Kentucky Marriage License Search
Obtaining a marriage license in Kentucky starts at the county level. Each of the 120 counties has a County Clerk who issues licenses to couples planning to wed. The process is simple. Both parties must appear together with proper identification. Kentucky does not require residency. Out-of-state couples can apply in any county. The license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere within the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License in Kentucky
County Clerks are the only officials who can issue a marriage license in Kentucky. Each county has one Clerk's Office. Some larger counties have branch locations. You can apply in any county. The license works statewide. Many couples choose the county where they live or where the wedding will take place.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains records of all marriages from June 1958 to present. They do not issue licenses. They provide certified copies of marriage certificates after the wedding. Their office is in Frankfort at 275 East Main Street. You can reach them at (502) 564-4212. Their website has forms and instructions for requesting copies.
Note: The Office of Vital Statistics does not have marriage records before June 1958. For older records, contact the county clerk in the county where the license was issued.
Marriage License Requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky law sets clear rules for who can marry and how to get a license. KRS 402.080 requires every marriage to have a license issued by a county clerk. The license must be obtained before the ceremony. Both parties must appear in person. No proxy marriages are allowed.
Age requirements are strict. Both parties must be 18 or older. Those who are 17 can marry with a court order from Family Court or District Court. The order must remove the disability of minority. A 15-day waiting period applies after the court order. No one under 17 can marry in Kentucky under any circumstances. This rule has no exceptions.
Identification is required. Bring a valid unexpired photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some counties do not accept military IDs. Check with your county clerk first. You do not need to bring birth certificates unless you are under 18. You do not need divorce papers. Just bring your ID.
Kentucky eliminated the blood test requirement years ago. There is no waiting period. You can get your license and marry the same day. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. It expires after that. You would need to apply again and pay another fee.
How to Apply for a Kentucky Marriage License
The application process is straightforward. Both parties visit the county clerk's office together. You will fill out an application form. The clerk will ask for information about both parties. This includes full legal names, dates of birth, places of birth, and addresses. You will also provide your parents' full names including mother's maiden name.
Some counties offer online pre-application. This saves time at the office. You fill out the form online before your visit. Then you both appear with ID to complete the process. Counties using this system include Fayette, Kenton, and Christian. Check your county's website to see if they offer this option.
The fee for a marriage license in Kentucky is $60. This became effective June 27, 2025. The fee is the same in every county. Most clerks accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Some charge a processing fee for cards. The fee is non-refundable. Even if you do not use the license, you do not get the money back.
After you pay and complete the application, the clerk issues the license. You receive it the same day. There is no waiting period. You can hold your ceremony immediately. The license must be used within 30 days. It can only be used in Kentucky. It is not valid in other states.
Kentucky Marriage Ceremony Requirements
A valid marriage in Kentucky requires a ceremony. KRS 402.220 lists who can solemnize marriages. Ministers and priests of any religious denomination may officiate. No registration is required in Kentucky for clergy. Judges and justices of the Court of Justice can also perform weddings. This includes retired judges. County Judge Executives and authorized magistrates have this power too.
Two witnesses are required. They must be present during the ceremony. Both must be at least 18 years old. The officiant cannot serve as a witness. The couple getting married cannot be witnesses. The witnesses must print their names on the license after the ceremony. This is a legal requirement in Kentucky.
The ceremony can take place anywhere in Kentucky. It does not have to be in the county where you got the license. Many couples marry in churches, courthouses, parks, or private venues. The location must be within state borders. Kentucky does not recognize proxy marriages or common law marriages.
After the Wedding: Marriage Certificates
The officiant must return the completed license to the county clerk. This must happen within 30 days of the ceremony. The clerk then files the record. You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This proves you are legally married. You will need this document for name changes and other legal matters.
Certified copies cost $6 from the Office of Vital Statistics. You can order online through VitalChek. You can also order by mail. Send your request to the Office of Vital Statistics at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621. Include the VS-230 form and payment. Some counties sell certified copies directly for $5.
To change your name after marriage, take your certified copy to the Social Security Administration first. Wait at least one day. Then visit the driver's license office. Kentucky requires you to update your Social Security card before changing your driver's license. You are not required to change your name. The license simply gives you the option.
Marriage License Forms and Resources
Several forms relate to marriage licenses in Kentucky. The VS-230 is the application for a certified copy of a marriage certificate. Download it from the Office of Vital Statistics forms page. This form is also available in Spanish. You can use it to request copies by mail.
Some counties have their own pre-application forms. Check your county clerk's website. Many offer fillable PDFs. You can complete these at home. Then bring them to the office. This speeds up the process. Jefferson County has seven branch locations. Fayette County has an online form. Daviess County has an information form on their website.
Understanding the law helps. KRS Chapter 402 covers all marriage laws in Kentucky. This includes who can marry, prohibited marriages, and license requirements. The full text is available online through the Kentucky Legislature website.
Prohibited Marriages in Kentucky
Kentucky law prohibits certain marriages. KRS 402.010 lists marriages that are void. You cannot marry someone nearer of kin than second cousins. First cousin marriages are prohibited. You cannot marry someone who is mentally incompetent. You cannot marry if you already have a living spouse from whom you are not divorced.
Common law marriages are not recognized. It does not matter how long you have lived together. You must have a license and ceremony. Proxy marriages are also void. Both parties must be present. Same-sex marriage is legal in Kentucky following federal court decisions.
The county clerk will ask if you are related to your partner. If you are not related by blood, you write "NONE" on the application. Be truthful. False statements can invalidate the marriage.
Browse Kentucky Marriage License Information by County
Each Kentucky county has a Clerk's Office that issues marriage licenses. Select a county below to find local contact information, office hours, and specific requirements for that area.
Marriage License Information for Major Kentucky Cities
Residents of Kentucky cities obtain marriage licenses from their county clerk. Select a city below to learn about the process in that area.