What Are Kentucky Marriage Records?

Kentucky marriage records are official documents that prove a voluntary marriage between two individuals. They provide an overall account of marriages in the state and are maintained by various authorities.

Kentucky began safekeeping marriage documentation on a state level in 1852, with marriage licenses and certificates being the most common types.

A marriage license is issued before the marriage ceremony and grants permission for a couple to marry. According to the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 402.100, this document typically includes information such as the names of the bride and groom, their ages, and the location of the marriage.

Meanwhile, a marriage certificate is awarded after the marriage ceremony and is irrefutable proof that the marriage has occurred. It generally contains similar information to the marriage license, including the spouses' names, the ceremony's date and location, and the officiant's name.

These documents serve as important records used for legal matters and are valuable resources for helping individuals trace their family history and better understand their lineage.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, marriage records, including marriage certificates, are typically open to the public. Although publicly accessible, certified copies of this document can only be obtained by certain individuals, including:

• Government officials and law enforcers
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives of the parties involved
• The individuals named on the marriage certificate

Additionally, KRS Chapter 213.131 emphasizes that sensitive information, such as the Social Security number reflected in public records, can be omitted or restricted from public viewing to safeguard the personal privacy of the individuals involved.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Kentucky?

Official copies of marriage records in Kentucky can be accessed and requested at both the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) and various county clerk's offices.

The OVS holds marriage records from June 1958 to the present. For marriages that occurred before that, individuals need to contact the county clerk's office where the marriage license was originally issued.

To search for or request copies of marriage records from these offices, individuals generally need to:

• Bring valid identification (e.g., driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport).
• Determine the county where the marriage license was issued.
• Identify the full names of both parties and the date of the marriage.
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Provide proof of relationship to the individuals named in the record (if applicable).
• Submit the completed required application form.

Depending on the agency, records can be requested in person, by mail, or online.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

To look up marriage certificates, individuals must first know the difference between informational and certified copies.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document issued by the Kentucky OVS or the county clerks. It is often required for legal purposes, such as name changes or applying for benefits.

Meanwhile, an informational copy of a marriage certificate contains the same data as a certified copy intended for personal use only. It cannot be accepted for activities requiring legal proof of the marriage.

To request a certified copy of a Kentucky marriage certificate, interested parties must follow the procedure and meet the requirements outlined below:

In-Person

One can acquire record copies of marriage certificates filed from June 1958 onwards by visiting the Kentucky OVS at 275 East Main Street, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621, during office hours.

The visiting individual must fill out the Kentucky Marriage/Divorce Record Request Form and submit it along with the necessary identification documentation and a $6 fee. Payment can be made via check, cash, or money order payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer".

For marriage certificates filed before June 1958, individuals must visit the county clerk's office where the certificate was issued. Each county has its own fees and procedures. To avoid any issues, it is best to contact the appropriate office in advance to learn about their specific requirements before visiting.

Online

Individuals can request a certified marriage certificate for themselves or an immediate family member remotely through VitalChek, an authorized online vendor endorsed by the Kentucky OVS. To order, they must complete the online request form, pay the required fees, and choose their preferred document delivery method.

By Mail

To request a marriage certificate via mail, an individual needs to send a request that includes the following information:

• A phone number where they can be reached during office hours
• Full names of both parties
• The address where the certificate is to be mailed
• The Kentucky county where the marriage license was issued
• The month, day, and year of the marriage
• The number of copies being ordered
• The requester's name

The requester should enclose a $6 check or money order payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer" to cover the cost of each certificate ordered and mail it to the Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, 1E-A Frankfort, KY 40621.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Unlike marriage certificates, Kentucky marriage licenses are mostly kept locally by the county clerk's offices. To obtain a copy, one must:

• Provide both spouses' full names, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued.
• Complete the appropriate request form from the relevant county clerk's office.
• Present a government-issued photo ID.
• Submit the request for a copy either in person or by mail.

If submitting by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the required fees, which typically range from $5 to $7.

On the other hand, some counties, such as Fayette County, offer an online search platform to streamline the process of finding marriage licenses for a minimal fee.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the online services provided by the Kentucky OVS and county clerk's offices, several other options are available for searching Kentucky marriage records online.

The following options can help individuals access these records and other available searchable data remotely:

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA)

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) provides valuable resources to help individuals locate marriage records in Kentucky. Their website provides access to research guides, forms, and instructions on how to request marriage records. Regarding the online method, they have the KDLA Records Ordering System.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch assists users in locating marriage records in Kentucky by offering access to various online resources and databases. Through its website, users can browse indexes and view digital images of marriage records dating back to 1785 from various Kentucky counties.

To search for marriage records, enter both spouses' full names and specify the record type as "Marriage".

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is a convenient online service designed to help users search for various public records, including Kentucky marriage records. This website aggregates data from multiple sources and simplifies finding information without navigating through different government websites.

To look for marriage records, visit RecordsFinder's Kentucky Marriage Records page and provide the spouses' full names, the date of the marriage, and the county where the marriage license was issued.

While basic information is available for free on this online platform, detailed reports typically require a subscription or payment.

Local Genealogical Societies

Local genealogical societies, such as the Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Genealogical Society, are dedicated organizations that preserve and provide access to historical records, including marriage records. To locate marriage records, utilize the websites' search tools by inputting key marriage details.

Although certified copies of marriage records are not available through these online methods, users can access valuable information, including:

• Additional details, such as parents' names or occupations
• The date and location of the marriage
• The names of the officiant
• The names of the spouses

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Confidential marriages are not considered public to allow couples to keep their marital status private. A court order is typically required to access a particular confidential marriage document.

In Kentucky, this type of union is not recognized. All marriages within the state are recorded, and their details are open for public inspection.

Furthermore, KRS Chapter 402.050 states that a minimum of two witnesses, in addition to the couple and the officiant, are required to be present during the marriage ceremony. Because of this requirement, confidential marriages, which do not allow witnesses, are not feasible in Kentucky.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

As outlined by state regulations and various government sources, acquiring a marriage license in Kentucky involves following specific requirements and procedures:

Identification Requirements

As per KRS Chapter 402.10, both parties must present a government-issued photo ID when applying for a marriage license. Acceptable forms of identification include driver's licenses and passports.

Age Requirements

KRS Chapter 402.10 also outlines that applicants must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. However, 17-year-olds can obtain a marriage license if they possess a certified copy of a court order granting permission to marry.

Residency Requirement

Kentucky does not require applicants to be residents. Couples can apply for their marriage license in any county clerk's office in Kentucky, regardless of their place of residence.

License Validity

The marriage license in Kentucky is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Couples must conduct their marriage ceremony within this period. Otherwise, they must reapply.

Waiting Periods

There is no waiting period in the state. Couples can receive their marriage license immediately upon application.

Officiants and Witnesses

In Kentucky, marriages can be solemnized by ministers or priests from recognized religious organizations, judges, justices, and county executives. In addition to the officiant, at least two witnesses must be present during the ceremony.

Blood Test Requirement

Kentucky does not require couples to undergo a blood test before obtaining a marriage license.

Proxy Marriage Allowability

Kentucky does not permit proxy marriages. Both parties must be physically present to apply for and participate in the marriage ceremony.

Fee Requirements

The fee for obtaining a Kentucky marriage license usually ranges between $50 and $55, depending on the county. In some cases, certified copies of the marriage license are charged extra.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Errors in marriage licenses or certificates are normal and can be amended. The common mistakes that can appear on a marriage license or certificate include:

• Errors in the spelling of either spouse's name
• Incorrect details regarding the officiant or witnesses
• Missing information
• Mistakes in the date of the marriage or birth dates of the individuals

To correct a mistake on a marriage certificate in Kentucky, follow the steps below:

• Contact the relevant county clerk's office.
  • An individual must first contact the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued. The office can provide specific guidance on the correction process.
• Fill out the required forms.
  • Complete an amendment form that is available in the relevant county clerk's office. This document is used to request changes or corrections to an official record, such as marriage certificates.
• Provide evidence.
  • Supporting documentation is usually needed to verify the correct information. This could include identification documents or other legal papers substantiating the claims.
• Submit a sworn statement.
  • When requesting to correct marriage certificate or license information, a notarized sworn statement affirming the accuracy of the information being corrected is typically required.
• Pay any associated fees.
  • Fees for processing the amendment request may vary by county. Check with the local office for specific amounts.
• Obtain a court order.
  • In some cases, a court order may be necessary to finalize the correction, particularly for significant changes or disputes.

Are Marriage Records Under the Kentucky Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Kentucky Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), also known as the Safe at Home Program, is designed to protect survivors of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

Participants in the Kentucky ACP can make their marriage records confidential by using a substitute address for all public records, including marriage licenses.

Consequently, marriage records for Kentucky ACP participants are not accessible to the public as outlined in the KRS Chapter 14.308. The law ensures these records remain confidential to protect the victims from being located through public records.

Kentucky Marriage Statistics Trends

According to national marriage statistics, 53% of U.S. adults are currently married, which reflects a significant decrease from 58% in 1995. In contrast, the proportion of cohabiting adults has increased to 7% from 3%.

Marriage rates also differ based on race and education, with higher rates observed among white and Asian adults, as well as those with higher education levels.

The state of Kentucky presents a slightly different trend compared to the national averages, as detailed in the following table:

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