What Are Nebraska Marriage Records?

Marriage records in Nebraska prove a couple's marital status. Before 1876, Nebraska marriage records were kept by each county. In 1909, the state officially started recording marriages nationally to document legal unions within the state.

Various authorities maintain these records, which typically include marriage licenses and marriage certificates. A marriage license is issued before the wedding to grant legal permission to marry as per the Nebraska Revised Statute Section 42-104. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is created afterward as official evidence that the marriage has occurred.

Marriage records often contain vital details such as the following:

• Names of the couple
• Date and location of the marriage
• Names of witnesses and the officiant
• Additional legal information

Marriage licenses record eligibility requirements, while certificates confirm the completion of the ceremony and registration. These documents are essential for many legal and personal reasons, such as establishing inheritance rights, applying for government benefits, obtaining passports, resolving legal disputes, or tracing family history for genealogical research.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

As per Nebraska Revised Statute Section 84-712, marriage certificates in Nebraska are not fully open to the public to protect individuals' sensitive information. Access to these records is restricted to specific parties, including the following:

• Spouses named on the certificate
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives
• Authorized government agencies

Individuals seeking access must provide proof of identity, relationship, and a valid reason for their request.

While marriage certificates are restricted, certain basic details may be available to the public, such as the following:

• Names of the spouses
• The date and location of the marriage
• The registration number

However, sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and addresses, is redacted for privacy.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Nebraska?

Marriage records in Nebraska are maintained by different government agencies, including the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and county clerk's offices.

The DHHS maintains records of marriages that occurred after 1909, while county clerk's offices hold earlier records or additional details specific to their jurisdiction.

The process for obtaining marriage records generally involves submitting a request to the appropriate agency, either in person, by mail, or online. Requests often require a completed application form, proof of identity, and payment of a fee.

Each agency may have additional requirements or processes, which will be detailed in the sections below.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

In Nebraska, a marriage certificate can be obtained as either:

• Certified copies: Official documents used for legal purposes, such as name changes or immigration, and include a raised seal.
• Informational copies: Contain the same details but are not valid for legal use.

There are three ways to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate:

Online

• Visit the Nebraska DHHS website's Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate page.
• Enter the required information in the specified areas, such as:
  • Complete name
  • Email address
  • Physical address
  • Shipping address (if different from physical address)
• Verify identity by uploading a copy of any current government-issued ID, e.g., driver's license.

Note: Children requesting their parents' marriage records must also provide a copy of their birth certificate with their parents' names.

• Pay the required $16 fee per copy using Visa or MasterCard. There may be an additional processing fee.
• Submit the request and wait for the DHHS to process it within 3 to 5 business days. Online requests are not eligible for expedited shipping.

In-Person

For in-person requests, individuals must:

• Proceed to the Nebraska State Office Building at 301 Centennial Mall South, First Floor, Lincoln.
• Go to the Vital Records office and complete the necessary forms.
• Pay the $16 fee and wait for the processing, which may take a minimum of 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that for marriage records before 1909, individuals can request through the following:

• The county clerk of the county that issued the marriage license
• Nebraska State Historical Society

By Mail

For mail-in requests, follow these steps:

• Complete and print the Marriage Certificate Application Form.
• Prepare the following information:
  • Full names of the bride and groom
  • Date of marriage
  • The county that issued the marriage license
  • The purpose of getting the record
  • If not the owner of records, relation to the owners
  • Photocopy of any current government-issued ID of the requester
• Mail the form with the information above with a $16 check or money order to Vital Records:

• Wait for processing, which can take a minimum of 15 days. For an additional fee, individuals can expedite the shipping.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Nebraska are typically kept by the county clerk's office of the county that issued the license. To obtain a copy of a marriage license:

• Identify the county where the license was issued and locate its county clerk's office.
• Contact the office for specific requirements and fees. For example, individuals from Douglas County can contact the Clerk's Office at:

• Submit a request with the couple's names, date of marriage, and proof of identity (if required).
• Pay the applicable fees for certified or non-certified copies.

Some counties, like Douglas County, provide dedicated search portals for marriage licenses, such as the Marriage License Search tool. However, these portals may not include all marriage licenses. Individuals should contact the relevant county clerk's office for complete records.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Aside from official government resources, individuals can search for marriage records using other online tools. These include genealogical societies and commercial database providers such as RecordsFinder.

While these methods may not provide certified copies, they can help confirm whether a marriage occurred and offer basic details like names, dates, and locations.

To search online, individuals may often need to:

• Create an account.
• Provide basic information about the marriage.
• Pay a nominal fee.

Before using third-party services, individuals must confirm if the platform is reputable to avoid misinformation or unauthorized use of personal details.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a private union in which the marriage record is not made available to the public. This option is typically chosen by couples who want to keep their marital details discreet due to personal, professional, or security reasons.

In Nebraska, confidential marriages are not an option. All marriages in the state require a public marriage license, which means that the union record is public.

However, certain records may be deemed confidential under specific circumstances. For example, if a marriage involves sensitive information or if there are legal restrictions in place, access may be limited.

In such cases, individuals would need to demonstrate a valid reason for accessing these records, and access is still limited to authorized individuals, such as the:

• Spouses
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives

Immediate family members and legal representatives may need to provide proof of identity and authorization. They may also need to secure a court order, which involves submitting a formal petition to a court with a valid legal reason for accessing the record.

Once granted, the court order can be presented to the Nebraska DHHS or county clerk's office to authorize its release.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Nebraska, individuals can obtain a marriage license from any county clerk's office. However, they must follow the requirements and guidelines below:

Identification Required

Applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Both parties must also provide their Social Security numbers, appear in person to apply for the marriage license, and fill out the Marriage Worksheet.

Additionally, if either applicant has been married previously, they must provide the following:

• A copy of their divorce decree
• Date of their previous marriage

Age Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 19 years old, the age of majority in Nebraska.
• Applicants aged 17 or 18 can marry with written parental or legal guardian consent.
• Marriage is not permitted for individuals under 17 years old, even with parental consent.

Residency Requirement

Nebraska does not impose a residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license. Non-residents can apply for a license and marry in Nebraska as long as they meet the state's eligibility criteria.

License Validity

Once issued, a marriage license in Nebraska is valid for one year. Couples must marry within this timeframe. Otherwise, the license will expire, and a new one must be obtained. Nebraska marriage licenses are also only valid within the state. Nebraska residents who want to get married in another state must apply for a marriage license there.

Waiting Periods

Nebraska does not impose a waiting period. Couples can use the marriage license immediately after issuance.

Officiants and Witnesses

Marriage ceremonies must be officiated by a legally recognized individual, such as a judge, ordained minister, or other authorized officiant. Nebraska also requires at least two witnesses to be present for the marriage ceremony.

Blood Test Requirement

Nebraska does not require a blood test or any other medical examination to apply for a marriage license.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages are not allowed in Nebraska. Both individuals must be present during the application process and the marriage ceremony.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

It is possible to correct mistakes found on a marriage certificate or license issued in Nebraska. Corrections are typically allowed for clerical or factual errors, but the process varies depending on the type and severity of the mistake.

Common errors that may occur include:

• Misspelled names of the spouses
• Incorrect dates, such as the marriage date or birthdate
• Errors in addresses or places of birth
• Typographical errors in other details, such as the officiant's or witnesses' names

To correct any mistake, individuals can follow these steps:

• Determine which office issued the original marriage certificate (e.g., DHHS or county clerk's office).
• Notify them of the mistake and inquire about the correction process.
• Prepare documents that verify the correct information, including:
  • A valid government-issued ID for name or birthdate corrections
  • The original marriage license or certificate to reference the error
  • Any other legal documents supporting the correction
• Fill out and submit the Application for Amendment of Marriage Certificate form (if the correction will be processed in the county clerk's office, use the appropriate form).
• Pay the required fee to process corrections. Contact the issuing office for details on the current fees.

The issuing office will review the request and, if approved, issue an amended marriage certificate or license reflecting the correct information. Check the Nebraska Administrative Code Section 174-4 for more guidelines on amending marriage records.

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

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a safety program that protects victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other abuse by keeping their physical addresses private. A key feature is providing participants with a legal substitute address they can use for official purposes.

Specifically for marriage records:

• Participants may use the ACP substitute address on marriage license applications instead of their actual address.
• Marriage records for ACP participants are confidential and not publicly accessible.
• Only authorized entities, such as law enforcement or individuals with a valid court order, can access these restricted records.

To benefit from this protection, individuals must apply and be accepted into the ACP through the Nebraska Secretary of State's office. Once enrolled, the substitute address ensures that the participant's actual location and any records containing this information remain confidential.

Nebraska Marriage Statistics and Trends

Recent U.S. marriage trends show shifting patterns in how Americans form relationships. While 58% of adults were married in 1995, that number has dropped to 53% today. At the same time, the percentage of adults living with unmarried partners has more than doubled from 3% to 7%.

Demographics play a significant role in these trends. Marriage rates tend to be higher among white and Asian adults compared to other racial groups. College graduates are also more likely to be married than those with less formal education.

As for Nebraska, the state average is a bit different from the national. Here is a detailed breakdown:

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