Lexington Marriage License Access
Lexington is home to over 323,000 people. It sits in the heart of the Bluegrass region. Couples come here to wed. They need a valid marriage license first. The process is clear. The staff is kind. You can start your life here with ease. Learn more about the city at lexingtonky.gov.
Lexington Quick Facts
Lexington Marriage License Office Location
Lexington shares a merged government with Fayette County. This is called the Urban County Government. The Fayette County Clerk issues all marriage licenses. The office is in downtown Lexington. You can walk in or apply online first.
| Office | Fayette County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Susan Lamb |
| Address | 162 E. Main Street, Room 132 Lexington, KY 40507 |
| Phone | 859-253-3344 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | fayettekyclerk.gov |
The office is near the courthouse. You can find street parking nearby. There are also garages close by. Bring cash or check for the fee. The staff can help you fill out forms. They will check your IDs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Lexington
You have two ways to apply. You can go online first. Or you can visit the office. Both work well. The online form saves time. You fill it out at home. Then you both go to the office. You sign and pay. You get the license the same day.
The online form is at fayettedeeds.com. Both people must fill out parts of it. You need your full names. You need birth dates. You need parents' names too. The system saves your work. You get a code. Bring that code to the office.
If you do not use the web form, that is fine. Just go to the office together. Bring your IDs. Fill out the paper form there. Wait your turn. The clerk will call you up. You will sign in front of them. Pay the fee. Walk out with your license.
Documents Needed for Lexington Marriage License
Both parties must go to the office. You cannot send just one person. Both must show valid ID. This proves who you are. It also proves your age. You must be 18 or older. Minors need extra forms. Call first if this applies to you.
Valid IDs include a driver's license. A passport works too. You can use a state ID card. It must be current. It must have your photo. The name on the ID must match. If you changed your name, bring proof. A court order works best.
You do not need a blood test. Kentucky ended that rule years ago. You do not need to live in Fayette County. Out-of-state couples can wed here too. Your license works anywhere in Kentucky. Plan your wedding within 30 days.
Fayette County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60 in Lexington. This is set by the state. All counties charge the same. You can pay with cash. You can pay with a check. Some offices take cards. Call 859-253-3344 to ask. Bring exact cash if you can.
The fee covers the license. It also covers the recording. After you wed, the clerk files your return. This is part of the cost. You do not pay extra for that step. Keep your receipt. It proves you paid.
After Your Lexington Wedding
Your license is good for 30 days. You must wed within that time. If you do not, it expires. You would need to apply again. You would pay the fee again. Pick your date first. Then get your license. Do it one to two weeks before.
After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license. They mail it back to the clerk. Or they bring it in person. The clerk records it. This makes your marriage legal. You can then get copies. These are good for name changes. You need them for banks and more.
Certified copies cost extra. Call the office for current prices. You can order by mail. Or you can go in person. Bring your ID. Tell them the date you wed. Give them both names. They will look it up. You get copies the same day.
Important Notes for Lexington Marriage License
The City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. That is a common mix-up. The City Clerk keeps council notes. They file city laws. They do not do vital records. For your license, go to the County Clerk. That is Susan Lamb's office.
If you were wed before, bring proof the old marriage ended. A divorce decree works. A death certificate works too. You may not need to show it. But have it ready. The clerk may ask. This keeps your new license valid.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Kentucky. All couples follow the same steps. The clerk office treats all with respect. No extra forms are needed. Just bring your IDs. Apply together. Get your license. Wed where you wish.
Fayette County Marriage License Records
Lexington is the seat of Fayette County. All marriage records stay here. The clerk keeps them safe. You can search old records. You can get copies of past licenses. For more on the county system, full fee lists, and forms, visit the Fayette County page.