How to Obtain a Copy of a Marriage Certificate
Are you trying to find out more about your family history, or simply need to legally change your name after getting married? These are just two of the many reasons that you may need to request a copy of a marriage certificate in the respective state or county where the marriage took place.
Before beginning your quest, it’s important to understand exactly what a marriage certificate is and what it will tell you, as well as where to go and how to request a copy from the appropriate office. Keep in mind that every state and local government office is different, but here we’ll discuss some of the general information that remains the same no matter where your search begins.
What is a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is essentially the paper that is filed to make a marriage legal after a marriage license is signed by the appropriate parties. This means that even though a license may be issued to a couple, it doesn’t mean anything legally until they and the official who conducts their civil ceremony sign it. Witnesses may also be required to sign and date the license, which must then be filed with the local government to make the marriage official. Many states will then mail the couple an official or certified copy of a marriage certificate for their records.
Why Would I Need a Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
If you are married or soon will be, a copy of a marriage certificate will allow you or your spouse to legally change your name if you choose. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will require it before changing your name on your driver’s license, and the federal government will require it to change your passport and social security card. Typically, the copy of your marriage certificate that the local government office sends you after filing your paperwork is sufficient for these purposes.
You may also request a copy of a marriage certificate if you are conducting genealogical research or want to locate family members whom you have lost track of. A copy of a marriage certificate will typically include the bride’s and groom’s name, where they were married, and the date they were married. This can help you determine where you may find other relatives, or simply track where your great aunt Gertrude may have been born.
Where Do I Find a Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
Depending upon where your search is conducted or where you were married, you will need to contact either the state or local records offices to find the appropriate certificate of marriage. If the records are held at the state level, you might want to try contacting the State Registrar or Department of Health. Of course, this may lead you back to the local level, where you’ll need to contact the County Clerk or Recorder in order to find your certificate.
If you aren’t sure which county the marriage took place because you’re simply conducting research, it’s best to start with a general search at the state level. Many times, these offices will offer general information about a marriage that will include this county information, allowing you to go there for a copy of a marriage certificate.
How Do I Requests a Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
If you live in the area where the marriage certificate is filed, you can often simply go there in person to get a copy of a marriage certificate. Some offices may even offer electronic searches through their website. These searches will not give you access to all of the information, but can easily let you know if you’re on the right path. This way, you don’t waste your time traveling to an office that doesn’t have the record of marriage.
Some government offices will give you the option to request a copy of a marriage certificate via fax, email or letter. This is typically the easiest way to get a copy of a marriage certificate that is not yours, especially if you do not live in the location where the marriage took place. Regardless of the type of letter and how it is sent, you’ll need to include as much information as possible to help the office staff find the correct record. Names of the couple, the date or at least the time period in which the marriage took place, and any other details such as maiden or parents’ names and addresses can help.
Who Can Request a Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
Every state and local government has established their own rules regarding who may access certain information contained on a marriage certificate. Generally, unless you are one of the parties named on the record, an immediate relative, or a legal representative of one of these parties armed with a court order, you will not be able to see much of the personal information. This could include addresses, occupations and parents’ names. This exclusive information is available in a certified copy of a marriage certificate, but the general public may still have the option of obtaining a general copy sans these details.
Finding and obtaining a copy of a marriage certificate is quite easy if you know enough information about the couple involved and the area they were married in. You should have a certified copy of your own marriage certificate for legal documentation, but may always request more of them in the future. Otherwise, a copy of a marriage certificate is a great way to simply verify a marriage or gather general information about the parties involved to help you along in your research attempts.
State-Specific Marriage Information and Certificate Copies:
Alabama Marriage
Alaska Marriage
Arizona Marriage
Arkansas Marriage
California Marriage
Colorado Marriage
Connecticut Marriage
Delaware Marriage
Florida Marriage
Georgia Marriage
Hawaii Marriage
Idaho Marriage
Illinois Marriage
Indiana Marriage
Iowa Marriage
Kansas Marriage
Kentucky Marriage
Louisiana Marriage
Maryland Marriage
Massachusetts Marriage
Michigan Marriage
Minnesota Marriage
Mississippi Marriage
Missouri Marriage
Nebraska Marriage
New Jersey Marriage
New Mexico Marriage
New York Marriage
Nevada Marriage
North Carolina Marriage
Ohio Marriage
Oklahoma Marriage
Oregon Marriage
Pennsylvania Marriage
South Carolina Marriage
Tennessee Marriage
Texas Marriage
Utah Marriage
Virginia Marriage
Washington Marriage
Wisconsin Marriage
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