Wayne County Marriage License Records

Wayne County marriage licenses are issued at the Clerk of the Circuit Courts office in Richmond, Indiana. Tara Pegg serves as clerk and handles all marriage license applications for the county. Whether you are applying for a new license or searching for an existing Wayne County marriage license record, this page provides everything you need: contact details, what documents to bring, fees, and how to access the Indiana Courts free public database.

Wayne County Clerk of Circuit Courts

Tara Pegg is the elected Clerk of the Circuit Courts for Wayne County. Her office at 301 E Main St in Richmond handles all marriage license applications for the county. The clerk also keeps a permanent record of every marriage license issued and can provide copies upon request. Email contact is available at clerk@waynecounty.in.gov.

Wayne County has slightly different hours than many other Indiana county offices. The office is open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Mondays and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday through Friday. The Monday extended hours give you a bit more flexibility if you cannot make it earlier in the day. Both applicants must appear together under IC 31-11-4-3. Reach the office at (765) 973-9220.

The screenshot above shows the Wayne County Clerk's website at co.wayne.in.us/clerk/. Check that page for current information, any local updates, and more about the marriage license process in Wayne County.

Applying for a Wayne County Marriage License

Both people who plan to marry must go to the Wayne County Clerk's office in Richmond together. Indiana requires joint in-person appearance under IC 31-11-4-3. You cannot apply by mail or online. Visit 301 E Main St in Richmond during the office's regular hours. Mondays have extended hours until 5:00 PM, which may be convenient if you work during the day.

There is no waiting period in Indiana. The Wayne County Clerk issues your marriage license during your visit, and you can use it for a ceremony the same day. Under IC 31-11-4-10, the license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Plan so your wedding falls within that window. If the license expires, you will need to apply again and pay the fee again.

Use the Indiana Courts pre-application at courts.in.gov/marriage to enter information before your trip to Richmond. This can save time at the clerk's office. Both applicants still need to appear in person and pay at the time of the visit.

Wayne County is near the Ohio state line. Indiana has no residency requirement, so you can apply in Wayne County even if you live just across the border in Ohio. But the fee is $65 instead of $25 if you are an out-of-state resident. The license is valid anywhere in Indiana.

No blood test is required. Wayne County's broader Monday hours are a good option for applicants who need flexibility during the week.

Documents Required for a Wayne County Marriage License

Each applicant must bring a valid photo ID. Indiana accepts driver's licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs. A birth certificate paired with a photo ID also works. Both people must provide Social Security numbers on the application under IC 31-11-4-1. You don't need the physical card, just the number itself.

Prior marriages must be legally ended. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. The Wayne County Clerk will check this document before issuing the license. Under IC 31-11-1-4, both applicants must be 18 or older. Those who are 16 or 17 need a parent or legal guardian present to provide written consent. Indiana does not issue marriage licenses to anyone under 16.

Documents to bring to the Wayne County Clerk in Richmond:

• Valid government photo ID for each applicant
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Certified divorce decree or death certificate if either person was previously married
• Parental consent documentation if either applicant is 16 or 17
• Payment for the fee ($25 for Indiana residents, $65 for out-of-state residents)

Wayne County Marriage License Fees

Indiana residents pay $25.00 for a Wayne County marriage license. Out-of-state applicants pay $65.00. These fees are non-refundable after the application is processed. Call (765) 973-9220 or email clerk@waynecounty.in.gov before your visit to confirm accepted payment methods. Knowing whether to bring cash, a check, or a card makes the visit go smoother.

Search Wayne County Marriage License Records

Indiana Courts makes marriage license records available free online at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL. Wayne County records from 1993 onward are included. Search by name and county to look up a specific marriage license. This is a useful tool if you want to confirm a license was issued or look up basic record information without ordering a certified copy.

For certified copies of Wayne County marriage certificates, contact the Indiana State Department of Health. You can also order through VitalChek. For older records not in the online database, the Indiana State Library digital archive has historical vital records. The Wayne County Clerk at 301 E Main St in Richmond can also help with older records requests.

Note: The free Indiana Courts search provides basic record details. A certified copy with an official seal requires ordering through ISDH or the county clerk.

Indiana Marriage License Laws in Wayne County

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed Wayne 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 clerk records the marriage as a permanent document under IC 31-11-4-18. The person performing your ceremony must be legally authorized under IC 31-11-6-1. This covers ordained ministers, judges, and mayors. Contact the Wayne County Clerk at (765) 973-9220 if you have any questions about your officiant's qualifications before the wedding day.

Cities in Wayne County

Wayne County includes Richmond and several other communities in eastern Indiana. All marriage license applications for Wayne County residents are handled at the Clerk of the Circuit Courts in Richmond.

Other communities in Wayne County include Centerville, Cambridge City, Fountain City, and Hagerstown. Residents of all these communities apply for marriage licenses at the Wayne County Clerk at 301 E Main St in Richmond.

Nearby Counties

These Indiana counties border Wayne County. If you live near a county line, check your address to confirm which county clerk you should visit.