How to Fill out a Kentucky Marriage License with Samples & FAQs

Asked to officiate a Kentucky wedding? Getting married in Kentucky? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon-to-be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out a Kentucky marriage license correctly the first time!

Wedding bells are ringing, so let’s take a look!

How to Fill Out a Kentucky Marriage License: Samples & FAQs

1. How to Fill out a Kentucky Marriage License (for the Officiant)

In Kentucky, a couple’s Marriage License, Marriage Certificate, and Certificate of Marriage are printed on a single piece of paper. The Marriage License is completed by the clerk’s office before the wedding ceremony (top portion of the paper). The Marriage Certificate and Certificate of Marriage are completed by the wedding officiant after the wedding ceremony (middle and bottom portions of the paper).

It’s the couple’s responsibility to purchase a marriage license in Kentucky before the wedding day, and the wedding officiant’s responsibility to complete and return the marriage certificate after the wedding ceremony. The completed marriage certificate must be returned in the same county where it was issued within 30 days of the wedding (KRS § 402.220).

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/kentucky", "LEARN HOW TO OFFICIATE A WEDDING IN KENTUCKY" *|

Who signs the marriage license in Kentucky?

The wedding officiant and two witnesses are required to sign a Kentucky marriage certificate after the wedding ceremony. The officiant will also legibly print the couple’s full names, witness names, and their own name and title in the spaces marked.

The couple does not need to sign the marriage certificate after the wedding, however couples must sign the marriage license when applying at the county clerk office.

Here are a few pointers from the Christian County Clerk’s Office to help you get started:

• Use permanent black ink only to complete the officiant’s portions of the marriage certificate. Please print legibly in the spaces marked - do not write in cursive except when asked for a signature.
• Write “Minister” in the space marked “title” on the marriage certificate if you are ordained with American Marriage Ministries.
• Write “American Marriage Ministries” or “AMM” in the space marked “church, religious or civil authority” if you are ordained with American Marriage Ministries.
• Complete both indicated portions of the marriage certificate (shown below).
• Return the completed marriage license and certificate to the same county clerk’s office where it was issued within 30 days of the marriage ceremony. You can return the certificate by mail or in person.
• Do not give the couple the completed certificate, their portion will be sent to them by the County Clerk after the marriage is recorded.
• Do not fill in the section that starts “Recorded this day” (see below). This section will be completed by the clerk when the license and certificate are returned and the marriage is officially recorded.

2.  Sample Kentucky Marriage License

What does a marriage license in Kentucky look like? These special documents may look slightly different county-by-county, but they all contain the same essential details: the names of the parties getting married, the date and location of the marriage ceremony, the name and title of the person performing the ceremony, and the names and signatures of the witnesses.

Below are two sample Kentucky marriage licenses, including the officiant’s sections at the middle and bottom of the document. As mentioned earlier, do not fill in a section that begins “Recorded this [day] by.” This will be completed by the clerk after the document is returned to the issuing office.

Sample One: Christian County Marriage License (Hopkinsville, KY, County Seat)

Sample Two: Daviess County Marriage License (Owensboro, KY, County Seat)

3. What if You Make a Mistake on a Marriage License in Kentucky?

If you make a mistake while filling out the marriage license – such as a misspelled name or incorrect date – contact the clerk’s office directly to ask what steps should be taken to correct the error. Do not use white-out or corrective tape. Depending on the type / extent of the error, the couple may need to purchase a replacement license to fill out again with accurate information.

Since different counties have different steps to take to correct various types of errors, we recommend you contact the clerk’s office directly with your questions. This will be the simplest way to handle any issues that come up.

See a directory of all Kentucky County Clerk Offices (with contact info) here: Kentucky County Clerk’s Association

How to amend a Kentucky marriage certificate after it’s filed

To amend a Kentucky marriage certificate after it's filed, contact the county clerk office where the license was issued or recorded, or Kentucky’s Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) by phone during regular business hours. A staff member will tell you the next steps to take, which may include both parties submitting an affidavit describing the errors/omissions. In general, couples can correct a misspelled name or address, omitted witness, county, or officiant information, and incorrect marriage date, or the couple’s personal/family details (KRS § 402.235).

4. Does Kentucky Recognize Marriage by Online Ordained Ministers? (Kentucky Marriage Officiant Requirements)

Yes! Ministers who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries (AMM), can officiate weddings in Kentucky and sign the marriage license. Click the link below to get ordained with AMM today!

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/kentucky", "GET ORDAINED IN KENTUCKY" *|

AMM Ministers meet Kentucky’s marriage officiant requirements, which are described in the state’s marriage laws: “(1) Marriage shall be solemnized only by: “Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society,” including American Marriage Ministries, as well as various “justices and judges,” and religious societies as a body (if they have no minister / clergy). (KRS § 402.050)

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding
• Cómo saber si su oficiante puede realizar una boda legal
• Kentucky Officiant Government Registration Requirements
• Requisitos para Registrarte como Oficiante en Kentucky

5. How to Get a Marriage License in Kentucky

In Kentucky, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk Office. Depending on where you apply, there may be several physical offices you can visit to submit your application – these branch offices are usually listed on your county clerk’s website. Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license.

Some county clerk offices require applicants to complete a marriage license worksheet before appearing in person, and you may need to schedule an appointment to purchase a license. This information can be found by visiting your county clerk’s website, or by calling the office directly for instructions.

If you and your partner are both 18 years old (or older), you can apply for your marriage license in any county, to be used anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If one or both of you are 17 years old, however, you must apply in the county where the minor lives.

“Can you get a marriage license online in Kentucky?”

No, you can’t get a marriage license online in Kentucky. Marriage licenses are only issued in person in Kentucky, and both people must appear together at the clerk’s office. 

However, a few counties allow or require couples to start the application online to save time in the office, including the Christian County KY electronic Marriage License Application portal, Franklin County KY Marriage License Application portal, Madison County KY Marriage License Application portal, and others.

“Do I have to be a Kentucky resident to get a marriage license here?”

No, you don’t have to be a Kentucky resident to get married there. Out-of-state couples can apply for a marriage license in any county in Kentucky as long as both applicants are 18 years old or older.

Kentucky Marriage License Requirements

• Valid government-issued Photo ID, such as a drivers license, state ID card, military ID, or passport
• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old; or meet the requirements for minors
• There is no waiting period or blood test to get married in Kentucky (as long as both applicants are 18+ years old)
• You do not need to bring a birth certificate, social security card, or divorce degree (as long as both applicants are 18+ years old)
• Payment of $60, which covers the fee for your marriage license and one certified copy. Most offices accept cash, debit/credit cards, and checks, but call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

6. How Much is a Marriage License in KY?

Marriage license prices may vary by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. Currently, Kentucky marriage licenses cost around $60. Click the link below or contact your local clerk’s office for the most up to date information:

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

7. How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in Kentucky?

Depending on where you apply, you might need an appointment to purchase a marriage license. And if you started your marriage license application online, you may need to wait at least 24 hours after submitting the form before visiting the clerk in person (processing time for electronic applications).

There is no waiting period for marriage in Kentucky as long as both applicants are at least 18 years old. This means that your marriage license is issued to you on the same day as your in-person appointment, and you can use the license right away to get married. For minors, the process looks a little different: Minors must wait 15 days to apply for their marriage license after a court order gives them permission to marry. Once the license is issued, however, it can be used immediately.

Learn more about planning a same day wedding in Kentucky by clicking the link below:

• Can You Get Married on the Same Day You Get a Marriage License?
• Last Minute Wedding: Officiating a Ceremony on Short Notice, or Same Day!

8. How Long is a Kentucky Marriage License Valid?

How long a marriage license is valid in each state is called the “expiration period.” This is the number of days or months you have to use your license after it’s issued – your wedding or elopement must take place within this timeframe. To see the current Kentucky marriage license expiration period, click the link below:

• When Should The Marriage License Be Returned?
• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• See all KY marriage laws

9. Where Do I Get a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in KY? (Marriage Records)

The county clerk will send you one copy of your marriage record after recording your marriage certificate, however you may need to purchase several additional copies in the months following the wedding. Copies of your marriage record might be requested to change your name with government agencies and banks, or to update health insurance, housing documents, and more.

To purchase additional copies of your marriage certificate, you can contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, order online using VitalCheck, or contact the County Clerk Office where the marriage was recorded.

If you need a replacement copy of a marriage license before it’s been filed (to replace a lost or expired marriage license, for example), contact the issuing office directly for next steps.

|* ordination-button *|

10. Answers to Less Common Questions About Kentucky Marriage Licenses

Looking for answers to less common questions about marriage licenses and certificates in Kentucky? We’ve included a few below, but if you don’t see your question, we recommend reaching out to your local county clerk’s office. Your county clerk is always the best source of up-to-date information, and will be happy to answer your questions!

Are marriage licenses public record in Kentucky?

Yes, once your marriage license and certificate are recorded with the clerk’s office, they become public record. Personal details remain private (such as your date of birth), but the date of your marriage and other details will be publicly available. 

• Are Marriage Licenses Public Records? (And Where Can You Marry in Secret?)

Are witness signatures required on a Kentucky marriage license to be official?

Yes, two witnesses must be present at your wedding and sign your marriage certificate for your marriage to be valid. Your wedding officiant can’t be one of your witnesses, and the county clerk will not accept your marriage certificate without these two witness signatures.

• Who Can Be a Witness for a Wedding & How Do You Choose?

Which Kentucky law states marriage requires a license?

Want to confirm that a marriage license is required to get married in Kentucky? This requirement is described in KRS § 402.080: Marriage license required -- Who may issue, which begins “No marriage shall be solemnized without a license therefor…”

• Can you get married without a marriage license? What if you lost it? Or forgot it?
• ¿Se puede casar sin licencia de matrimonio? ¿Qué pasa si lo pierde o lo olvida?

Explore More Kentucky Wedding Ideas With AMM

• ‘By the Power Vested in Me’ Basics for Your Wedding Script
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Kentucky to Officiate a Wedding?
• How to Get Married in Kentucky - Planning a Wedding in the Bluegrass State
• Wedding Ceremony Script PDFs for Officiants: Download, Print, and Perform!

Your Complete Wedding Vow Guide: "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Vows" 

If you love this article, you'll love our newest e-book - a carefully curated guide to writing your own wedding vows. 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/store/products/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-wedding-vows-e-book", "ORDER YOUR VOW WRITING GUIDE" *|

AMM's "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Vows" e-book is 167 pages of advice on exchanging wedding vows, including vow writing prompts, sample wedding vows, when to include vows in the wedding ceremony, advice for wedding officiants, common types of wedding vows, and answers to commonly asked questions, including "are wedding vows legally required," and "do we have to say the same vows?"