What Are Utah Marriage Records?

Utah marriage records are official documents that provide detailed information about marriages within the state. These records have been systematically maintained since the late 19th century and are maintained by various authorities.

There are two main types of marriage records: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. A marriage license, obtained before the ceremony, grants a couple legal permission to marry as outlined in Utah Code Section 30-1-7. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is issued after the wedding as proof that the marriage has been legally performed.

Marriage records typically include the full names of both parties, their ages, birth dates, addresses, the date of the marriage, and the location where the ceremony took place. They may also include information about the officiant who performed the ceremony and any witnesses present.

These records are important for various purposes. These records enable individuals to verify their marital status, support legal name changes, and claim spousal benefits. Government entities utilize marriage records for purposes such as compiling demographic data and addressing legal matters related to marriage.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Utah, marriage certificates are not considered public records for the first 75 years after the date of the marriage event. This policy is in line with the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), which governs access to government records in the state.

Access to these certificates is restricted during this period. Only the following individuals can access a restricted marriage certificate:

• Spouses named on the certificate
• Immediate family members, such as parents, children, or siblings
• Legal representatives of the spouses
• Individuals with a court order
• Government agencies for official business

After 75 years, marriage records become public.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Utah?

Marriage records in Utah are managed by different offices depending on when the marriage occurred.

For marriages within the last 75 years, records are maintained by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS), or the county clerk's office where the marriage license was recorded. For records older than 75 years, individuals must consult other agencies or historical archives.

Generally, the process of searching for or obtaining marriage records involves the following:

• Individuals seeking a marriage record must first identify the correct agency to contact based on the date of the marriage.
• To request a marriage record, one needs to provide specifics such as:
  • Full names of both spouses, as they appear on the record
  • Date of the marriage
  • County of marriage license issuance
  • Relationship to the individuals named on the record
  • The purpose of obtaining the record
  • A valid government-issued photo identification.
• Fill out the application form, which can be found on the Utah OVRS website or the county clerk's website.
• Applications can be submitted online, mail, or in person.
• Pay the applicable fees. Fees vary depending on the type of record, the agency handling the record, and the method of delivery.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Utah offers two types of copies of marriage records: certified and informational.

A certified copy is a legally recognized document used for official purposes, such as name changes or benefit applications, and it bears an official seal. On the other hand, an informational copy contains the same information but lacks legal standing and is typically used for genealogical research or personal knowledge.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Utah, individuals can choose from the following methods:

Online

Online requests can be made through the Utah OVRS. Their website has an online portal for submitting applications and payments. Fees vary depending on processing and shipping options.

Marriage certificates can also be requested online through VitalChek, a third-party provider authorized by the state. This service allows for secure online ordering using a major credit or debit card.

In-Person

Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested in person at the OVRS located in Salt Lake City, Utah, or at a local health department office.

Applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID and complete the Marriage Certificate Request form. If requesting a certificate for a relative, additional documentation, such as a birth or marriage certificate, may be required to verify the relationship.

Before visiting, individuals should contact the specific health department to confirm hours of operation and any additional requirements or procedures.

By Mail

Requests for certified copies can also be made by mail. To do this, individuals must complete and submit the application form, along with a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and fee. The request must be submitted to the mailing address below:

Payment must be made by check or money order, payable to the "State of Utah".

The cost of a certified marriage certificate depends on the request method and any extra services, such as expedited processing or shipping.

Note that the methods listed above apply to requests made through the Utah OVRS. Those who prefer to obtain certified copies of marriage certificates from county clerks should contact the relevant county clerk beforehand to verify application procedures, including online request options, fees, accepted payment methods, and processing times.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Utah, marriage licenses are issued and maintained at the county level. Each county clerk's office is responsible for keeping records of marriage licenses issued within its jurisdiction.

To locate a marriage license, individuals should check with the specific county clerk's office where the license was obtained. Some counties offer online search tools to verify the issuance of a license before requesting a copy. For example, the Weber County Clerk provides a Marriage License Search service.

If online search tools are unavailable, individuals can request a search in person or by mail. Contact the county clerk's office for specific instructions and any required forms.

To help with the search process, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Full names of both parties
• Approximate date of the marriage
• County where the marriage license was issued

Fees may be associated with searching for and obtaining a copy of a marriage license. Contact the county clerk's office for information on fees and accepted payment methods.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to accessing records through the Utah DHHS - OVRS or county clerk offices, individuals can explore other online options for searching Utah marriage records.

The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service maintains a collection of historical marriage records. Its online catalog may not encompass all records, but it does provide helpful indexes, particularly a searchable online index for marriage records dating from 1887 to 1978.

The Utah Genealogical Association also offers resources like its Search History Records service to aid family history research, which may include marriage records.

Furthermore, commercial platforms like RecordsFinder can be utilized. This online service provides access to a wide range of public records from different jurisdictions across the state. To conduct a search, individuals generally need the following:

• Full names of both parties.
• Approximate date of marriage.
• County where the marriage occurred.

Some platforms may require further information, such as the parties' ages or birthplaces. Fees may apply for accessing comprehensive reports or records, and these costs can vary among different platforms.

Note that marriage records obtained from other sources not offered or endorsed by the Utah DHHS - OVRS or county clerk offices are considered unofficial and uncertified.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In Utah, there is no legal provision for confidential marriages, unlike some states, such as California, where couples can obtain a marriage license that is not part of the public record.

All Utah marriage records are considered public after 75 years unless restricted by law or court order. However, access to certified copies of marriage records is limited to authorized individuals, such as the married parties, immediate family members, or legal representatives.

If a marriage record has been sealed by a court or contains sensitive information, access may require a court order or proof of eligibility.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

The county clerk's office issues marriage licenses in Utah. Applications are typically submitted in person at the county clerk's office, although some counties may offer online application options like the Utah County Clerk's Office.

During the application, both parties must provide the following:

• Their full names
• Dates and places of birth
• Parents' names (including the mother's maiden name)
• Parents' places of birth
• Valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport
• Social Security numbers

According to Utah Code Section 30-1-9, applicants must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with the consent of a parent or guardian. In addition, marriage between first cousins is generally prohibited, but there is an exception for couples over 65 or those over 55 who are unable to reproduce.

The fee for a marriage license application varies by county, but the base fee is $50. The license is valid for 32 days from the date of issuance, and the ceremony must take place within that timeframe. Utah does not require a blood test for a marriage license. Also, proxy marriages are not permitted, and both parties must be present at the ceremony.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Individuals can correct errors on Utah marriage certificates. These errors may include:

• Incorrect or misspelled names
• Incorrect dates of birth
• Mistakes in the marriage location
• Mistakes in the officiant's details

The process typically involves completing an Affidavit to Amend a Record form and providing proof of the error. Depending on the nature of the mistake, individuals should be prepared to provide supporting documentation that clearly demonstrates the error and the correct information. For significant errors, a court order may be necessary.

Once the form is filed and the necessary proof is provided, the county clerk's office will review the request. If it is approved, the clerk will amend the marriage record and provide a corrected marriage certificate. The corrected record may also be forwarded to the Utah OVRS.

For more specific information and guidance on correcting a mistake on a marriage certificate in Utah, contact the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued.

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

The Utah Address Confidentiality Program, also known as the Safe at Home program, offers protection to survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault residing in Utah. The program provides participants with a designated substitute address for use in place of their actual address.

To enroll in Utah's Safe at Home Program, individuals must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process. This involves providing documentation that verifies their status as a survivor of qualifying offenses and demonstrates a credible threat to their safety.

However, marriage records in Utah are generally considered public information, which means someone could potentially access a marriage record and discover a participant's address, even if they are enrolled in the program. To protect their privacy, individuals enrolled in the program can consider requesting a court order to seal their marriage record or seeking legal advice.

Utah Marriage Statistics and Trends

In the US, the percentage of married adults has dropped from 58% in 1995 to 53% today.

This trend is seen across different racial and educational groups. 63% of Asian adults and 57% of white adults are currently married, compared to 53% of all adults. Americans with a bachelor's degree or higher have even higher marriage rates, at 66%.

The following data reveals that marriage patterns in Utah diverge from national trends.

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