Learn Where to Find a Kentucky Marriage Certificate Copy
Are you thinking of searching for a Kentucky marriage record? If so, you need to know a few things before you set about it.
Kentucky’s Vital Records: What and Where
Kentucky first made a stab at statewide vital records registration back in 1852. Implementation was minimal, so the law did not survive beyond a decade. Attempts were made again a few times between 1872 and 1910.
Finally, registration was made mandatory from January 1, 1911 for births and deaths. Marriage records however, were kept in the counties where they took place.
State registration of a Kentucky marriage has been required only since 1958. You can get all that you need on marriage records after that date at Department for Health Services, Office of Vital Statistics, 375 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Writing Effective Request Letters
It is best to keep your letter brief and topical. Avoid literary flourishes. Also, never make more than two requests in one letter: if you do, your letter could keep moving back and forth between departments. If you have many requests, make them step by step.
Provide the Most Information Possible
If a person went by more than one name, you will need to write down all of them, including nicknames and also alternate spellings.
Be accurate about the date of marriage. If you aren’t sure, name an approximate time span for searching. Remember: searches covering many years cost you more.
Don’t pay in advance. If you don’t know the number of pages in a deed, you won’t know what fees to pay. Avoid shooting in the dark and sending a specific sum.
Instead, send a blank check, but duly signed. Under the "$____" line of the check, write, ideally in red ink, "Not to exceed $X.00", that is, the likely maximum. Paying more or less than the right amount could lead to delays.
Your safest option is to write two letters. The first letter should state your need, along with all the information you can provide, and a request to be told the charges. The second will include your check for the specified amount.
When you make your initial request, always remember to enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.
A word of advice: state and county offices may be quite often short-staffed. Genealogical research is not part of their job. They do it as a kind gesture. They appreciate your keeping that in mind: do show some patience and courtesy if they are not responding as quickly as you would like!
Some Essentials On Applications for Marriage Certificate Copies
When asking for a copy of a marriage license, make sure to include the following:
• Husband’s full name (last name in capital letters)
• Wife’s full maiden name (last name in capital letters)
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Relationship to you/the applicant
• Why the record is needed
• Your name & address
• Your driver's license number & state (some counties require it)
• Your signature
Doing It the 21st Century Way: Online!
With Kentucky’s records now all digitized and stored, you have access to a number of online archives, compiled from the state’s databases. They specify the date and place of registration; identify the marrying couple, their parents (including the mother’s maiden name and residence at the time of wedding), witnesses, and person conducting the wedding, complete with signatures.
You have no legal hurdles to leap, no forms to fill or explanations to make about who you are and why you want Kentucky marriage data. Online you can also get access to all documents relating to Kentucky’s genealogical records: entire marriage indexes along with marriage license applications, licenses, announcements and certificates.
Hugely valuable as authenticating documents, they are primary sources in genealogy searches. Go online, and cut out a whole lot of hassle, paperwork and running around. All you need is to look through the archives and download the marriage record you need – certificates, indexes, licenses. It has certainly never been easier to get copies of your marriage records.
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