How to Find Marriage Records in Utah

When trying to verify a marriage in Utah, an application may be made for a certification summary of the marriage record. A certification summary is not a copy of the marriage certificate, but it is a legal record of the marriage and includes basic information regarding the marriage.There are multiple reasons for wanting to verify a marriage in Utah. There are also multiple types of people who would want this information. Utah takes identity theft seriously and offers certification summaries as a means of helping to prevent fraud while maintaining the public's ability to locate legal records and verify legal information.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Printer with ink and paper
• Envelope
• Pen or pencil
• Stamps (postage)

1. Gather all of the information you know about the marriage, including full names of the bride and groom, date of the wedding, and the name of the Utah city or county in which the marriage took place.

2. Print and fill out an online marriage certification request from the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics (Utah Health Department). This form is a PDF file and may be downloaded free of charge from the Vital Records website (see Resources).

3. Complete the application, including information as to how you are related to either the bride or groom. If you are not related, you will need to provide a valid reason why you are requesting the record or your request will be denied and returned.

4. Fill out a check or money order for the appropriate amount in order to cover research fees and any additional copies you may want of the record. The application includes a clear listing of all fees associated with the request.

5. Make a large clear copy of your photo ID to include with your request. Utah requires this in order to process the application.

6. Address and stamp an envelope or mailer before filling and sealing it. The mailing address of the Utah Office of Vital Records is located on the application.

7. Enclose the application, payment, and the copy of your photo IDin the addressed and stamped envelope or mailer. Mail the paperwork. It will take several weeks for the Utah Office of Vital Records to process and return the certification summary to you by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to know all of the information contained in a marriage certificate in order to receive a marriage certification summary. The researchers do need as much information as possible in order to locate the correct record as quickly as possible.
• The Utah Office of Vital Records offers quicker results via the Internet and phone. You will need to have all of the required information. In addition, you will need to provide the office with a copy of your photo ID as well as a credit card number for payment of the fees. Additional fees may apply for rush requests.
• Requests for Utah State marriage certification summaries may also be made in person. The same information will need to be provided and the same basic fees will apply.
• The Office of Vital Records only has information regarding marriages performed in Utah from 1978 to today. Contact the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office: Marriage Division for records prior to 1978.

Resources

• Utah Office of Vital Records: Application for Marriage Certification Summary
• Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office: Marriage Division (Pre-1978 marriage records)