Marriage licenses are available at both the Richmond and Berea branches. No appointment is required. Both parties must appear in person and apply together. The license must be used within 30 days, and the marriage ceremony must take place in Kentucky.

The application fee is $60, effective June 27, 2025. Payment may be made by cash, check, or card. A $2.50 processing fee applies to card payments.

You may save time by completing the application online before your visit. 

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  *If either person is under 18, view additional requirements.

• Each person must present a valid photo ID. View a list of acceptable forms of ID.

• Both parties must apply together in person.

• The marriage must take place in Kentucky within 30 days of issuance.

• The license is non-refundable.

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must print their name

NOTE: The officiant cannot serve as a witness.

Couples must secure their own officiant; our office does not perform ceremonies.

• The officiant must complete their section of the marriage license in black ink after the ceremony.

• Ensure the license is completed legibly and filled out completely. 

• Ensure the completed license is submitted to the Madison County Clerk's Office for certification.

You must have applied for your marriage license in Madison County, Kentucky to request a copy from the Madison County Clerk’s Office. 

Copy Options and Pricing

• E-mailed Copy: Free

• Certified Copy: $5.00
  *Additional postage and credit card fees will apply. Once we receive your form, a representative will contact you at the number provided to arrange payment.

How to Request

1. Indicate the type of copy you need (e-mailed or certified).

2. Complete the Marriage License Information and Requestor’s Information sections in full.

3. Make sure all information is printed clearly and legibly.

4. Date your request in the lower right-hand corner of the form.

Submit the Form

You may submit the completed request form by:

• Email

kenny.barger@madisoncountyky.gov

• Mail:

Madison County Clerk's Office 

Marriage Licensing Department
P.O. Box 1270
Richmond, KY 40476

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After the ceremony, your completed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for certification. This can be done in person, by mail in the provided self-addressed envelope, or by the officiant (or another designated person). 

• If there are any issues, the parties may be contacted at the phone numbers provided on the application.

• If a mistake was made when filling out the license, a new license will need to be reprinted, the officiant will need to fill out the information again, and the couple will need to sign and submit the corrected document.

After certification and scanning, the license will be mailed back to you. You may then use your certified permit to begin the name change process, if desired.

Additional certified copies may be requested for $5.00 each. Regular copies are available for $0.25.