Valparaiso Marriage License Lookup
Valparaiso marriage licenses are issued by the Porter County Clerk's Office, which is located right in Valparaiso at 16 Lincolnway. As the county seat of Porter County, Valparaiso is the only place in the county where residents can apply for a marriage license. This page covers the application process, requirements, fees, and how to search existing marriage license records for Valparaiso and Porter County.
Valparaiso Quick Facts
Porter County Clerk in Valparaiso
The Porter County Clerk's Office is in the heart of Valparaiso at 16 Lincolnway, Suite 211. As the county seat, Valparaiso is where all Porter County residents apply for a marriage license. The office handles applications for the entire county, including Portage, Chesterton, Portage, and smaller towns. The Porter County Clerk's marriage license page is at portercountyin.gov/147/Marriage-Licenses.
| Office | Porter County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 16 Lincolnway, Suite 211 Valparaiso, IN 46383 |
| Phone | (219) 465-3450 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | portercountyin.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Valparaiso near the city center. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Valparaiso is about 15 miles south of Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for couples who want a picturesque Midwest setting for their wedding. Getting the license right in town makes the process straightforward for local residents.
What Valparaiso Applicants Need to Bring
Both people getting married must appear together at the Porter County Clerk's office. Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-3 requires both applicants to be present at the same time. Each person must show 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 all meet this requirement. Your Social Security number is also required on the application form.
Proof of prior marriage endings is required if either applicant was previously married. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a deceased former spouse. The minimum age to apply without restrictions is 18. Those who are 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent as allowed under IC 31-11-1-4.
Indiana does not require a blood test before marriage. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date under IC 31-11-4-10. If the license expires unused, you must apply again. Valparaiso is close to the Illinois border, and many couples from the Chicago area choose to marry in Indiana. Out-of-state applicants pay the higher fee. The Indiana Courts pre-application tool allows you to begin online before your visit.
Note: Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-1 requires the ceremony to take place within Indiana for a license issued here to be valid.
Porter County Clerk Online Marriage License Page
The Porter County Clerk's marriage license page lists current requirements, fees, and contact information for the Valparaiso office. The screenshot below shows this resource.
Reviewing this page before your visit saves time. The site confirms the hours, what to bring, and how to contact the clerk's office if you have questions before applying.
Valparaiso City Resources
The City of Valparaiso's official website offers community information, local government contacts, and city services. While the city itself does not issue marriage licenses, the site is a useful starting point for couples planning a wedding in Valparaiso.
Valparaiso is known for its active downtown, local parks, and proximity to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Many couples choose the area for outdoor ceremonies and nearby venues. The city's central location in Porter County makes it accessible from Portage, Chesterton, and communities in northwestern Indiana.
Valparaiso Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license in Valparaiso is $25.00 for Indiana residents. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00. The fee is paid at the Porter County Clerk's office when you apply. Call (219) 465-3450 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 can provide them for a separate fee. Certified copies are commonly used for name changes with the Social Security Administration, Indiana BMV, and financial institutions. The Indiana Department of Health also issues certified marriage certificates through its vital records program, which is distinct from the license issued by the county clerk.
Search Valparaiso Marriage License Records
Indiana provides a free public tool for searching marriage license records. The Marriage License Public Lookup at public.courts.in.gov covers Porter County records from 1993 forward. Search by name and select Porter County to find Valparaiso area licenses. No account or fee is needed to use this tool.
For records before 1993, contact the Porter County Clerk at (219) 465-3450 or search the Indiana State Library digital archives. The State Library holds historical vital records that predate the online database. For certified copies of marriage certificates, contact the Indiana Department of Health or order through VitalChek.
After You Pick Up Your License in Valparaiso
Your Porter County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. You can hold the ceremony anywhere in Indiana during 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 Porter County Clerk within 30 days as required by IC 31-11-4-11. Once the clerk records it, the marriage is a permanent public record in Porter County.
After recording, order a certified marriage certificate from the Indiana Department of Health. This is the document used for name changes, account updates, and other official purposes. Under IC 31-11-4-18, the county clerk keeps the official record of the marriage license on permanent file.
Nearby Cities
Other Indiana cities near Valparaiso where marriage license information is available:
- Portage - Porter County
- Crown Point - Lake County seat
- Merrillville - Lake County
- Hobart - Lake County
Porter County Marriage License Records
Valparaiso is the county seat of Porter County. All marriage licenses for the city and surrounding area are on file with the Porter County Clerk. For complete county information including fees, resources, and contact details, see the Porter County page.