Get your certificate from the county or city where you were married
The office that issued your marriage certificate is almost always the vital records office in the county where the marriage took place, not where you live now. That office is usually run by the county clerk, the health department, or a separate vital records division — the name varies by state and county.
You do not need to visit in person. Most vital records offices accept requests by mail, phone, email, or their website. Some allow you to order online and pay by credit card. A few still require you to mail in a form and a check, but this is becoming less common.
The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your county name] vital records" or "[your county name] marriage certificate." The county clerk's website will have the address, phone number, and instructions for ordering.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the vital records office in the county where you married, not the county where you live now.
- Most offices accept mail, phone, email, or online orders — you rarely need to go in person.
- Bring or provide your full name, your spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and the county where it happened.
- Processing takes one to four weeks by mail and one to three business days if you order online or by phone.
- Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county.
What information you need before you order
Have ready your full legal name as it appeared on the marriage license, your spouse's full legal name, the exact date of the marriage, and the county where you married. If you do not know the exact date, the month and year usually work. If you do not remember the county, you can search by the city — the vital records office can usually figure out which county that city is in.
Some offices ask for your relationship to the person on the certificate (spouse, parent, child, or authorized representative). A few ask for the reason you need the certificate, though most do not.
How to order by mail
Request the form from the county vital records office website or call and ask them to mail it to you. Fill in your information, include a check or money order for the fee (usually $15 to $25 per copy), and mail it back with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the certificate mailed to you.
Processing by mail takes one to four weeks depending on the county's backlog. Some counties are faster than others. If you need the certificate urgently, call the office and ask whether they can expedite by phone or online order instead.
How to order online or by phone
Many counties now have an online ordering system on their vital records website. You enter your information, pay by credit or debit card, and the certificate is mailed to you or sometimes available for pickup. This usually takes three to five business days.
If the county does not have online ordering, call the vital records office directly. Give them the information over the phone, pay by card, and ask how long delivery will take. Phone orders often process faster than mail because the office has your information when ready and does not have to wait for a form to arrive.
What to do if you cannot find the right office
If you do not know which county you married in, or if the county office says they have no record, call your state's vital records office. Every state has one, and they keep a statewide index. Search "[your state name] vital records office" to find the phone number and website.
The state office can tell you which county issued your certificate or confirm that no certificate exists. They may also be able to order a copy for you, though some states require you to contact the county directly. There is usually a small fee for a state-level search.
Certified versus uncertified copies
A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office. This is the version you need for legal purposes — changing your name, updating a passport, getting a new driver's license, or proving your marriage in court. An uncertified copy is just a photocopy and is not accepted for official use.
Always order certified copies. The cost difference is small, and you will need them for any official document. Most offices will not sell you an uncertified copy anyway.
How many copies to order
Order at least two or three certified copies. You will need one for your records and one for each agency that asks for it — a passport office, a court, a name-change petition, or a new employer's background check. Having extra copies on hand saves you from ordering again later.
Copies are inexpensive (usually $15 to $30 each), and they do not expire. There is no downside to having more than you think you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a copy of someone else's marriage certificate?
Most states allow you to order a copy if you are one of the people named on the certificate (the bride or groom) or if you have a court order. Some states also allow when ready family members or authorized representatives. Call the vital records office and tell them your relationship to the people on the certificate — they will tell you whether you can order.
What if the certificate has a name I no longer use?
The certificate shows the names as they were on the marriage license. If you have changed your name since then, the certificate is still valid — it is a record of what happened on that date. You do not need a new certificate. If you need to prove your current name, you will also need a name-change court order or a passport in your current name.
How long does a marriage certificate take to arrive?
Mail orders usually take one to four weeks. Online or phone orders typically arrive in three to five business days. Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need it faster. Call the office and ask whether they have a rush option.
What if I married in a different country?
Contact the vital records office in the country and region where you married. If you married in Canada, contact the provincial vital records office. If you married in Mexico, contact the civil registry office (registro civil) in that state. The U.S. State Department website has links to vital records offices in many countries.
Can I get a digital copy instead of a paper certificate?
Some counties now offer digital certified copies that you can read and print. Ask the vital records office whether they have this option. Digital copies are usually cheaper and arrive faster, but some agencies still require an original paper copy with the official seal.