Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate: How and Where to Get It

Why a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate is Important

Getting a copy of your marriage certificate is crucial for many legal and personal reasons. It serves as proof that you are legally married and is often required for the following purposes:

• Name change: Officially changing your name on documents like your driver’s license or passport.
• Social Security benefits: Applying for spousal benefits or updating your marital status.
• Health insurance: Adding your spouse to your health insurance plan.
• Tax purposes: Filing joint tax returns or claiming tax benefits.
• Legal proceedings: Validating your marital status in probate or divorce proceedings.
• Immigration: Proving the validity of your marriage for visa or citizenship applications.

To obtain a certified copy in California, you can contact the county recorder’s office where your marriage was registered. Most counties offer options to request copies online, by mail, or in person. Costs and required information may vary, so it’s best to check their specific website for details.

I’m Camden Gray Alchanati, the founder of Get Married Today, with years of experience helping couples with marriage licensing and ceremonies. I’m here to guide you through the process of obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate quickly and smoothly.

How to Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

If you’re in Southern California and need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, the process involves contacting the appropriate office where your marriage was recorded. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Obtaining a Copy in Ohio

In Ohio, marriage certificates are maintained by the county probate courts. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify the County Probate Court: Locate the probate court in the county where your marriage license was issued. Each county has its own procedures.
2. Fill Out the Form: Complete a Marriage License Certified Copy Order Form, which you can find on the specific county probate court’s website.
3. Submit the Form: You can submit your form in person, by mail, or online, depending on the county’s offerings.
4. Pay the Fee: Certified copies typically cost around $2 each. Payment can be made via certified check, money order, or credit card for online requests.

For example, in Montgomery County, you can visit the office at 41 N Perry Street, 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH 45402, or send your request by mail to Montgomery County Marriage License Department, 41 N Perry Street, 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH 45422-2155.

Obtaining a Copy in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, marriage certificates are available through the county courthouse where the marriage license was issued:

1. Locate the County Courthouse: Contact the courthouse in the county where your marriage license was obtained.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out a request form available on the county courthouse’s website.
3. Submit Your Request: You can usually submit your request in person, by mail, or online.
4. Processing Fee: The fee for a certified copy varies by county but is generally around $10.

For instance, if you were married in Philadelphia County, you would contact the Philadelphia County Courthouse. Be sure to check their website for specific details on how to submit your request.

Obtaining a Copy in Missouri

In Missouri, marriage certificates are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds Office. Here’s the process:

1. Contact the Recorder of Deeds Office: Find the office in the county where your marriage license was issued.
2. Fill Out the Request Form: Obtain and complete the necessary form from the Recorder of Deeds Office’s website.
3. Submit the Form: You can submit your form in person, by mail, or online.
4. Pay the Fee: The fee for a certified copy is typically around $9.

For example, in St. Louis County, you would contact the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office. Check their website for specific instructions and fee details.

For any further questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.

Next, we’ll cover how to request copies online and by mail, including what documents you need and processing times.

Online and Mail Requests

Getting a certified copy of your marriage certificate can be done conveniently online or by mail. Here’s how:

Online Requests

Submitting an online request is a quick and easy way to get your marriage certificate. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather Required Documents: Make sure you have scanned copies of the following:
2. Valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)

3. Proof of marriage (usually the marriage license)

4. Visit the Vital Records Website: Go to the official website of the vital records office in the state where you were married. For California, you can visit the California Department of Public Health Vital Records.

5. Fill Out the Online Form: Complete the online request form with accurate information including the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the county where the marriage took place.

6. Make a Payment: Pay the required fee using a credit card. The fee for online requests typically includes a convenience fee. For example, in Montgomery County, Ohio, the cost is $3.50 per copy plus additional service fees.

7. Submit the Request: Once submitted, you will receive confirmation emails. Processing time is usually within 2-4 business days, but this can vary.

Mail Requests

If you prefer to request a copy by mail, follow these steps:

1. Download and Fill Out the Order Form: Obtain the Marriage License Certified Copy Order Form from the county or state’s vital records office. Complete it with the necessary details.

2. Prepare Required Documents: Include photocopies of:

3. Valid photo ID

4. Marriage license or proof of marriage

5. Include a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope: This ensures your documents are returned to you promptly.

6. Payment: Enclose a certified check or money order for the required fee. Cash is also accepted in some cases. For instance, in Montgomery County, Ohio, the fee is $2 per copy.

7. Mail the Request: Send your completed form, documents, and payment to the appropriate address. For example, Montgomery County Marriage License Department, 41 N Perry Street, 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH 45422-2155.

Processing time for mail requests is generally longer, around 4-6 weeks, depending on the volume of requests.

For more information or to expedite your request, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.

Next, we’ll discuss special cases for obtaining marriage certificates for marriages that took place abroad.

Special Cases: Marriages Abroad

Obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate can be more complex if you were married outside the United States. Here’s how to navigate this process.

Embassy or Consulate

The first step is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you got married. Each country has its own procedures for issuing certified copies of marriage certificates. The local embassy or consulate can guide you through their specific requirements and processes.

For example, if you were married in France, you would reach out to the French Consulate in Los Angeles. They can provide detailed instructions on how to obtain your marriage certificate.

State Department

If your marriage took place before November 9, 1989, you will need to contact the U.S. Department of State. They can issue a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad, which serves as the U.S. government’s record of your marriage.

How to Contact the State Department

• Visit the State Department’s Website: You can find detailed instructions and necessary forms here.
• Submit a Request: Fill out the required forms and provide any supporting documents.
• Processing Time: Be prepared for a processing time that can take several weeks, especially if you need the certificate mailed internationally.

Important Tips

Keep Copies: Always keep multiple copies of your marriage certificate and any related documents.

Translations: If your marriage certificate is in a language other than English, you may need to get it translated by a certified translator.

Legalization: Some countries require additional legalization steps, such as obtaining an apostille, to ensure the document is recognized internationally. You can learn more about this process on the U.S. Department of State’s Apostille page.

For more information or to expedite your request, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.

Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Copy of Marriage Certificate

How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate in Ohio?

In Ohio, certified copies of marriage certificates are maintained by the county probate courts. Each county has its own process and contact information.

1. Identify the County: First, determine the county where the marriage took place.
2. Contact the Probate Court: Visit the specific county probate court’s website or contact their office directly. For example, if you were married in Cuyahoga County, you would contact the Cuyahoga County Probate Court.
3. Provide Required Information: Be ready to provide details such as full names, date of marriage, and a valid ID.
4. Pay Fees: Fees vary by county, so check the specific requirements on the county’s website.

For further assistance, you can also call the Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics at 614-466-2531.

How do I get a copy of my PA marriage certificate?

In Pennsylvania, marriage certificates are issued by the county courthouse where the marriage license was originally filed.

1. Identify the County: Locate the county where the marriage ceremony took place.
2. Contact the Courthouse: Reach out to the county courthouse. For example, for marriages in Philadelphia, you would contact the Philadelphia County Courthouse.
3. Submit Required Information: Typically, you will need the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and a valid ID.
4. Payment: Fees are required and vary by county. Check the courthouse’s website for specific details.

For more information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

How do I get a local copy of my marriage certificate?

If you need a local copy of your marriage certificate in California, follow these steps:

1. Vital Records Office: Contact the vital records office in the county where the marriage took place. For example, in Los Angeles County, you can visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
2. Online Submission: Many counties offer online submission options. You can scan and upload required documents, and make payments via credit card.
3. Mail Submission: Alternatively, you can mail your request. Include a completed order form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a certified check or money order for the fee.
4. Processing Time: Online requests typically take 5-10 business days, while mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.

For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health.

For any further questions or to expedite the process, call us at (949) 423-6731 or book your appointment today: Get Married Today.

Next, we’ll cover some special cases for obtaining marriage certificates for marriages that occurred abroad.

Conclusion

At Get Married Today, we understand that obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate can be a crucial step for many legal and personal reasons. Whether you need it for a name change, immigration purposes, or simply to have a record, we are here to help you navigate the process easily and efficiently.

In California, you can benefit from our same-day marriage licenses and expedited services. We specialize in making your marriage journey as smooth as possible, offering comprehensive support to ensure you get everything done quickly and correctly.

For more information, or if you have any questions, call us at (949) 423-6731. You can also book your appointment today via our website.

Let us help you make your special day memorable and stress-free!

For more details on obtaining a marriage license in California, visit our service page.