married?
Provide the month and year, and the county clerk can search within that range. If you remember the city or town, include that too — it narrows the search. If you have no date at all, call the county clerk and ask what information they need to locate the record.
How long does it take to get a copy?
By mail, one to two weeks. By phone or online, three to five business days. Same-day service is available in person at some county offices, but call ahead to confirm. Expedited service costs extra and usually takes three to five business days.
What if the county clerk says the record does not exist?
Contact your state vital records office and ask them to search statewide. The record may have been filed in a different county than you expected. If the state office cannot find it either, ask what documentation they need to establish the marriage — some states have procedures for this situation.