Many people confuse the terms “marriage license” and “marriage certificate.” However, they are two different documents, and it’s important to learn which one you need. So, we’ll show you how to get a marriage certificate. But first, we’ll explain the difference between a marriage certificate and a marriage license.
What is a marriage license?
A marriage license is a document that you apply for before you get married. They are usually issued by the county clerk. A marriage license simply verifies that the two individuals named are legally able to marry one another. However, the rules and regulations for applying for and using a marriage license vary by location.
For example, in some states, you must get your marriage license from the county where your wedding is being held. Other states allow you to apply at any county clerk in the state. In addition, many areas have a waiting period and/or expiration date for using your marriage license.
After your wedding, you, your spouse, and your officiant will sign the marriage license. This verifies that the wedding took place and that you are legally married. Then, you must submit the signed license to the state agency responsible for marriage records.
What is a marriage certificate?
When the state has finished processing your signed marriage license, they will issue you a marriage certificate. This is a separate document that proves that you and your spouse are married to one another. You should get a marriage certificate in the mail in about 2-4 weeks.
There are many situations where you will need to show a copy of your marriage certificate, so it’s important to have one available. For example, you may need to show your marriage certificate to add your spouse to your health insurance, change your last name, or update your identification documents.
How to get a marriage certificate copy?
If you need to get a copy of your marriage certificate, there are a couple of different options. However, you should keep in mind that you can only apply through a vital records office in the state where you got married.
So, you can go in person to a vital records office in the state where the wedding took place. However, if you got married out of state or have moved since your wedding, that is not a very convenient option.
In addition, vital records offices are usually quite busy. So, you may end up waiting in line for hours. If you do choose this route, try to go early in the morning, right after they open, to minimize your wait.
Your other option is to get a marriage certificate copy online. You can apply for a copy of your marriage certificate online here. The vital records office will process your application and mail your marriage certificate directly to your home.
48 Comments on “How To Get a Marriage Certificate”
I need a copy of my marriage certificate
i need a copy of my marriage certificate
Hello Carla! We are happy to help you with getting a copy of your marriage certificate! Click here to start your application with us!
I need a copy of my marriage, divorce, and a death certificate
Hi Laurisa! Sure! You will need to complete these forms by clicking for marriage, and for death. Unfortunately, for divorce certificates, we do not offer that service.
Hello Azhar! We are happy to offer this service to you! Click here to start your application with us!
I need to the apply for a mirage license
Hi Malkyua! Unfortunately, we do not offer this service. Get in contact with your local county, they issue marriage licenses 🙂
I need marriage certificate
Terry Gene Huff age 23, now 78
Sherry Lee Hardman age 23 now 78
Married Zanesville, Ohio Sept. 16,1966
Hi Terry! We are happy to help you! To get a certified copy of your marriage certificate click here, and complete our form 🙂
i need help on how to get a marriage license
Hello Esmeralda! Of course, but, unfortunately, we do not offer this service. Check your local county to learn about the process and the requirements! 🙂
Need to get a marriage license
This great! Unfortunately, we do not offer this service. Contact your local county and check the requirements 🙂
need to apply for married LICENSE
Hello Kathy! Unfortunately, we do not issue marriage licenses. If you are looking for a marriage certificate, we can certainly help you by clicking here.
Need a marriage certificate
Good news! We offer this service. Click here to start your application for your certified copy of your marriage certificate!
I need help finding marriage certificate
Hello Charlotte! We are happy to help! We can get you a certified copy of your marriage certificate by clicking here and filling out our form 🙂
I need marriage certificate.
Asyadith Torres, age 32, now 48.
Gil Arturo Lopez Rodriguez, age 23, now 40.
Merried
Laredo, Texas.
March 28, 2005
We are happy to help! Click here to start your application for a certified copy of your marriage certificate 🙂
I need a copy certified of my marriage to WAYNE A, LAWRENCE. What is the cost?
Hello Phyllis! Sure, we can help you with that. Remember that every state charges different prices. Click here to find your state at our State Fees & Processing Time page 🙂
How do I get a marriage license?
Hello Brenda! Get in contact with your local county office, they explain how is the process and which are the requirements! 🙂
is it possible i can get a marriage license online
Yes! It is usually possible to submit your application for a marriage license online. However, you and your partner might need to be present at the office for receiving it, as well as for providing information. Check your county’s website 🙂
I want to marry my girlfriend.. I need some help on how to do that.
Thank You
We are happy to hear that! The first step is to get a marriage license. Check the requirements at you local county 🙂
Just trying to obtain a marriage license, how do I go about this?
Excellent! You need to check the requirements at your local county. They are in charge of issuing marriage licenses 🙂
I need my marriage certificate to Brinley Woldemar Rebstein whom I married on 26 August 1979
This was my second marriage.
Brin was born on the 13 Nov 1938 and I was born on the 30 Mar 1944.
Please let me know the costs involved.
Of course! Click here to start your application now. We work every day to help you get certified copies for you!
I need a copy of my marriage certificate. Date of marriage is August 27, 1971 Ronald P Murphy and Joanne Urna..
Sure! We are happy to offer this service to you, click here to start your application with us!
How can I get my marriage license if my wife deceased
Hello Michael! A marriage license is a temporary document while your marriage certificate is approved. As you are one of the parties, you are able to request your marriage certificate even if your wife is no longer with us.
I need a Marriage license certificate copy I got married in Merchantville New Jersey. Charvel Cooley.
Hello Charvel! Sure, you’ll need to complete this form in this page 🙂
Hi, my friend needs her certificate. She remembers the year and the month but somehow forgot the day,can you still help her get her certificate?
Hi Dorothy! Yes, you can find it without having the day, but we do need your state. 🙂
need a cope of my marriage certificate
Hello Johnnie! Sure do, please complete this form clicking here 🙂
I need a marriage certificate for Rebecca O.(Sotelo) Price. Date= 7/5/2003
Hello Edward! Requesting a marriage certificate with us is very simple, just complete this form and we will do the job.
I need to the apply for a miraje license
Hi Alejandra! Unfortunately, we do not issue marriage licenses. If you are looking for a marriage certificate, we can certainly help you by clicking here.