How to obtain a copy of my marriage certificate

What is a certified marriage certificate?

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a duplicate of your original marriage certificate issued directly from the county office where you received your marriage license. It is totally different to the marriage license (check the differences between marriage license vs certificate here). A certified copy can be used to apply for insurance benefits, file joint taxes, and many other crucial documents and services in the United States.

Real ID deadline update to October 1st of 2021. Read the complete article.

To order a copy of your lost marriage certificate, the vital statistics office will require the following information to fill the application:

  • • Information about the wedding ceremony.
  • • Personal information about the spouses.
  • • Name and contact information of the person filing the application.

If you change your name after marriage, read this article


How to get a marriage certificate?

Ordering a replacement marriage certificate is a simple process with Vital Records Online.

First, you need to complete an easy application. Second, you will need to pay the state fee and the service fee. Third, you will need to send the application package to the Health Department, and soon you will be receiving your marriage certificate by mail. The entire process can be completed without leaving home.


Where to get a marriage certificate?

Obtain your marriage certificate online or by visiting the vital records government agency in the state where the wedding ceremony took place. Ordering your marriage certificate online is the easiest way to order marriage records.

Find the closest vital records office, visit OnlineVitals.com.

Note: Due to the spread of the COVID-19, some vital record agencies are closed or they are only processing by mail or online applications. Check the current status here.


How much is a marriage certificate?

If you need a certified marriage certificate copy, the vital record agency will charge you between $5 to $34 fee depending on the state. You can check all states fees here.


How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?

Each state has their own processing time. Usually you should expect to wait for your marriage certificate copy between 5 days to 16 weeks. Check your state processing time here.


Documents required to order a marriage certificate online

In order to complete the online application, the Health Department requires applicants to prove their identity by including a photocopy of their ID. It varies depending on the county, but commonly people can use the driver’s license or a state ID. Verify the list of all necessary documents required by your state here.

If you have lost all your IDs, we prepare a quick guide to know what to do in those cases.


Who can get a copy of a marriage certificate?

Marriage certificates can be requested only by the husband and the wife. Sometimes, legal representatives such as attorneys, government agencies, members of law enforcement, and court appointed agencies or individuals, can order marriage or divorce records as well. Check who can apply here.

You need to register on the General Register Office (GRO) website to get a copy of a birth, adoption, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate in England and Wales.

You can use this service to research your family tree.

Order with the GRO index reference number.

It takes around 10 minutes and you’ll need a debit or credit card.

Start now

Contents

  • More information
  • Other ways to apply

There’s a different process for getting certificates in Scotland and getting certificates in Northern Ireland.

Certificate fees

Certificates cost £11 and are sent 4 days after you apply.

If you do not have a GRO index reference number, you’ll have to pay £3 extra for each search. Certificates are sent 15 working days after you apply.

If you need the certificate sooner, you can use the priority service for £35. It’ll be sent the next working day if you order by 4pm.

Extra copies are the same price.

Get help ordering a certificate

Contact the General Register Office for help ordering a certificate or questions about an order.

General Register Office
(for general enquiries)
Online form (for enquiries after you’ve applied for a certificate)
Telephone: 0300 123 1837
Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1837
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Find out about call charges

General Register Office
PO Box 2
Southport
PR8 2JD

Registration of births or deaths abroad

If you’ve registered a birth or death with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Overseas Registration Unit, you cannot get a copy from the GRO until the November of the following year.

If you need a copy sooner, email the name of the registered person, the registration date and reference number to:

  • for birth registrations
  • for death registrations

You’ll get a reply telling you how to get your copy and the cost - usually £50 plus courier fees.

Ordering by phone

To order certificates by phone, call the General Register Office.

General Register Office
Telephone: 0300 123 1837
Text relay: 18001 0300 123 1837
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Find out about call charges

Ordering by post

To order certificates by post, fill in the relevant GRO certificate application and send it to the address on the form.

Register offices

You can also order certificates from the local register office where the birth, death or marriage was registered.

How do I get a copy of my Tennessee marriage license?

Request a certified copy of a Marriage License online . To request a certified copy by mail, send a written request including the full names of both applicants, the date of marriage, and $5.00 for each copy requested. A $2.00 mail fee is also required.

How do I get a copy of my New York marriage certificate?

Marriage Records Request by Mail To obtain a Marriage Record by mail, please call the main office at 212-669-8090 to request a form or download the Marriage Record mail request form. All requests must be accompanied with a copy of valid identification as stated on the form.

How do I get my marriage certificate in California?

Go to www.VitalChek.com to place your order..
Visit one of our office locations..
You will be asked to complete an application. To obtain authorized copies, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID.​​.
Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s).​.

How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate from Las Vegas Nevada?

You may contact the Nevada Secretary of State at www.sos.state.nv.us. To confirm that your Marriage Certificate has been recorded within the ten days required by statute, you may call the Recorder's Office at (702) 455-4336 prior to ordering.