
How to Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate: Step by Step by State
Which office holds your marriage certificate, who is eligible for a certified copy, what it costs, how to order it, and how to get an apostille for use abroad.
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Which office holds your marriage certificate, who is eligible for a certified copy, what it costs, how to order it, and how to get an apostille for use abroad.

Idaho Code 39-270 opens marriage and divorce records to the public 50 years after the event. Before that, a direct and tangible interest is required.

Illinois issues no certified marriage or divorce copies. IDPH sells a $5 verification from 1962; certified copies come from the county clerk or circuit clerk.

Indiana's state vital records office issues certified marriage records for 1958 through 2012 at $8.00 per date searched. County clerks hold everything else.

Iowa charges $20 per record search for marriage and divorce records, limited to entitled persons. The divorce case file stays with the county district court.

Kansas vital records are not public, but KDHE says marriage and divorce information is open at the county district court. Certified state copies cost $20.

Kentucky holds both marriage and divorce records from June 1958 at $6 per certificate. Earlier records are with the county clerk or circuit court clerk.

Louisiana's state registry holds only Orleans Parish marriage records. Every other parish, and every divorce decree, runs through the parish Clerk of Court.

Maine keeps marriage and divorce records back to 1892, but they are not public. Learn the direct and legitimate interest rule, the $15 fee, and how to order.

Maryland Vital Records issues marriage certificates from 2007 and divorce verifications, but the decree comes from the Circuit Court. Fees and how to order.

Massachusetts marriage certificates come from RVRS or a town clerk, but divorce records come from the Probate and Family Court. Fees, years, and how to order.

Michigan law lets any applicant obtain a certified marriage or divorce record. Learn where county and state copies come from and how to order one.