Elizabethtown Marriage License Lookup
Elizabethtown serves as the county seat of Hardin County, Kentucky. This city of over 32,000 residents sits in the heart of the Bluegrass State. Couples planning to wed in Elizabethtown must obtain a marriage license from the Hardin County Clerk. The office handles all applications for marriage licenses in the area. The process is simple and straightforward.
Elizabethtown Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License in Elizabethtown
The Hardin County Clerk issues all marriage licenses for Elizabethtown and the surrounding area. The office is located in the Hardin County Government Building in downtown Elizabethtown. This is the only place where you can legally obtain a marriage license for a wedding in Hardin County.
| Office | Hardin County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 14 Public Square Elizabethtown, KY 42701 |
| Phone | 270-765-2171 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
You can apply in Elizabethtown even if you live elsewhere. Kentucky does not require residency to get a marriage license. The license you get in Elizabethtown works anywhere in Kentucky. Many couples from neighboring counties choose Elizabethtown for its central location. The Hardin County Clerk office is easy to find. It sits on the public square in the heart of downtown.
Hardin County Marriage License Requirements
Kentucky law sets the rules for marriage licenses statewide. These rules apply in Elizabethtown just as they do in every county. You must meet certain requirements to get a marriage license in Hardin County. The clerk will verify your eligibility before issuing the license.
Both parties must appear in person. This is a strict rule. No exceptions exist. You cannot send a proxy or apply alone. The clerk needs to see both individuals and verify their identities. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license works. A passport works too. The ID must not be expired. You do not need to bring your birth certificate. You do not need to show divorce papers. Just bring valid identification.
Age requirements are clear. Both parties must be 18 or older. Those who are 17 can apply with a court order. The order must come from Family Court. A 15-day waiting period applies for minors. No one under 17 can marry in Kentucky. The clerk will verify ages at the time of application.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Elizabethtown
The application process takes place at the Hardin County Clerk office. Plan to spend about 30 minutes there. Both parties must be present. The clerk will ask you to fill out an application form. You will provide basic information. This includes your full legal names. You will state your dates of birth. You will list your places of birth. You will provide your current addresses.
The form also asks for parental information. You must provide your parents' full names. Include your mother's maiden name. This information goes on the official record. The clerk will review your application. They will check your IDs. They will collect the fee. The license will be issued the same day. There is no waiting period. You can use it right away.
The fee for a marriage license in Elizabethtown is $60. This fee is set by Kentucky law. It is the same in every county. Bring cash or a check. Some clerks accept credit cards. Call ahead to confirm. The fee is not refundable. You pay it even if you change your plans.
Marriage License Validity in Elizabethtown
A marriage license from Elizabethtown is valid for 30 days. The clock starts when the clerk issues it. You must hold your ceremony within this window. The license expires after 30 days. You would need to apply again. You would pay the fee again. Plan your wedding date accordingly.
The license is valid anywhere in Kentucky. You can marry in Elizabethtown. You can marry in Louisville. You can marry in any Kentucky county. The license is not valid outside Kentucky. You cannot use it in Tennessee or Indiana. You would need to follow those states' laws.
No blood test is required. Kentucky eliminated this requirement years ago. No waiting period exists. You can marry the same day you get the license. Many couples get their license and marry within hours. Others plan ahead. The choice is yours.
Elizabethtown Wedding Ceremony Requirements
A valid marriage requires a ceremony in Kentucky. Someone must solemnize the marriage. Kentucky law lists who can do this. Ministers and priests may officiate. They do not need to register with the state. Judges can perform weddings. This includes retired judges. Justices of the peace can officiate too.
Two witnesses are required. They must be present at the ceremony. Both must be at least 18 years old. The officiant cannot be a witness. The couple cannot witness their own wedding. The witnesses must sign the license. They must print their names clearly. This completes the legal record.
Your ceremony can happen anywhere in Kentucky. Many couples marry in churches. Some choose outdoor venues. Others prefer the courthouse. Elizabethtown has many beautiful locations. You are free to choose. The location does not affect the license validity.
After Your Elizabethtown Wedding
The officiant must return the signed license to the clerk. This must happen within 30 days of the ceremony. The Hardin County Clerk will file the record. You can then get a certified copy. This proves you are legally married. You will need this document for name changes.
Certified copies cost $6 to $10. The Hardin County Clerk may sell them directly. You can also order from the state. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains all marriage records. Their office is in Frankfort. You can order by mail or online. Visit chfs.ky.gov for more details.
To change your name, start with Social Security. Take your certified copy there. Wait one day. Then visit the driver's license office. Kentucky requires the Social Security update first. Bring your new card to the circuit clerk. They will update your license. You can also update your voter registration at the same time.
Marriage License Laws in Kentucky
Kentucky marriage laws are found in KRS Chapter 402. This chapter covers all aspects of marriage. It defines who can marry. It sets the license requirements. It lists prohibited marriages. Understanding the law helps you prepare.
Some marriages are not allowed. You cannot marry a close relative. First cousins cannot marry. You cannot marry if you have a living spouse. Common law marriage is not recognized. Both parties must be present for the ceremony. Proxy marriages are void.
The county clerk will ask about your relationship. You must disclose any blood relation. If none exists, you will write "NONE" on the form. Be truthful. False statements can void the marriage. The clerk is there to help. They will guide you through the process.
Hardin County Marriage License Records
Elizabethtown is the county seat of Hardin County. All marriage licenses for the area are issued at the Hardin County Clerk office. The county maintains records of all marriages performed within its borders. For more information about the Hardin County Clerk, office locations, hours, and additional services, visit the county page.