To get a copy of a marriage license (or the marriage certificate that proves the marriage took place), you generally need to contact the government office in the city or county where the license was issued. The process is similar in most places, though exact rules vary by country and jurisdiction:
1. Identify the correct office. In the United States, marriage records are typically kept by the County Clerk's Office, County Recorder, or Vital Records/Vital Statistics office in the county (or sometimes the city) where the license was obtained — not necessarily where the wedding ceremony happened. In other countries, this may be a civil registry, registrar general's office, or local municipal office.
2. Choose the record type you need. There are usually two versions available:
- Certified copy – an official document with a raised seal or certification, needed for legal purposes like name changes, passports, visas, or benefits claims.
- Informational/uncertified copy – for personal records only, not valid for legal transactions.
3. Gather required information. You'll typically need the full names of both spouses (including maiden name), the date of the marriage, and the county/city where it was licensed. Some offices also ask for a reason for the request and proof of identity (driver's license, passport, etc.), especially for certified copies, since these are often restricted to the people named on the certificate, immediate family, or those with a legal interest.
4. Submit your request. Most offices offer several methods:
- Online through the county or state vital records website (often via a third-party portal)
- By mail with a completed request form, ID copy, and payment
- In person at the clerk's office
- By phone in some jurisdictions
5. Pay the fee. Fees usually range from about $10–$30 per copy, though this varies by location.
6. Processing time. In-person requests are often same-day; online or mail requests can take one to several weeks.
If you're unsure where the license was filed, start with the state's Department of Vital Records or Vital Statistics website, which usually provides links to the correct county-level office.