Apply for a Marriage License in Terre Haute
Terre Haute marriage licenses are issued by the Vigo County Clerk at 33 S 3rd Street in downtown Terre Haute. As the county seat of Vigo County and a major city on the Illinois border, Terre Haute handles all marriage license applications for the county. The Vigo County Clerk has unique requirements including e-filing and appointments, so it is important to know what to expect before you go.
Terre Haute Quick Facts
Vigo County Clerk in Terre Haute
The Vigo County Clerk handles all marriage license applications for Terre Haute and the rest of Vigo County. The office is at 33 S 3rd Street in downtown Terre Haute. Hours are by appointment only between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Call (812) 462-3211 to schedule an appointment before you visit. The clerk's website is at vigocounty.in.gov.
| Office | Vigo County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 33 S 3rd Street Terre Haute, IN 47807 |
| Phone | (812) 462-3211 |
| Hours | By appointment only, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday |
| Website | vigocounty.in.gov |
The Vigo County Clerk requires e-filing for the marriage license application. This must be done on a laptop or desktop computer. The online application is not compatible with phones or tablets. Complete the e-filing step before your appointment. Then appear in person at the clerk's office to finalize the process. This two-step approach is specific to Terre Haute and Vigo County.
Note: Do not try to complete the Vigo County e-filing application on your phone or tablet. The system requires a full desktop or laptop browser to work properly.
Terre Haute Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together at the Vigo County Clerk's office as required by IC 31-11-4-3. You cannot send one person alone. Each applicant must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state-issued 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.
If one or both applicants were previously married, proof of the prior marriage ending is required. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse both work. The Vigo County Clerk's staff will review these documents at your appointment. The minimum age to apply without restrictions is 18. Applicants who are 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent under IC 31-11-1-4.
Indiana does not require a blood test or waiting period before marriage. Your license is valid for 60 days from the issue date under IC 31-11-4-10. If the license expires before the ceremony, you must apply again. Terre Haute's location near the Illinois border makes it accessible to couples from Illinois who plan to marry in Indiana. Out-of-state applicants pay the higher fee. The Indiana Courts marriage pre-application page is where you begin the e-filing process for Vigo County.
Marriage License Fees in Terre Haute
Vigo County charges $25.00 for Indiana residents. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00. These fees are paid at the clerk's office during your appointment. Call (812) 462-3211 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit. Fee amounts can change, so it is worth checking the current rate when you schedule your appointment.
Terre Haute is home to Indiana State University, and many students and young couples in the area apply for marriage licenses through the Vigo County Clerk. The office processes applications for the entire county, and the appointment system helps keep wait times short. If you need certified copies of the license after the ceremony, ask the clerk's office about copy fees when you apply.
Indiana Marriage License Information Portal
The Indiana Courts marriage license page has general information about applying for a marriage license across the state, including how the e-filing process works for Terre Haute and Vigo County. The screenshot below shows this statewide resource.
Use this page to start the online pre-application process before your appointment at the Vigo County Clerk's office. The e-filing must be completed on a desktop or laptop, not a mobile device. Completing this step in advance makes the in-person appointment faster.
Search Terre Haute Marriage License Records
You can search Vigo County marriage license records through the state's free tool. The Marriage License Public Lookup covers records from 1993 forward. Search by name and select Vigo County to find Terre Haute area licenses. No login is required and there is no fee to use this search tool.
For records before 1993, contact the Vigo County Clerk at (812) 462-3211 or check the Indiana State Library digital archives. The State Library holds historical vital records going back much further than the online database. For certified marriage certificates, the Indiana Department of Health vital records office handles these requests. VitalChek offers online ordering as well.
Note: The public lookup shows basic record information only. For certified copies, you must request them through the clerk's office or the Indiana Department of Health.
After Your Vigo County License is Issued
Your Terre Haute marriage license is valid for 60 days. You can hold the ceremony anywhere in Indiana during 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 Vigo County Clerk within 30 days as required by IC 31-11-4-11. Once recorded, the marriage becomes a permanent public record in Vigo County.
After recording, you can get a certified marriage certificate from the Indiana Department of Health. This is used for name changes with the Social Security Administration, Indiana BMV, banks, and other agencies. Under IC 31-11-4-18, the county clerk keeps the official record. Under IC 31-11-11-1, a properly performed and recorded Indiana marriage is legally valid statewide and recognized in other states.
Nearby Cities
Other Indiana cities near Terre Haute where marriage license information is available:
- Evansville - Vanderburgh County
- Bloomington - Monroe County
Vigo County Marriage License Records
Terre Haute is the county seat of Vigo County, and all marriage licenses for the area are on file with the Vigo County Clerk. For full county details, additional clerk resources, and more information on the Vigo County application process, visit the Vigo County page.