How to get copy of marriage certificate online

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Marriage certificates are a celebration of a special part of your life. They're also an important personal document. You can use the certificate as proof of your wedding for official purposes.

This might include changing your name on a passport or driver licence. Learn more about changing your name after marriage, separation or divorce.

Types of marriage certificates

Commonwealth marriage certificate (party certificate)

During the wedding ceremony, you and your witnesses signed a Commonwealth marriage certificate. This is also known as the 'party certificate'. Usually your celebrant presents it to you after the ceremony.

This certificate is a memento. It is not the registered marriage certificate. Most organisations won’t accept it as official proof of marriage. 

The certificate used for legal purposes is known as the ‘legal’ (or registered) marriage certificate.

It is not available on your wedding day. Your celebrant registers your marriage with us after your ceremony.

Marriage registration number

The registration number is usually in the top right-hand corner of your legal marriage certificate.

Before 2000, not all certificates showed the registration number. If you need the registration number but your certificate doesn’t have one, you’ll need to apply for your marriage certificate.

Marriages outside Victoria

We can't issue certificates for marriages that took place outside of Victoria.

If you were married outside Victoria, contact the Registry of the state, territory or country where the marriage took place.

You need to register on the General Register Office (GRO) website to get a copy of a birth, adoption, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate in England and Wales.

You can use this service to research your family tree.

Order with the GRO index reference number.

It takes around 10 minutes and you’ll need a debit or credit card.

Start now

Contents

  • More information
  • Other ways to apply

There’s a different process for getting certificates in Scotland and getting certificates in Northern Ireland.

Certificate fees

Certificates cost £11 and are sent 4 days after you apply.

If you do not have a GRO index reference number, you’ll have to pay £3 extra for each search. Certificates are sent 15 working days after you apply.

If you need the certificate sooner, you can use the priority service for £35. It’ll be sent the next working day if you order by 4pm.

Extra copies are the same price.

Get help ordering a certificate

Contact the General Register Office for help ordering a certificate or questions about an order.

General Register Office
(for general enquiries)
Online form (for enquiries after you’ve applied for a certificate)
Telephone: 0300 123 1837
Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1837
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Find out about call charges

General Register Office
PO Box 2
Southport
PR8 2JD

Registration of births or deaths abroad

If you’ve registered a birth or death with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Overseas Registration Unit, you cannot get a copy from the GRO until the November of the following year.

If you need a copy sooner, email the name of the registered person, the registration date and reference number to:

  • for birth registrations
  • for death registrations

You’ll get a reply telling you how to get your copy and the cost - usually £50 plus courier fees.

Ordering by phone

To order certificates by phone, call the General Register Office.

General Register Office
Telephone: 0300 123 1837
Text relay: 18001 0300 123 1837
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Find out about call charges

Ordering by post

To order certificates by post, fill in the relevant GRO certificate application and send it to the address on the form.

Register offices

You can also order certificates from the local register office where the birth, death or marriage was registered.

What is a certified marriage certificate?

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a duplicate of your original marriage certificate issued directly from the county office where you received your marriage license. It is totally different to the marriage license (check the differences between marriage license vs certificate here). A certified copy can be used to apply for insurance benefits, file joint taxes, and many other crucial documents and services in the United States.

Real ID deadline update to October 1st of 2021. Read the complete article.

To order a copy of your lost marriage certificate, the vital statistics office will require the following information to fill the application:

  • • Information about the wedding ceremony.
  • • Personal information about the spouses.
  • • Name and contact information of the person filing the application.

If you change your name after marriage, read this article


How to get a marriage certificate?

Ordering a replacement marriage certificate is a simple process with Vital Records Online.

First, you need to complete an easy application. Second, you will need to pay the state fee and the service fee. Third, you will need to send the application package to the Health Department, and soon you will be receiving your marriage certificate by mail. The entire process can be completed without leaving home.


Where to get a marriage certificate?

Obtain your marriage certificate online or by visiting the vital records government agency in the state where the wedding ceremony took place. Ordering your marriage certificate online is the easiest way to order marriage records.

Find the closest vital records office, visit OnlineVitals.com.

Note: Due to the spread of the COVID-19, some vital record agencies are closed or they are only processing by mail or online applications. Check the current status here.


How much is a marriage certificate?

If you need a certified marriage certificate copy, the vital record agency will charge you between $5 to $34 fee depending on the state. You can check all states fees here.


How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?

Each state has their own processing time. Usually you should expect to wait for your marriage certificate copy between 5 days to 16 weeks. Check your state processing time here.


Documents required to order a marriage certificate online

In order to complete the online application, the Health Department requires applicants to prove their identity by including a photocopy of their ID. It varies depending on the county, but commonly people can use the driver’s license or a state ID. Verify the list of all necessary documents required by your state here.

If you have lost all your IDs, we prepare a quick guide to know what to do in those cases.


Who can get a copy of a marriage certificate?

Marriage certificates can be requested only by the husband and the wife. Sometimes, legal representatives such as attorneys, government agencies, members of law enforcement, and court appointed agencies or individuals, can order marriage or divorce records as well. Check who can apply here.

How do I get a copy of my New York marriage certificate?

Marriage Records Request by Mail To obtain a Marriage Record by mail, please call the main office at 212-669-8090 to request a form or download the Marriage Record mail request form. All requests must be accompanied with a copy of valid identification as stated on the form.

How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate in Illinois?

Certified copies are only available at the county clerk in the county where the marriage occurred (see RESOURCES in the right-hand column and click on List of County Clerks). The Division of Vital Records can verify the facts of a marriage that has taken place from 1962 through the current index date available.

Can I get a copy of my marriage certificate online in New York?

You can request a copy of a marriage record online, by mail, or in person. If you submit your request online, you must still complete the application by mail or in person. The fee for a domestic marriage record (short certificate) is $15 and $10 for each additional copy.

How can I get my marriage certificate online in Maharashtra?

Application Procedure.
Step 1: Visit the home page of Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Maharashtra-Marriage-Certificate-Home-Page..
Step 2: Move the cursor to the “Online Service ” option where the applicant should select ” Marriage Registration” option. ... .
Step 3: Now, the online application form will open up on the screen..