Marriage records in Fayette County, Kentucky, are available through several channels. FayetteKYCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Fayette County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. Requests may be made online through the state vital records office, in person at the clerk's office in Lexington, or by mail. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics also maintains statewide marriage certificate records.
Fayette County Marriage Records Search
In Kentucky, the county clerk's office is the issuing authority for marriage licenses. The Fayette County Clerk's office — located in Lexington, the consolidated city-county seat — issues marriage licenses, files returned marriage certificates, and maintains the county's marriage records. These records include marriage license applications, issued licenses, and completed marriage certificates returned after the ceremony.
Historical marriage records for Fayette County date back to the county's formation in 1780, though very early records may be held by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics holds statewide marriage and divorce certificate records from June 1958 to the present.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Fayette County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the Fayette County Clerk or from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics at the state level. The table below summarizes standard fees.
| Service | County Clerk Fee | State Vital Statistics Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $6.00 per copy | $6.00 per copy |
| Search fee (if no record found) | Contact clerk | Included in request fee |
Fees are set under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 64.012 for county clerk services. The state vital statistics office fee is established by KRS 213.141. Payment methods accepted at the county clerk's office typically include cash, check, or money order. Contact the clerk directly to confirm current accepted payment types.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Fayette County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Fayette County:
Online
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics offers an online ordering portal for marriage certificates recorded from June 1958 forward. You can submit your request through the Kentucky vital records website using the state's approved online vendor. A valid government-issued photo ID is required, and additional vendor processing fees apply beyond the base certificate fee.
In Person
Visit the Fayette County Clerk's office in downtown Lexington for walk-in requests:
Bring a valid photo ID. Certified copies are typically available the same day for records the office has on file. If the marriage took place in Fayette County, the clerk's office should have the original record.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the county clerk, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $6.00 per copy, payable to the Fayette County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You may also mail requests to the state vital statistics office for marriages recorded from 1958 onward. Allow several weeks for processing by mail at either the county or state level. For questions about record availability or request status, call the Fayette County office directly or contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics at (502) 564-4212.