Steuben County Marriage License Records

Steuben County marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk in Angola, Indiana. If you plan to get married in Steuben County or need to look up an existing marriage license record, this guide covers how to apply, what documents you need, fees, and where to search the state database for records going back to 1993.

Steuben County Clerk Office

The Steuben County Clerk handles all marriage license applications in the county. The office is in the courthouse in Angola. You need to go there in person to apply. The clerk processes your application, checks your documents, collects the fee, and issues the license. Both applicants must appear together at the same time, as required by IC 31-11-4-3.

Note that the Steuben County Clerk office requires appointments for marriage license applications. Call ahead before you go to set up a time. Walk-ins may not be served right away, so plan ahead to avoid delays on your schedule.

The Indiana Courts website at courts.in.gov/marriage has details on how to prepare for your appointment. Read through the checklist before you call the clerk's office to book your time.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Steuben County

Both people who plan to marry must go to the Steuben County Clerk office together. You cannot send someone else in your place, and you cannot apply online. Under IC 31-11-4-3, joint appearance is required. Set up your appointment first, then gather your documents. The whole process at the clerk's office usually takes about 30 minutes if your paperwork is in order.

Indiana has no waiting period after you pick up your Steuben County marriage license. You can use it the same day. Under IC 31-11-4-10, the license is valid for 60 days. If your wedding date falls after the 60-day window, wait to apply. You will need to apply again and pay again if the first license expires before the ceremony takes place in Steuben County.

Indiana requires no blood test. There is no waiting period between application and ceremony. You can use your Steuben County marriage license anywhere in Indiana, not just in Steuben County.

The state pre-application portal at courts.in.gov/marriage lets you fill out some information before your visit. This can speed things up at the clerk's office. Still, you must appear in person to finish the process and pay fees.

Note: Marriage licenses issued in Steuben County are valid anywhere in the state of Indiana, not just in the county where you applied.

What You Need to Bring to the Steuben County Clerk

Each person applying for a Steuben County marriage license must bring valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you use a birth certificate for age proof, bring a photo ID along with it. The name on your ID should match what you write on the application form.

You must also provide your Social Security number as required by Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-1. You do not need to bring the physical card, but the number is required on the application. If either person was previously married, bring proof that the last marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate works. The Steuben County Clerk will review these documents before issuing your marriage license.

Age requirements under IC 31-11-1-4 are straightforward. You must be 18 or older to apply without any additional approval. If you are 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must appear with you and give written consent. No one under 16 may receive a marriage license in Indiana.

Documents to bring for your Steuben County marriage license application:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Divorce decree or death certificate if either person was previously married
• Parental consent if either applicant is 16 or 17
• Payment for the license fee ($25 for Indiana residents, $65 for out-of-state residents)

Steuben County Marriage License Fees

The fee to get a marriage license in Steuben County depends on where you live. Indiana residents pay $25.00. If either applicant lives outside Indiana, the fee is $65.00. These fees are set by state law.

Call the Steuben County Clerk at (260) 668-1000 ext. 2240 to ask about accepted payment methods before your visit. Some offices take cash only. Others accept checks or cards. Knowing ahead of time saves trouble on the day of your appointment.

Note: Fees at the Steuben County Clerk are non-refundable once your application is processed, even if you decide not to marry or if the license expires.

Search Steuben County Marriage License Records

The Indiana Courts system gives free public access to marriage license records through its online lookup tool. You can search Steuben County records going back to 1993 at no cost. The tool is at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL. Search by name, date, or county to find what you need.

The Indiana Courts portal shown at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL covers marriage license records from across all Indiana counties including Steuben County. The screenshot below shows the search interface you will use to find records.

This free database covers records from 1993 to the present for Steuben County and all other Indiana counties. For older records, contact the Steuben County Clerk directly or check the Indiana State Library digital archive for historical documents.

For a certified copy of a Steuben County marriage license or certificate, contact the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). ISDH handles certified vital records. You can also order through VitalChek, which is the state's authorized online ordering partner.

Note: The free online lookup at public.courts.in.gov shows basic record information. For a certified copy with an official seal, you must go through ISDH or the county clerk directly.

Indiana Marriage License Laws

Indiana marriage law is found in Title 31 of the Indiana Code. Several sections apply to anyone getting a marriage license in Steuben County. Under IC 31-11-6-1, the person who performs your ceremony must be legally authorized to do so. Under IC 31-11-11-1, the officiant must return the completed license to the county clerk within 30 days of the ceremony.

The clerk must record the marriage after the officiant returns the completed license. Under IC 31-11-4-18, the county clerk keeps a permanent record of each marriage license issued. This record becomes the official documentation of your marriage in Steuben County. Under IC 31-11-4-11, the officiant fills in the ceremony details and signs before returning the license.

Cities in Steuben County

Steuben County includes Angola and several smaller communities. All marriage license applications for Steuben County residents are handled at the County Clerk office in Angola, regardless of which town you live in.

Communities in Steuben County include Angola, Hamilton, Fremont, Orland, and Hudson. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page, but all residents apply for marriage licenses at the Steuben County Clerk in Angola.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with Steuben County. If you live near a county line, check which county your address falls in before you apply.