Find Allen County Marriage License Records
Allen County marriage licenses are issued at the Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne. Whether you are applying for a new marriage license or searching for an existing record in Allen County, the Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts is the office to contact. This page covers everything you need to know about marriage licenses in Allen County, from what to bring on your visit to how to look up historical records online.
Allen County Quick Facts
Allen County Clerk of Circuit and Superior Courts
The Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts handles all marriage license applications in Allen County. The office is located in Room 201 of the Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne. This is one of the busiest clerk offices in Indiana given Allen County's large population. The main office line handles general questions, while a separate marriage license line at 260-449-7370 is available for specific marriage-related inquiries.
One important thing to know before visiting the Allen County Courthouse: electronic devices including cell phones and cameras are not allowed inside the building. You will need to leave your phone in your car or make other arrangements. Plan accordingly so this does not slow your visit. The clerk staff at the courthouse can help both applicants fill out paperwork and answer questions on the spot, but come prepared with all required documents. The office closes at 4:00 PM, and they recommend you allow at least 30 minutes to complete the marriage license application process in Allen County.
If you plan to have your ceremony at the Allen Circuit Court itself, wedding ceremonies can be scheduled through the court at 260-449-7602. The court offers weddings Monday through Friday at 4:30 PM and 4:45 PM for those who want a civil ceremony in Allen County.
| Office | Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | Room 201, Allen County Courthouse, 715 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 |
| Main Phone | 260-449-7245 |
| Marriage License Phone | 260-449-7370 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | allencountyclerk.in.gov |
| Marriage License Info | allencountyclerk.in.gov/marriage-licenses |
Applying for a Marriage License in Allen County
Both applicants must appear in person at the Central Services Division of the Allen County Clerk to get a marriage license. This is required under IC 31-11-4-3. One person cannot apply alone and come back later with their partner. You both must be there at the same time. At least one of you must live in Allen County if you are Indiana residents. If neither of you lives in Indiana, you can still get an Allen County license but only if your wedding ceremony will take place in Allen County.
Indiana Courts has an online pre-application tool at courts.in.gov/marriage where you can enter your information before your visit. This is strongly recommended for Allen County, as it cuts down the time you spend at the counter. You do not pay online. You bring payment when you come to the courthouse. Even if you complete the pre-application, both applicants must still appear in person on the day the license is issued.
Note: The Allen County Courthouse bans all electronic devices, including phones, so leave them in your vehicle before entering the building.
Documents Required for Allen County Marriage License
Each applicant must bring their own documents to the Allen County Courthouse. Sharing one form of ID between both people will not work. The clerk needs separate valid identification from each person applying for the marriage license in Allen County.
- Valid photo ID showing date of birth: driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Information about prior marriages: date ended and how (divorce or death of spouse)
- Divorce decree if applicable
- Death certificate for a deceased former spouse if applicable
- Payment: $25.00 for Indiana residents, $65.00 for out-of-state applicants
If your current ID does not show your Allen County address and you are applying as a resident, have something ready that confirms where you live. A utility bill or lease can help. The clerk may ask questions about your place of residence to establish the county connection before issuing the license.
Allen County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license in Allen County is $25.00 for Indiana residents. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00. An additional document fee may also apply; confirm the exact total when you call 260-449-7370. Many Indiana county clerk offices prefer cash for marriage licenses. Check with Allen County about which forms of payment they accept before your visit. Certified copies of your marriage license cost $4.00 each from the Allen County Clerk after the ceremony is recorded.
If you need a certified copy of an Allen County marriage record for legal purposes, like a name change or insurance update, plan to order at least two or three. Having extras on hand saves time later. The Allen County Clerk keeps recorded marriage licenses and can issue copies once the officiant has returned the signed license to the office after your ceremony.
Allen County Marriage License Validity
Your Allen County marriage license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued, as required under IC 31-11-4-10. Indiana has no waiting period, so you can hold your ceremony the same day you get the license. You can marry anywhere in Indiana, not just in Allen County or Fort Wayne. The officiant who performs your ceremony must sign the completed license and return it to the Allen County Clerk office within 60 days of the ceremony under IC 31-11-4-11. If the 60-day window closes before the ceremony takes place, the license expires and you must apply again.
Once recorded by the Allen County Clerk, the marriage becomes part of the official public record. Anyone can search Allen County marriage records through the state's free online system. The record will also be accessible through vital records channels for certified copies going forward.
Search Allen County Marriage Records Online
Indiana Courts provides a free marriage license public lookup at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL that covers all 92 counties including Allen County. You can search by name and view records filed since 1993. This tool is useful for confirming that a license was filed in Allen County, finding the date a marriage was recorded, or getting basic details about a marriage record without visiting the courthouse.
The Indiana Courts database at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL provides free public access to Indiana marriage license records including those filed in Allen County.
The system covers Allen County marriage records from 1993 forward and is available to anyone without registration.
For older Allen County marriage records, the Indiana State Library maintains archives going back to the 1800s. The Indiana State Library Legacy collection includes marriage records through 2018 and is free to search online. This is the best resource for genealogy research involving Allen County marriages from earlier eras. For certified copies of any Allen County marriage record, contact the clerk office or order through VitalChek.
Cities in Allen County
Fort Wayne is the largest city in Allen County and the second-largest city in Indiana. All marriage license applications for Allen County residents, including those in Fort Wayne, are handled at the Allen County Courthouse on South Calhoun Street.
Other communities in Allen County include New Haven, Woodburn, Grabill, and Leo-Cedarville. All apply for marriage licenses at the same Allen County Clerk office in Fort Wayne.
Nearby Counties
Allen County borders several counties in northeast Indiana. Each has its own clerk office for marriage licenses. Make sure you apply in the county where at least one of you lives.