Search Marriage Licenses in South Bend
South Bend marriage licenses are issued by the St. Joseph County Clerk, which has two locations: one in downtown South Bend and one in Mishawaka. South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County and the largest city in northern Indiana. Whether you are applying for a new license or searching for an existing record, this guide covers what you need to know about the marriage license process in South Bend.
South Bend Quick Facts
St. Joseph County Clerk Locations in South Bend
The St. Joseph County Clerk has two offices where South Bend residents can apply for a marriage license. The main location is in downtown South Bend at 101 S Main Street. There is also an office in Mishawaka at 219 Lincolnway West. Both locations handle marriage license applications. Call ahead at (574) 235-9635 to confirm which location is best for your visit. The clerk's marriage and divorce information page is at sjcindiana.gov.
| South Bend Location | 101 S Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601 |
|---|---|
| Mishawaka Location | 219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka, IN 46544 |
| Phone | (574) 235-9635 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | sjcindiana.gov |
The South Bend courthouse location is in the heart of downtown, easily reached by city bus or car. The Mishawaka office serves residents on the east side of the county. Both locations process applications the same way. Having two options makes it convenient for South Bend and surrounding area residents to apply during business hours.
What You Need to Apply in South Bend
Both applicants must appear at the clerk's office at the same time as required by IC 31-11-4-3. Each person must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with a photo ID are all accepted. Your Social Security number is required on the application.
Prior marriages must be documented. If either applicant was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased former spouse. The clerk will review these. The minimum age to apply is 18. Those who are 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent under IC 31-11-1-4.
Indiana has no waiting period and no blood test requirement. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date under IC 31-11-4-10. If it expires before the ceremony, you must apply again. St. Joseph County charges a $4.00 copy fee per certified copy of the license in addition to the base fee. Military personnel may have the copy fee waived. The Indiana Courts pre-application tool lets you begin the process online before visiting the South Bend office.
Note: St. Joseph County's copy fee is separate from the license fee. Budget for it if you need certified copies right away.
St. Joseph County Clerk Online Resources
The St. Joseph County Clerk's marriage and divorce page covers the full application process for South Bend residents. The screenshot below shows the county's online resource.
The county's site lists both office locations, hours, fees, and documents required. Reviewing it before your visit helps you come prepared. It also covers how to request records and what to do after the ceremony.
South Bend City Resources
The City of South Bend website provides local government services and community information. South Bend is home to the University of Notre Dame, located just north of the city. The South Bend City Clerk's office is at 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. and handles city legislative processes, though it does not issue marriage licenses.
South Bend has a vibrant wedding venue scene, with many couples choosing to marry in the area and getting their license from the St. Joseph County Clerk. The city's downtown area along the St. Joseph River has historic sites and banquet facilities that attract couples from across the region.
South Bend Marriage License Fees
Indiana residents pay $25.00 for a marriage license in South Bend plus a $4.00 fee per certified copy. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00 plus the $4.00 copy fee. Military applicants may have the copy fee waived. Call (574) 235-9635 to confirm the current fee schedule before your visit.
The base fee covers the license. The $4.00 copy fee applies each time you request a certified copy. If you need multiple copies for name changes and legal purposes, factor in that cost. Certified copies are commonly used for Social Security name changes, Indiana BMV updates, and passport applications. The Indiana Department of Health also issues certified marriage certificates through its vital records program for a separate fee.
Search South Bend Marriage License Records Online
The state of Indiana offers a free public tool for searching marriage license records. The Marriage License Public Lookup covers St. Joseph County records from 1993 onward. Search by name and select St. Joseph County to find South Bend area licenses. No account is needed and no fee is charged.
For records before 1993, contact the St. Joseph County Clerk at (574) 235-9635 or use the Indiana State Library digital archives, which holds historical vital records and genealogy resources. For certified marriage certificates, the Indiana Department of Health vital records office handles these requests. You can also order through VitalChek for online processing.
The Indiana courts also maintain general information on how the statewide database works at the Indiana Courts marriage page. Use that page to understand what the lookup tool covers and what it does not.
After Your South Bend Marriage License is Issued
Your St. Joseph County marriage license is valid for 60 days. Hold the ceremony anywhere in Indiana within that period. The officiant must be authorized under IC 31-11-6-1. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the St. Joseph County Clerk within 30 days under IC 31-11-4-11. Once recorded, the marriage is a permanent public record.
You can then request a certified marriage certificate from the Indiana Department of Health. Certified copies are used for name changes, financial account updates, and other official purposes. Under IC 31-11-4-18, the county clerk maintains the official record. Under IC 31-11-11-1, the marriage is valid from the date of the ceremony once properly recorded.
Nearby Cities
Other Indiana cities near South Bend where marriage license information is available:
- Mishawaka - St. Joseph County
- Elkhart - Elkhart County
- Goshen - Elkhart County
- Michigan City - LaPorte County
St. Joseph County Marriage License Records
South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County. All marriage licenses for South Bend and the surrounding area are on file with the St. Joseph County Clerk. For full county details, fees, and additional resources, visit the St. Joseph County page.