LaPorte County Marriage License Records

The LaPorte County Clerk of Circuit Court issues marriage licenses to couples who live in or plan to marry in LaPorte County, Indiana. Both parties must appear in person at the clerk's office in LaPorte to apply. You can search existing marriage license records through the state's free public lookup tool at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL, which covers licenses issued in Indiana since 1993.

LaPorte County Clerk Office

The LaPorte County Clerk of Circuit Court handles all marriage license applications for the county. The office is open Monday through Friday. Both people who plan to marry must come in together to complete the process. You do not need an appointment, but arriving well before 4:00 PM gives you time to finish everything that day.

The clerk's office sits on Lincolnway in downtown LaPorte. If you come from Michigan City or another part of the county, plan ahead for parking near the courthouse. Staff can answer questions about what to bring, what forms you need, and how long the process takes. The clerk also accepts a mailing address if you need to receive correspondence at a different location than where you live.

How to Get a Marriage License in LaPorte County

Applying for a marriage license in LaPorte County is a straightforward process. Both parties appear at the clerk's office, show valid ID, and complete the application. The state of Indiana allows you to start the application online before your visit through courts.in.gov/marriage. This can save time at the counter, though the in-person step is still required under IC 31-11-4-3.

You must bring proof of identity when you come in. A valid driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport works fine. If you don't have any of those, a birth certificate combined with a photo ID is acceptable. You also need your Social Security number. The clerk does not need to see the actual Social Security card, but you must be able to provide the number on your application.

If either person was previously married, bring documentation showing when that marriage ended. This means a final divorce decree or a death certificate. The date the prior marriage ended must be on the application. Without this, the clerk cannot issue the license. Under IC 31-11-4-1, Indiana law sets out the basic requirements every couple must meet before a license can be issued.

Note: LaPorte County allows same-day issuance of the marriage license. There is no waiting period between application and when you can legally get married.

LaPorte County Marriage License Fees

The fee for a marriage license depends on whether you live in Indiana. Residents pay $25.00. Couples where both people live outside Indiana pay $65.00. The certified copy fee is $4.00 per copy. Fees are typically paid at the time you apply, so bring cash or check ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-11 sets the base fee structure for marriage licenses across the state, though some counties may add a small documentation fee on top. Once you pay the fee and complete the application, the clerk issues the license. It becomes valid immediately and stays valid for 60 days under IC 31-11-4-10.

Search LaPorte County Marriage License Records

Indiana maintains a free public database of marriage license records. The Marriage License Public Lookup covers records from 1993 forward. You can search by name to find LaPorte County marriage licenses on file with the state courts system. The screenshot below shows the state's search portal.

This state tool is the fastest way to confirm a marriage license was issued in LaPorte County. For records before 1993, you need to contact the LaPorte County Clerk directly or visit the Indiana State Library's historical collections at digital.statelib.lib.in.us/legacy/.

Certified copies of LaPorte County marriage licenses cost $4.00 each. You can also request records through the Indiana Department of Health Vital Records at in.gov/health/vital-records/marriages/ or order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional service fee.

Who Can Apply in LaPorte County

Indiana sets age requirements for marriage licenses under IC 31-11-1-4. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Seventeen-year-olds may apply with parental consent. Anyone under 17 needs both parental consent and a court order. The LaPorte County Clerk can tell you what additional steps apply if either person is a minor.

At least one party must reside in LaPorte County, or both must live out of state, for the license to be issued here. Out-of-state couples who want to marry in Indiana can apply in any county, but the higher $65.00 fee applies. The license issued in LaPorte County is valid anywhere in Indiana for up to 60 days from the date of issue.

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the LaPorte County Clerk within 30 days under IC 31-11-4-18. This step creates the permanent record. If the license is not returned, the marriage may not be recorded properly. Keep a copy of the signed license for your own records.

Note: LaPorte County has no waiting period between the date of application and the date of marriage. You can get married the same day you receive your license.

Marriage Ceremony and Officiants

Indiana law under IC 31-11-6-1 sets out who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. Clergy members from recognized religious organizations can officiate. Judges, mayors, and certain elected officials can also perform ceremonies. Online-ordained ministers may qualify depending on how their organization is recognized under state law.

If you plan to have someone not listed above conduct your ceremony, check with the LaPorte County Clerk or an attorney first. An improperly performed ceremony can cause problems with the official marriage record later. The clerk's office does not perform ceremonies, so you will need to arrange your own officiant before the license expires.

Cities in LaPorte County

LaPorte County includes several cities and towns. Michigan City is the largest city in the county and qualifies for its own page. All residents, regardless of which city they live in, apply for a marriage license through the LaPorte County Clerk's office in LaPorte.

Other communities in LaPorte County include La Porte (city), Westville, Valparaiso area, and various townships. All file marriage license applications at the LaPorte County Clerk of Circuit Court.

Nearby Counties

LaPorte County borders several counties in northwestern Indiana. If you live near a county line, verify your county of residence before applying, as you must apply in the county where at least one of you lives.