What Are Mississippi Marriage Records?

Mississippi marriage records document legally recognized unions within the state. These records serve as vital proof of marriage and are preserved for legal, historical, and personal reference. The state officially began systematically documenting marriage records in 1926.

There are different types of marriage records, with the two most common being marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Under the Mississippi Code, a marriage license is a legal authorization obtained before the wedding that permits a couple to marry. Once the ceremony takes place, a marriage certificate is issued, officially confirming that the marriage occurred.

Marriage records generally include the following details:

• The full names of both spouses
• The date and place of the marriage
• The names of the witnesses and the officiant
• A unique marriage license number
• Any additional legal notations

These records may be required for legal proceedings, spousal benefits, or financial matters. They facilitate name changes after marriage and can be used to settle legal disputes involving inheritance, property rights, or other marital obligations. Marriage records are also valuable for tracing family histories and lineage.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, most government records are accessible to the public. However, marriage records such as marriage certificates in Mississippi have certain privacy restrictions.

While general marriage record information may be available, certified copies of marriage certificates are not open to the public. Access to these certified copies is typically restricted to:

• The individuals named on the certificate (the married couple)
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives or authorized agents

For public access, some information in marriage records may be available in an index or database, including:

• Names of both spouses
• Date and county of marriage
• Marriage license number

Sensitive details, such as personal identifying information, may be redacted to protect privacy.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Mississippi?

Marriage records in Mississippi are maintained at both the state and county levels. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) archives marriage records from:

• January 1, 1926 – June 30, 1938
• January 1, 1942 – present

However, for marriages that took place between July 1, 1938, to December 31, 1941, records are only available through the circuit clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued.

When requesting a marriage record, the following details are typically required:

• Full names of both parties
• Date of the union
• Issuing county
• A valid photo ID
• Payment for applicable fees

The process of obtaining a marriage record in the state may vary depending on the method, but generally, the following steps are involved:

• Determine the preferred office for requesting records.
• Collect the necessary details.
• Choose a method for requesting the record.
• Submit the request and pay any applicable fees.

There are several ways individuals can obtain marriage records.

One option is to visit the MSDH Vital Records office in person. The office is located at 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, and is open during regular business hours. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Typically, records are mailed within 7 to 10 business days after processing.

Marriage records can also be requested online, by phone, or through mail.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Mississippi marriage certificates are available as either certified or informational copies. A certified copy is an official document required for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance claims, and court proceedings. In contrast, an informational copy is typically used for genealogy or personal reference and does not carry legal validity.

The most convenient way to obtain a marriage certificate is online through VitalChek, a third-party service that processes Mississippi vital records requests. This option allows applicants to securely place an order using a credit card and offers expedited shipping.

However, online orders include additional processing fees beyond the standard $17 fee for a certified copy.

While online requests may be processed more quickly, those looking to avoid extra fees can request a certificate through other methods. The MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) encourages individuals to order by mail instead.

To do so, applicants must complete the Marriage Record Application Form and send it, along with payment, to the Mississippi Vital Records Office at:

Any additional copies ordered at the same time cost $6 each. For more information or assistance, individuals can contact the MSDH Vital Records Office by calling (601) 206-8200 or emailing VRInfo@msdh.ms.gov.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Mississippi are issued and maintained at the county level. Each county's circuit clerk's office is responsible for keeping records of licenses issued within its jurisdiction. To obtain a copy of a marriage license, individuals must contact the circuit clerk's office in the county where the license was originally issued.

The process for obtaining a copy of a marriage license varies by county. In most cases, requests can be made in person by visiting the circuit clerk's office. Some counties also offer an online database where individuals can search for records using details such as a spouse's name, marriage date, or file number.

For example, Pike County provides an online marriage license index that allows users to look up marriage licenses digitally. The availability of online searches depends on the county, so it is recommended to check the specific circuit clerk's website for details.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to VitalChek, several online platforms can help individuals search for Mississippi marriage records.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) provides access to older marriage records that are not available through county offices. Its statewide marriage index includes records before 1926, collected by the Works Progress Administration and organized by the groom's surname using the Soundex system.

Genealogy websites like FamilySearch and the Mississippi Genealogical Society also provide searchable databases of marriage records. These platforms are especially useful for those researching family history.

For those looking for a faster search option, commercial record retrieval services such as RecordsFinder offer paid access to marriage record databases. While these services do not provide certified copies, they can help locate essential details such as names, marriage dates, and locations.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a private marriage record that is not accessible to the general public. Couples may choose this option for privacy reasons, such as personal security, sensitive circumstances, or a desire to keep their marriage details restricted from public view.

In states that allow confidential marriages, these records can typically only be accessed by the spouses or through a court order. However, Mississippi does not recognize confidential marriages. All legally recorded marriages in the state are part of the public record, meaning they can be accessed by individuals who meet the eligibility requirements set by the state.

In certain circumstances, some marriage records may be sealed by a court order. This process could apply in cases involving domestic violence, minors, or other legal protections. To access a sealed marriage record, an individual must petition the court where the marriage was filed and provide a valid reason for the request.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To legally marry in Mississippi, couples must meet specific requirements. First, both individuals must apply for the marriage license together. If either person has been divorced within the past six months, they must provide a copy of the divorce decree.

The following outlines other key requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the state:

Identification Requirements

Both individuals must present valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state-issued ID. Some counties may also ask for a Social Security number.

Age Requirements

In Mississippi, individuals must be at least 21 years old to marry without parental consent. Those under 21 need permission from their parents or legal guardians to obtain a marriage license. The state also enforces minimum age requirements, males must be at least 17, and females must be at least 15 to qualify for a license.

Residency Rules

Mississippi does not require residency, which means both residents and non-residents can apply for a marriage license.

License Validity

A marriage license in Mississippi does not expire once it is issued. However, after the ceremony, it must be returned to the circuit clerk's office to be officially recorded.

The license is also only valid in the state.

Waiting Period

Mississippi does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses. Couples can marry immediately after receiving their license.

Officiant and Witness Requirements

An authorized individual, such as a judge, minister, priest, or rabbi, must conduct the wedding ceremony. Mississippi does not require witnesses for the marriage to be legally valid.

Blood Test Requirement

Mississippi no longer requires blood tests for marriage license applicants.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages, in which one or both individuals are not physically present for the ceremony, are not allowed in Mississippi. For the wedding to be legal, both parties must appear in person.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

If a mistake is found on a marriage certificate or license in Mississippi, it may be possible to request a correction, depending on the type of error and the policies of the issuing office. Common mistakes include misspelled names, incorrect dates such as birth or marriage dates, address errors, and clerical issues that occurred during processing.

To make a correction, the first step is to contact the circuit clerk's office where the marriage license was issued. Applicants may need to provide official documents, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, or other legal records, to verify the correct information. A written request must typically be submitted, along with supporting documents and any required fees.

If the correction involves a significant change, such as a name adjustment or other legal modifications, a court order may be necessary. Once the request is processed and approved, a corrected marriage certificate will be issued.

For further details on correcting marriage records, individuals should contact the MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) or the circuit clerk's office where the original record was filed.

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

Mississippi's Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect the personal information of individuals facing threats such as domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. This program provides participants with a substitute address for use on legal documents, including marriage records, to help prevent their actual location from being disclosed.

Participants in the ACP can list the program's designated address on their marriage license and certificate. Under Mississippi law, details such as a participant's name, home address, and phone number are classified as confidential and do not fall under public record access. Government agencies are legally prohibited from releasing this information.

The Office of the Attorney General may only disclose a participant's information in limited situations, such as an official request from law enforcement, a court order directing disclosure to a specific individual, or a verification request from a government agency. Even in these cases, only minimal details are shared.

Mississippi Marriage Statistics and Trends

In recent decades, romantic relationships in the U.S. have undergone notable changes. While marriage remains the most prevalent form of partnership, a closer examination of relationship histories reveals a growing preference for cohabitation.

Among adults aged 18 to 44, a higher percentage have lived with an unmarried partner (59%) than have been married (50%) at any point in their lives. Additionally, many individuals experience both, with 35% having cohabited and married at different times.

More than half of cohabiters are also raising children, with about one-third parenting a child they share with their current partner. These trends differ based on race, ethnicity, and education levels, which reflect the evolving nature of relationships across different demographics.

In Mississippi, an analysis of marriage statistics and trends shows the following:

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