Marriage Records Online - Where and How Much?

Acquiring marriage records online could not be easier. If you are the bride or groom or are directly related to them, then finding and getting a copy of the marriage record is as easy as a mouse click.

Marriage records online are available through the many vital records offices websites, where a public index includes information such as the names of the bride and groom, the county where they filed the marriage application, and the marriage date.

Depending on the issuing office, copies of marriage records may be found at the state, county, or city level. The telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of these offices may be found online. The first thing you should do is to inquire about the level of access the state allows (e.g., verification only).

It is possible that the couple filed a confidential marriage application, which means records may only be opened by the bride, the groom, or through a court order. Otherwise, access to records depends on eligibility. For instance, you are entitled to a certified copy of a marriage record if the person listed on the record is your parent or guardian, your spouse, your child or grandchild, a grandparent, or a sibling.

Vital records units may grant access if you are the doctor, lawyer, or funeral director of the person on record. Someone who is eligible to access the marriage records may also grant you access. The application form has a special section devoted to this purpose.

How Much Will Getting Marriage Records Online Cost?

The cost of getting marriage records online vary; especially if you use sources other than government vital records offices.

The typical fee charged by a vital records unit is $10 per marriage license. The fee is generally the same even if you just want a simple verification.

If you request records by telephone, e-mail, or website, you will be charged a fee to have the document authenticated and mailed to you. The fee is usually upwards of $11, but if you want it sent by FedEx, you will have to shoulder the additional cost.

Note that the vital records office may grant you a waiver on fees, depending on your purpose. For example, they may waive fees for military or school purposes.

If all you want is a simple verification, you may also try any of the free Internet databases online; to find them, simply type in “free marriage records online” in your browser window. However, if you really want to find and request a copy of a particular marriage record online, then do try out RecordsSiteReviews' online marriage records section for an unbiased listing of today's top search service providers.
 
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