Search Washington County Marriage License Records

Washington County marriage licenses are issued at the County Clerk's office in Salem, Indiana. Stephanie K. Rockey serves as the county clerk and manages all marriage license applications for the county. Whether you need to apply for a marriage license or look up existing Washington County marriage records, this page covers the steps, requirements, fees, and access to the Indiana Courts free public database.

Washington County Clerk Office

Stephanie K. Rockey is the Washington County Clerk. Her office at 801 S Jackson St in Salem handles all marriage license applications for Washington County. The clerk keeps official records of every license issued and can provide copies of past marriage license documents. You can reach the office at (812) 883-5748 or by email at clerk@washingtoncounty.in.gov.

The county website at washingtoncounty.in.gov has current information on the clerk's office. Check there or call before your visit. Both applicants must appear together under IC 31-11-4-3. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The screenshot above shows the Washington County government website at washingtoncounty.in.gov. That site includes the clerk's page with contact details and any current updates about marriage license services.

How to Apply for a Washington County Marriage License

Both people who plan to marry must appear at the Washington County Clerk's office in Salem at the same time. Indiana requires this under IC 31-11-4-3. You cannot apply by mail, send someone in your place, or complete the process online. Plan a weekday trip to Salem when both of you are free during regular office hours.

Indiana has no waiting period. The Washington County Clerk issues the marriage license at the time of your visit, and you can use it the same day if you want. Under IC 31-11-4-10, the license stays valid for 60 days. Do not apply too far in advance. If the license expires before the ceremony, you have to apply and pay again. Washington County charges $29, so it adds up if you have to repeat the process.

The Indiana Courts pre-application at courts.in.gov/marriage lets you enter some information before your visit to Salem. This can speed things up at the clerk's office. Both applicants still need to come in person to finalize the application and pay.

No blood test is required. There is no residency requirement for Washington County. You can apply there even if you live in a neighboring county. The license is valid anywhere in Indiana once issued.

Note: The clerk's office has an email option at clerk@washingtoncounty.in.gov if you want to ask questions before your visit. This is a good way to confirm requirements or ask about payment types ahead of time.

What to Bring to the Washington County Clerk

Each applicant must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Indiana accepts driver's licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs. A birth certificate combined with a separate photo ID also works. Both people must provide their Social Security numbers on the application as required by IC 31-11-4-1. The physical Social Security card is not needed, just the number.

If either person was previously married, that marriage must be legally ended. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. The Washington County Clerk will check this document. Under IC 31-11-1-4, each applicant must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 need a parent or legal guardian present at the application to give written consent. Indiana does not issue marriage licenses to anyone under 16. Have all documents ready before your visit to avoid a second trip to Salem.

Washington County Marriage License Fees

Washington County charges $29.00 for Indiana residents. This reflects the $25 base fee plus a $4 document fee. Out-of-state applicants pay $69.00. Fees are non-refundable once the application is processed. Call (812) 883-5748 or email clerk@washingtoncounty.in.gov before your visit to ask about accepted payment methods. Knowing what to bring saves time on the day you go to the Salem courthouse.

Search Washington County Marriage License Records

Indiana Courts provides a free public marriage license search at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL. Washington County records from 1993 forward are included. Search by name and county to find record details. This is useful if you want to confirm a marriage license was issued or look up basic information without ordering a certified copy.

Certified copies of Washington County marriage certificates are available through the Indiana State Department of Health. Online orders can be placed through VitalChek. For older records from before 1993, the Indiana State Library digital archive has historical vital records from Washington County and across the state.

Note: Searching the free Indiana Courts database gives you record information only. A certified copy with an official seal must come through ISDH or the county clerk and will cost extra.

Indiana Marriage License Law in Washington County

After your ceremony, the officiant must return the signed Washington County marriage license to the clerk within 30 days under IC 31-11-11-1. The officiant signs and fills in ceremony details under IC 31-11-4-11. The Washington County Clerk records the marriage as a permanent document under IC 31-11-4-18. The person performing your ceremony must be authorized by Indiana law under IC 31-11-6-1. This includes ordained ministers, judges, and mayors. If you are not sure your officiant qualifies, contact the Washington County Clerk in Salem before your wedding day.

Cities in Washington County

Washington County includes Salem and several smaller communities in southern Indiana. All marriage license applications for county residents are handled at the Washington County Clerk's office in Salem.

Communities in Washington County include Salem, Campbellsburg, and Pekin. None meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All residents apply for marriage licenses at the Washington County Clerk at 801 S Jackson St in Salem.

Nearby Counties

These Indiana counties border Washington County. Confirm your address falls in Washington County before visiting the Salem clerk's office.