Start with the county clerk where you were married
Your marriage certificate comes from the county clerk's office in the county where you got married, not from the state. That office keeps the original record on file and issues certified copies. You will need to know the county name and the year of your marriage to request it.
Most county clerks now let you order by mail, phone, or in person. Some have moved to online ordering through their own websites. A few use third-party vendors that handle requests for multiple counties in that state. The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your county name] clerk marriage certificate" — the first result will be the correct office and their current process.
Expect to pay between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county. Processing takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks by mail, though in-person pickup is often same-day or next-day.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the county clerk in the county where you were married, not your state vital records office, because counties keep the original records.
- You will need the county name, the year you were married, and both spouses' full names as they appeared on the marriage license.
- Most county clerks accept mail, phone, and in-person requests, and some now offer online ordering through their website.
- Certified copies cost $10 to $30 each and take a few days to two weeks by mail, though many offices offer same-day pickup.
- If you cannot locate the correct county or the office has no record, your state vital records office can help you search across counties.
What information you need before you contact the clerk
Have the following details ready when you call or visit: the county name, the year of marriage, both spouses' full names exactly as they appeared on the marriage license, and the city or town where the ceremony took place. If you do not remember the exact year, give your best estimate — the clerk can usually search a range of years.
If you have the original marriage license or a copy, bring it with you or mention the license number. This speeds up the search. If you do not have any documents from the marriage, the clerk can still find the record using names and the approximate year, though it may take longer.
Ordering by mail or phone
Call the county clerk's office directly and ask what they need in writing. Most will accept a letter or form that includes your names, the marriage year, the number of copies you want, and your mailing address. Include a check or money order for the fee — some offices now accept credit cards by phone, but policies vary widely.
Mail your request to the address the clerk provides. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can return the certificates to you. Write "Marriage Certificate Request" on the envelope so it reaches the right department. Processing time is usually one to two weeks, though some counties are faster.
If you call instead, the clerk can often tell you when ready whether they have the record on file. Ask about their current fee, whether they accept payment by card over the phone, and whether they can mail the certificate to you or if you need to pick it up in person.
Ordering online or through a vendor
Some county clerks have their own online ordering systems on their website. Search "[county name] clerk online marriage certificate" to see if yours does. These systems usually let you pay by card and track your order status. Processing is often faster than mail — sometimes just a few business days.
A few states use a single vendor website that handles requests for all counties in that state. If the county clerk's website directs you to a vendor, use that vendor rather than trying to mail a request directly. The vendor is the official channel and will have the correct fee and processing time.
Be cautious of third-party websites that advertise "fast" or "rush" certificate delivery. These are not government offices — they are private companies that charge extra fees to order on your behalf. You can always order directly from the county clerk for less money, even if it takes slightly longer.
Picking up in person
If you live near the county clerk's office, visiting in person is often the fastest option. Bring a photo ID and the information listed above. Many offices can print a certified copy while you wait, though some require you to submit a request form and return the next day.
Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether they require an appointment. Some clerk's offices have reduced hours or are closed certain days. Ask whether they accept walk-ins or if you need to schedule a time slot.
If the county clerk has no record
If the clerk tells you they have no record of your marriage, the ceremony may have taken place in a different county than you remember. Contact your state vital records office — they maintain an index of all marriages in the state and can tell you which county has the record. Search "[your state] vital records marriage certificate" to find the state office's contact information and website.
Some states let you search their index online for free to find the correct county. Others require you to call or submit a form. Once you know the correct county, contact that county clerk directly to order the certificate.
If your marriage took place outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office or government agency in that country or region. The process and fees vary widely depending on where you were married.
What a certified copy looks like and why you need it
A certified marriage certificate is an official photocopy of the original record on file at the county clerk's office. It has the county clerk's raised seal, signature, and a statement that it is a true and correct copy of the original. This seal is what makes it "certified" — it proves the document came directly from the government office that keeps the record.
You will need a certified copy for legal purposes: changing your name, updating your Social Security record, explore for a passport, getting a mortgage, or adding a spouse to health insurance. A photocopy you make yourself or a photo of the original is not certified and will not be accepted for these purposes.
Order more than one copy if you think you will need them for multiple purposes. It is cheaper to order several at once than to request them separately later. Most people order two to four copies and keep the extras in a safe place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which county to contact if I got married a long time ago?
If you remember the city or town where you were married, that tells you the county. Search "[city name] county" to confirm. If you only remember the state, contact your state vital records office — they can search their index by your names and approximate year to find which county has the record, then direct you to contact that county clerk.
Can I order a marriage certificate if I am not the person who got married?
Most counties will issue a certified copy to either spouse, their adult children, or someone with a court order. Some counties have restrictions on who can order. Call the clerk's office and explain who you are and why you need the certificate — they will tell you whether they can issue it to you and what proof they need.
What if my name has changed since I got married?
The certificate will show your name as it appeared on the marriage license at the time of the ceremony. You do not need to change the certificate itself. If you need to prove your current name matches the name on the certificate, bring both your certified marriage certificate and a document showing your name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.
How much does a certified marriage certificate cost?
Fees range from $10 to $30 per copy depending on the county. Some counties charge more for rush processing or for copies ordered by phone or online. Call the clerk's office or check their website for the exact fee in your county.
Can I get a marriage certificate if I lost the original and do not have a copy?
Yes. The county clerk has the original record on file. You can order a new certified copy anytime by contacting the clerk's office with your names, the marriage year, and the county name. You do not need to have the original document to request a copy.