How to Order Another Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate

For a U.S. marriage, the office that keeps the record can tell you how to order another certified copy. The process, fee, delivery options, and who is eligible to request one vary by state and locality.

Find the office that holds the record

USAGov directs people married in the United States to contact the vital records office in the state where the marriage occurred. Some jurisdictions use a county clerk or other local registrar. Start with the official government website for the issuing place rather than a third-party order site.

If the ceremony was remote, identify the jurisdiction that issued and recorded the marriage. The location where you live now may not be the office that can issue the copy.

Gather the details the application may request

• Both spouses’ names as shown on the record.
• Date and location of the marriage.
• Reason you need the copy, if requested.
• Your relationship to the people on the record.
• Identification and payment required by the issuing office.

Some records are restricted to eligible applicants, and the office may require a notarized form, proof of identity, or a specific delivery address. Follow the current instructions exactly.

Choose the right copy and delivery method

Ask whether you need a certified copy, a short or long form, an apostille-ready copy, or an electronic version. Also confirm how the office handles expedited orders, international mailing, corrections, and tracking.

Order only the number of copies you need. Keep each one secure and check the certificate for errors when it arrives. If you need it for a foreign authority, confirm authentication and translation requirements before placing the order.

Frequently asked questions