Access Richmond Marriage License Records
Richmond marriage licenses are issued by the Wayne County Clerk at the Wayne County Courts Building on East Main Street. Richmond is the county seat of Wayne County and sits near the Ohio border in eastern Indiana. All marriage license applications for Richmond and the rest of Wayne County are processed at the clerk's office in Richmond. This page covers what you need to apply, current fees, and how to search marriage license records.
Richmond Quick Facts
Wayne County Clerk in Richmond
The Wayne County Clerk handles marriage licenses for Richmond and all of Wayne County. The clerk's office is at 301 East Main Street in Richmond. Tara Pegg serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Courts. The office can be reached at (765) 973-9220, by fax at (765) 973-9490, or by email at clerk@waynecounty.in.gov. The clerk's website is at co.wayne.in.us/clerk/.
| Office | Wayne County Clerk of Circuit Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 East Main Street Richmond, IN 47374 |
| Phone | (765) 973-9220 |
| Marriage License Line | (765) 973-9541 |
| clerk@waynecounty.in.gov | |
| Hours | Monday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Tuesday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.wayne.in.us/clerk |
Note that Monday hours run later than the rest of the week, with the office open until 5:00 PM. This is useful if you work during regular business hours and need to visit the Richmond courthouse. Both applicants must appear together at the same time under Indiana law.
What You Need to Apply in Richmond
Under IC 31-11-4-3, both applicants must appear at the Wayne County Clerk's office in Richmond together. You cannot apply separately or send a representative. Each person must bring valid photo identification. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with a photo ID. Your Social Security number is required on the application form.
If either applicant was previously married, you must show proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse will work. The clerk's staff will verify these documents. The minimum age to apply is 18. Applicants who are 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent as set out in IC 31-11-1-4.
Indiana does not require a blood test before marriage. There is no waiting period after you apply. The license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued under IC 31-11-4-10. If you do not use it within 60 days, you must apply again. There is no residency requirement, so people who live in Ohio or other states near the Indiana border can apply for a Richmond area marriage license.
Richmond's location near the Ohio border means many couples from the Dayton area or Cincinnati metro choose to marry in Indiana. The Wayne County Clerk processes out-of-state applications regularly. Just be ready to pay the higher $65.00 out-of-state fee.
Wayne County Clerk Marriage License Resources
The Wayne County Clerk's website has current information on marriage license applications, fees, and contact details for the Richmond office. Reviewing this page before your visit can help you prepare.
The clerk's site also covers other services like court records access and payment options. Richmond residents can find links to court case information as well as marriage license resources on the same page.
Richmond Marriage License Fees
Wayne County charges $25.00 for Indiana residents who apply for a marriage license in Richmond. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00. The fee is paid at the clerk's office when you apply. Call (765) 973-9541 to confirm the current amount and accepted payment methods before your visit.
If you need certified copies of the license after the ceremony, the clerk's office charges a separate copy fee. Certified copies are often needed for name changes with the Indiana BMV, Social Security Administration, and passport office. The Indiana Department of Health also issues marriage certificates through its vital records program, which is a related but separate document from the license itself.
Note: Wayne County may also charge a document fee on top of the base license fee. Call the clerk at (765) 973-9541 to get the most current total before you go.
Richmond City Resources
The City of Richmond website provides city government services, contacts, and community information. Richmond is home to Earlham College, a private liberal arts school. The city has a strong downtown area along Main Street where the courthouse is located.
Richmond's location at the crossroads of US-40 and I-70 makes it accessible from both Ohio and central Indiana. The courthouse parking area is off Main Street. Arriving before noon gives you the most time to complete your marriage license application before offices close.
Search Richmond Marriage License Records
The state of Indiana provides a free public tool to search marriage license records. The Marriage License Public Lookup covers Wayne County records from 1993 onward. Search by name and select Wayne County to find Richmond area licenses. The tool is free and does not require a login.
For records before 1993, contact the Wayne County Clerk directly at (765) 973-9220 or check the Indiana State Library digital archives. For certified copies of marriage certificates, the Indiana Department of Health vital records office handles requests. You can also order through VitalChek for online processing.
After the Ceremony in Richmond
Your Wayne County marriage license is valid for 60 days. Marry anywhere in Indiana within that time. The officiant must be authorized under IC 31-11-6-1. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Wayne County Clerk within 30 days as required by IC 31-11-4-11. Once filed, the marriage is a permanent public record in Wayne County.
You can then order a certified marriage certificate from the Indiana Department of Health. Use this for name changes with the Social Security Administration and BMV, or for updating other official documents. Under IC 31-11-4-18, the clerk keeps the official record of the marriage license on file in Wayne County.
Nearby Cities
Other Indiana cities near Richmond where marriage license information is available:
- Indianapolis - Marion County
- Muncie - Delaware County
- Anderson - Madison County
Wayne County Marriage License Records
Richmond is the county seat of Wayne County, and all marriage licenses for the area are on file with the Wayne County Clerk. For complete county information including resources, fees, and additional clerk contact details, see the Wayne County page.