Daviess County Marriage Records 

We appreciate you stopping by. Our goal is to provide the details you need for your Daviess County Kentucky Marriage Records search. We will work hard to help you find the marriage records you seek in Daviess County, Kentucky. We want this page to be a useful guide.

If you want to begin your search right now, you can visit https://kentuckyofficialrecords.com/daviess-county-marriage-records/ for immediate access to search options. This resource provides a direct path to explore available online databases and information pertinent to Daviess County marriage documentation. Starting there may quickly lead you to the records or information you require for your specific needs, whether for family history research or official purposes. It is a good first step for many searchers.

Locating Daviess County KY Marriage Records

Finding marriage records involves knowing where to look. Daviess County records are held by local and state offices. Each office has different date ranges and ways to ask for records. Knowing which office holds the records you need is key. This saves you time and effort.

Daviess County Clerk's Office: Your Primary Local Source

The Daviess County Clerk is the main office for marriage licenses issued in the county. They handle both recent and older records kept at the local level. You can apply for a new marriage license here too. It is often the best place to start your search for Daviess County records. The staff can help guide you. They know the local records well.

• Contact Information:
  
  

  • Street Address: Daviess County Clerk's Office, 212 Saint Ann Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.

  • Mailing Address: Daviess County Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 609, Owensboro, KY 42302-0609.

  • Phone: (270) 685-8434. For recordings like marriage records, use extension 3.

  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. Land Records Recording and inquiries share these hours.

  • Website: Daviess County Clerk Page

• Requesting Records In Person: You can visit the office on Saint Ann Street during business hours. Bring valid identification. Be ready to provide the names of the individuals and the likely date or year of the marriage. Staff can assist you with the search process. This allows direct help and quick access if records are readily available on site. You can often get copies the same day. Ask staff about the best way to search their files.
  
  

• Requesting Records by Mail: Send a written request to the P.O. Box address. Clearly state you need a Daviess County marriage record copy. Include the full names of both parties (including maiden name if known). Give the exact date of marriage if you know it. If not, provide a year or range of years to search. Include your name, return address, and phone number. Enclose payment for the search and copy fee. Call the office first to confirm the exact fee and payment method. This ensures your request is processed smoothly without delay due to missing info or wrong fee amount. Allow time for mail delivery and processing.
  
  

• Online Record Search Portal: Daviess County has an online portal, primarily focused on land records: Daviess County Online Records Search. While some indexes might list names related to other recorded documents, it may not contain full marriage record images or comprehensive marriage data. It is best used as a starting point for names or dates. For confirmed marriage record copies or detailed searches, contacting the Clerk's office directly by phone, mail, or in person is more reliable. The online tool is good for land research but limited for vital records like marriage.
  
  

• Associated Fees: Applying for a marriage license in Daviess County costs $50.00 (as of recent standard Kentucky fees, confirm with clerk). To get a certified copy of an existing marriage record from the Clerk's office, the fee is typically based on page count and certification. A standard certified copy might cost around $5.50 ($0.50 per page plus $5.00 certification fee). Call the office at (270) 685-8434 ext 3 to verify current copy fees before sending payment. Fees must be paid before copies are released.
  
  

Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS): State-Level Records (Post-1958)

For marriages that took place in Kentucky from June 1958 to the present day, the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) holds the official records. They do not have records before June 1958. If your needed record falls within this time frame, OVS is a primary resource. They are located in Frankfort, the state capital. OVS handles vital records for all Kentucky counties within their date range. This central system makes statewide searches easier for modern records. Remember, they only have records from June 1958 onward.

• Scope of Records: OVS maintains marriage certificates filed from June 1958 to the current date. Divorce records are also kept for the same period. They do not perform genealogical searches or verify if a record exists without a formal application and fee.

• Methods for Requesting Copies:

  • Online: OVS partners with approved third-party vendors for online ordering. You can find links to these vendors on the OVS Marriage/Divorce Certificates Page. This is often the fastest method but usually includes extra processing fees (around $12.50 mentioned in one source, plus the state fee).

  • Mail: Download the marriage record application form from the OVS website (link above). Complete the form fully. Mail it with the required fee (check or money order) to: Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, 1 E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621.

  • In-Person: You can visit the OVS office in Frankfort to submit an application and payment. Check their current walk-in service hours and procedures before visiting.

• Information Needed for OVS Search: You must provide specific details for OVS to locate the record. This includes: Full name of the first party. Full maiden name of the second party (if applicable). The exact month, day, and year of the marriage. The Kentucky county where the marriage license was issued (Daviess County). You also need to provide your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number. Incomplete information can delay or prevent finding the record.

• OVS Fees and Payment: The standard fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate from OVS is $6.00. Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time is also $6.00. This fee is for the search; if no record is found, the fee is not refunded. Payment methods typically include check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer for mail requests. Online vendor fees vary.

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA): Historical Records

For older marriage records, especially those before June 1958, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) is a key resource. KDLA serves as the state archives. They hold many historical government records, including older vital records from various counties. While OVS handles records from June 1958, KDLA often has microfilm or original records dating back much earlier for many Kentucky counties, including Daviess. Their collections are vast. They offer resources for genealogists and historical researchers. Accessing these older records might require more research effort.

• Types of Records Available: KDLA holds microfilmed copies of many older county records. This includes marriage bonds, licenses, and certificates prior to the state taking over centralized record keeping in 1958. The exact date range and completeness for Daviess County records at KDLA should be verified directly with them. They may have indexes or finding aids to help locate specific records within their collection. Some records might be originals, while most are on microfilm.

• Contacting KDLA Archives Research Room:

  • Address: 300 Coffee Tree Road, Frankfort, KY 40602 (P.O. Box 537, Frankfort, KY 40602-0537).

  • Phone: (502) 564-8300.

  • Website: Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

• Research Options:

  • Online Tools: KDLA's website offers some online indexes and guides to their collections. Check their site for searchable databases relevant to vital records before visiting or writing.

  • On-site Research: You can visit the KDLA Archives Research Room in Frankfort. Appointments may be needed. Staff can guide you on using microfilm readers and accessing indexes. This allows for in-depth research.

  • Mail Requests: KDLA may perform limited research or provide copies via mail for a fee. Check their website or call for their current mail request policy and associated fees for vital records research. Provide as much detail as possible (names, county, approximate dates).

Understanding Daviess County Marriage Records

Marriage records contain valuable details. There are two main types: the license and the certificate. Knowing the difference helps your search. Each tells a part of the story. They are filed and kept by officials.

Types of Records: Licenses vs. Certificates

The terms "marriage license" and "marriage certificate" are often used together but mean different things. First comes the license. It is the application and permission for a couple to marry. It is issued by the County Clerk before the wedding. It shows the couple meets the legal requirements to wed in Kentucky. Think of it as the permit.

After the marriage ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (the officiant) completes the license form. They add the date and place of the marriage. They sign it, along with witnesses. This completed form is then returned to the Daviess County Clerk's Office. The Clerk records the information and officially files it. This filed document, or a certified copy of it, becomes the marriage certificate. The certificate is the official proof that the marriage occurred legally. The license grants permission; the certificate proves completion. Both are usually part of the same official file in the Clerk's records or state archives.

Information Contained Within Marriage Records

Marriage records are rich sources of information. They typically include key details about the individuals getting married. You can expect to find the full legal names of both parties. Often, their ages or dates of birth are listed. Their places of birth (county, state, or country) might also be included. The record will clearly state the date the marriage ceremony took place. It will also list the place, usually the county (Daviess) and sometimes the city or specific location.

The name and title of the person who performed the marriage ceremony (officiant) should be on the certificate. This could be a minister, judge, or other authorized person. The names of at least two witnesses who were present at the ceremony are also typically recorded. Older records might contain additional details like parents' names or occupations, depending on the time period and the specific form used then. This information makes marriage records vital for genealogy and legal proof.

Requirements for Getting Married in Daviess County

If you plan to get married in Daviess County, you must meet Kentucky's state requirements. These rules cover age, identification, and the license process itself. The license must be obtained before the wedding ceremony.

Eligibility and Identification

To get a marriage license in Kentucky, both individuals must meet age rules. Per Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS 402.020 - Age Requirement), both parties must typically be 18 years old or older. There are specific legal exceptions and procedures if one party is 17, but marriage is generally prohibited under 17. You do not need to be a resident of Kentucky or Daviess County to get married there.

You will need to show proof of age and identity when applying for the license. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license is preferred. Other acceptable forms can include an official state ID card, passport, or original birth certificate combined with another ID. While a Social Security card might be requested for identification per KRS 402.100 - License Form Details, the number itself is not recorded on the public license document for privacy. Check with the Daviess County Clerk's office for their exact list of required IDs to ensure you have what you need before you go. Proper ID prevents delays in getting your license.

The Marriage License Application Process

Getting the marriage license involves a specific process. Both individuals must appear together in person at the Daviess County Clerk's office (212 Saint Ann Street, Owensboro). You cannot apply separately or by mail. You will fill out the application form provided by the clerk. You must provide accurate information and sign the application.

Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 30 days, including the date it is issued. You must have the marriage ceremony performed within this 30-day window. If you do not get married within 30 days, the license expires, and you must apply and pay for a new one. The license issued in Daviess County is valid for a marriage ceremony anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The fee for the marriage license in Kentucky is generally $50.00. Payment is due when you apply. Confirm the fee and accepted payment methods with the Daviess County Clerk beforehand.

After the Ceremony: Filing the Certificate

After your wedding ceremony, the marriage license needs to be completed and returned. The person who officiated your marriage is legally responsible for this step. They must accurately fill in the date and location of the marriage. They sign the license, along with at least two witnesses who were present.

The officiant must return the completed license to the Daviess County Clerk's Office where it was issued (Daviess County). This should be done promptly after the ceremony. Kentucky law (KRS 402.220 - Return of License by Officiant) requires the return so the marriage can be officially recorded. Once the Clerk receives and records the completed license, it becomes the official marriage certificate. The Clerk's office will typically mail a certified copy of the marriage certificate to the couple. This serves as your legal proof of marriage. You will need this document for things like name changes or insurance updates.

Accessing Records: Laws and Procedures

Kentucky law governs access to public records, including marriage records. Understanding these laws and the procedures helps you obtain the documents you need. Whether you need proof for legal reasons or are researching family history, knowing the process is key.

Kentucky Public Records Law and Marriage Records

In Kentucky, marriage records are generally considered public records. This means they are open for inspection by interested individuals unless protected by specific laws. The Kentucky Open Records Act outlines the public's right to access government records. However, specific statutes like KRS 402.100 address marriage license forms and note that sensitive information like Social Security numbers requested for identification purposes must not be recorded or retained on the public document. The core information – names, dates, location – remains public.

While these records are public, accessing them requires following the procedures set by the holding agency (County Clerk, OVS, or KDLA). Resources like https://kentuckypublicrecords.com/ can offer guidance and pathways to search various public record types available within the state, including potentially linking to official sources or explaining search strategies. Navigating state and county systems can sometimes be complex, and understanding the framework of public access alongside available online tools can streamline your Daviess County KY Marriage Records search. Remember to always rely on official sources like the County Clerk or state agencies for certified documents.

Obtaining Certified Copies

You might need a certified copy of a Daviess County marriage record for official purposes. These include legal name changes (like at the Social Security Administration), applying for joint benefits, insurance matters, or genealogical proof. A certified copy has an official stamp or seal from the issuing office (County Clerk or OVS). This confirms it is a true and accurate copy of the original record on file. Plain photocopies are usually not accepted for legal use.

• From Daviess County Clerk: Contact the Clerk's office (270-685-8434 ext 3 or visit 212 Saint Ann Street). Provide the names and marriage date. Pay the required fee (around $5.50, confirm first). You can request in person or by mail. This is best for any record originally filed in Daviess, especially older ones potentially not held by OVS.

• From OVS (Post-June 1958): Use their mail-in application form or an approved online vendor linked from the OVS website. Provide full names, exact date, and county (Daviess). The fee is $6.00 per copy directly from OVS (vendor fees are extra). This method covers all Kentucky counties for records within their date range.

• Cost Comparison: Requesting directly from the Daviess County Clerk might be slightly cheaper (around $5.50) than OVS ($6.00), but this can vary. Online vendor services through OVS partners will cost significantly more due to processing fees but offer convenience. Choose the source based on the record's date and your need for speed versus cost.