Requesting Marriage Certified Copies
After your marriage is completed and filed, certified copies of your marriage record are issued by the county recorder/clerk. This page explains the full workflow, timelines (typically 6–8 weeks), options to preorder for mail delivery or pick up from the county clerk office, and what Get Married Today does to make it easy.
Related resources: What Is Proof of Marriage? • Marriage Requirements • Confidential Marriage License
Certified copies come from the county recorder, not the officiant—so they are accepted for official uses.
Most certified copies arrive around 6–8 weeks after filing, depending on county processing volume.
You can preorder copies to be mailed to you or plan to pick them up directly from the county office.
Everything You Need to Know
Certified copies are the official, county-issued version of your marriage record. Many couples need them for: name changes, employer benefits, insurance, immigration, international use (apostille), military paperwork, and more.
TITLE: Requesting Marriage Certified Copies
PRIMARY OUTPUT:
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (issued by the county recorder/clerk).
TIMELINE:
- Typical processing time: 6–8 weeks after the marriage license is filed.
- Processing may take longer during peak seasons, holidays, or periods of high volume.
OPTIONS:
- Preorder certified copies to be mailed to you (most common).
- Request pickup from the county clerk/recorder office (availability and rules vary by county).
- You may request additional copies later if needed.
FEES:
- Certified copies are issued by the county and have a per-copy fee.
- As of 2025, the county certified copy fee is $17 per copy (county fees may change over time).
WHAT GET MARRIED TODAY DOES:
- We complete and file the marriage license with the county so you do not have to.
- We help you understand timing, options, and what details you should keep consistent for records.
- We can help you plan preorders so your certified copies are produced and delivered once recorded.
WHAT YOU SHOULD PREPARE:
- Confirm correct legal names/spellings used on the marriage license.
- Decide how many certified copies you want (many couples choose more than one for multiple uses).
- Choose delivery method (mail vs pickup) based on urgency and convenience.
COMMON USE CASES FOR CERTIFIED COPIES:
- Employer/HR benefits enrollment and health insurance changes
- Social Security and DMV name change processes
- Immigration filings and legal identity updates
- International use and apostille/legalization workflows
- Military administrative processing
How It Works (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the typical workflow from “just married” to “certified copy in hand.”
Marriage Completed
Your license is completed and signed properly during your appointment.
County Filing
Get Married Today handles the filing process with the county so you don’t have to.
County Recording
The county records your marriage and creates the official record entry.
Certified Copies Issued
Copies are produced and mailed or made available for pickup, typically in 6–8 weeks.
Mail Delivery (Preorder)
- Most convenient option
- Copies mailed once recorded
- Best if you don’t want to visit the county office
Pickup at the County Office
- Pickup options vary by county
- May require specific forms and identification
- Good if you prefer in-person retrieval
Preorder Strategy
- Plan how many copies you’ll need (HR + immigration + international use)
- Reduce delays by ordering upfront
- Avoid having to “re-request” later
When You’ll Need Certified Copies
Certified copies are commonly requested by institutions that must verify your legal marital status using official county records.
Employer Benefits & HR
- Adding a spouse to health insurance
- Updating payroll and tax withholding status
- Open enrollment deadlines
Immigration & International Use
- USCIS filings and legal identity updates
- Apostille/legalization for use abroad
- Consular and visa documentation
Name Changes & Legal Identity
- DMV / Real ID updates
- Social Security name changes
- Banking and financial accounts
For proof questions, see: What Is Proof of Marriage?
Helpful Links
Use these resources to understand requirements, same-day service options, and international document workflows.
Get Married Today
Same-Day & Locations
Certified Copy FAQs (20)
These FAQs explain how certified copies work, when you need them, and what to expect from county processing timelines.
1) What is a “certified copy” of a marriage certificate?＋
A certified copy is an official county-issued copy of the recorded marriage record, accepted for legal and administrative purposes.
2) How long does it usually take to receive certified copies?＋
Typically 6–8 weeks after the marriage license is filed and recorded by the county. Timelines vary by county volume.
3) Can the timeline be shorter than 6–8 weeks?＋
Sometimes, but it depends on county processing speed. Holidays and peak seasons can extend timelines.
4) Can we preorder certified copies?＋
Yes. Preordering helps ensure copies are produced and sent as soon as the county records the marriage.
5) Can we pick up certified copies in person?＋
In many cases, yes—pickup rules vary by county clerk/recorder office and may require identification and forms.
6) Do we need certified copies for employer benefits?＋
Often yes. Many employers require certified copies for HR benefits enrollment and insurance changes.
7) Do we need certified copies for immigration?＋
Very commonly. Certified copies are often required for USCIS filings and related immigration documentation.
8) Do we need certified copies for an apostille?＋
Yes. Apostille workflows typically require a certified copy issued by the county before state authentication steps.
9) Do we need one certified copy or multiple?＋
Many couples order multiple copies—one for HR/insurance, one for name change, and one for immigration or international use.
10) Does Get Married Today file our marriage paperwork?＋
Yes. We take care of the filing process so you do not have to deal with county paperwork logistics.
11) Who issues the certified copy—Get Married Today or the county?＋
The county clerk/recorder issues the certified copy after the marriage is recorded.
12) What if we need proof of marriage before the certified copy arrives?＋
Many couples use interim proof or confirmation documents while waiting. See the “Proof of Marriage” page for details.
13) Why does it take weeks to receive certified copies?＋
The county must receive, process, record, and index the record before it can produce certified copies.
14) What happens if there’s a name misspelling?＋
Correct spellings matter. If an error exists, correction processes may be required. Confirm all details during the appointment.
15) Do confidential marriages still have certified copies?＋
Yes—confidential records are still recorded and can have certified copies, but access rules are more restricted.
16) Can someone else pick up our certified copies?＋
This depends on county rules and the type of record. Some counties require specific authorization forms.
17) Are fees for certified copies fixed forever?＋
No. County fees can change. As of 2025, each copy is $17, but prices may increase over time.
18) Can we request more certified copies later?＋
Yes. You can request additional copies later through the county if you need more for different purposes.
19) Does mail delivery mean the county mails them directly?＋
Typically the county fulfills the certified copy request via mail once recorded, based on your selected request method.
20) What’s the best way to avoid delays?＋
Ensure all information is accurate at signing, preorder the number of copies you’ll need, and plan around the 6–8 week county timeline.