Carter County Marriage License Records

Carter County is located in northeastern Kentucky with Grayson serving as the county seat. The Carter County Clerk issues marriage licenses to couples planning to marry anywhere in the Commonwealth. The clerk maintains offices in both Grayson and Olive Hill for convenient service. Home to Kentucky Christian University and the historic Grayson downtown area, Carter County serves a diverse population with friendly, professional clerk services.

Carter County Clerk Marriage License Office

The Carter County Clerk serves as the local official responsible for issuing marriage licenses. The office operates two locations for your convenience. The main office in Grayson and a branch office in Olive Hill both process marriage license applications. Both parties must appear in person to apply. Staff verify identification and process paperwork efficiently. You pay the fee and receive your license the same day.

The Grayson main office is located in the Carter County Courthouse at 300 West Main Street. The Olive Hill branch office is located at 215 West Tom T. Hall Boulevard. Both locations provide marriage license services though hours vary. Check the schedule below before visiting. Free parking is available at both locations.

Grayson Main Office

Olive Hill Branch Office

Office Leadership

Marriage License Requirements in Carter County

Getting a marriage license in Carter County follows Kentucky state law. The requirements are straightforward and consistent across the Commonwealth. You do not need to be a Kentucky resident. Out of state couples are welcome to apply. You can use the license anywhere within Kentucky borders. The license remains valid for thirty days from the date of issue.

Both parties must appear in person at either clerk's office location. This requirement has no exceptions. Both individuals must present valid identification. A driver's license, state ID, or passport are acceptable forms. You must know your Social Security number. The clerk will collect information including full names, dates of birth, addresses, and parents' names.

If previously married, bring proof of how the marriage ended. Certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates may be required. The clerk needs to verify you are legally free to marry. Kentucky law prohibits marriages between close relatives and bigamy.

Required Identification

• Valid driver's license or state picture ID
• Passport or other government-issued photo ID
• Birth certificate or other proof of age if needed

Age Requirements

Both parties must be 18 years or older to marry without restrictions. Applicants who are 17 years old must obtain a court order from Family Court or District Court. The court order must grant permission to marry and remove the disability of minority. At least 15 days must have elapsed since the court order was granted. No marriage license may be issued to anyone under 17 in Kentucky under any circumstances.

Carter County Marriage License Application Process

The application process in Carter County is walk-in based at either office location. Both parties arrive together during business hours. No appointment is necessary. Complete the application form with accurate personal information. The clerk reviews your identification documents. You answer questions under oath. After verification, you pay the license fee. The clerk issues your marriage license immediately.

The application form collects comprehensive information from both parties. You provide your full legal name, current address, and date of birth. You state your place of birth. You provide your father's full name and your mother's full maiden name. You indicate your occupation and current marital status. You state any previous marriages and how they ended. The form includes required acknowledgments about prohibited marriages.

Choose the office location most convenient for you. The Grayson office offers consistent weekday hours. The Olive Hill branch offers extended Friday hours and Saturday morning service on the last Saturday of each month. Both locations provide the same services and charge the same fees.

Carter County Marriage License Fee

The marriage license fee in Carter County is fifty dollars. This fee is consistent with many Kentucky counties. The fee must be paid at the time of application at either office location. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current fees before visiting. The clerk accepts various payment methods.

Your payment covers the license issuance and permanent record keeping. The clerk files your information with state vital statistics. Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra. The fee for certified copies is five dollars when obtained in person. You will need certified copies for name changes and official documentation.

Recording Your Carter County Marriage

After your wedding ceremony, your officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Carter County Clerk within thirty days. The officiant completes their section with name, title, and signature. Two witnesses must sign and print their names. This documentation creates your legal marriage record.

The clerk records the marriage in official county records upon receipt. The marriage becomes part of the public record. Request certified copies by visiting either clerk's office with proper identification. Pay the copy fee to receive your certified document. Keep this document secure.

Popular wedding venues in Carter County include churches in Grayson and Olive Hill, outdoor locations, and facilities at Kentucky Christian University. Your Carter County license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Kentucky.

Name Change After Marriage

After receiving your certified marriage certificate from the Carter County Clerk, you may begin the name change process if desired. Kentucky law does not require name changes after marriage. Your marriage certificate provides the legal documentation needed to change your name.

The typical process involves visiting the Social Security Administration with your certified marriage certificate. After updating your Social Security record, wait at least one day before updating your driver's license. Then update your name with employers, banks, insurance companies, and other institutions. Your certified copy from Carter County serves as legal proof throughout this process.

Cities in Carter County

Carter County includes several communities. Grayson serves as the county seat with the main County Clerk's office. Olive Hill offers a convenient branch office location.

Other communities in Carter County include Soldier, Denton, and Hitchins. Residents throughout the county can choose either the Grayson or Olive Hill office for marriage license services.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Carter County. You may also apply for a marriage license in any of these offices. Your license will be valid anywhere in Kentucky.