Covington Kentucky Marriage Records
Covington is the county seat of Kenton County. It sits on the Ohio River across from Cincinnati. The city has over 41,000 residents. It is the fifth largest city in Kentucky. Covington has a historic downtown area. The Kenton County Clerk issues marriage licenses for Covington residents. This office is separate from the Covington City Clerk. City clerks do not handle marriage licenses.
Covington Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Covington
The Kenton County Clerk handles marriage licenses for Covington. The office is at the Kenton County Government Center. The address is 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 1300. This is in Covington. The clerk maintains all marriage records for the county. Staff assist with applications. They help with record searches too. Call 859-392-1650 for details.
The Covington City Clerk is Susan Ellis. Her office is at City Hall. The phone is 859-292-2314. Her email is susan.ellis@covingtonky.gov. However, the city clerk does not issue marriage licenses. City clerks maintain municipal records only. These include city ordinances. They include meeting minutes. They include city permits. Marriage licenses are county business. Go to the Kenton County Clerk for licenses.
| Office | Kenton County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Kenton County Government Center, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 1300, Covington, KY |
| Phone | 859-392-1650 |
| City Clerk | Susan Ellis (city records only), 859-292-2314 |
Visit the Kenton County website for clerk office hours.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must appear at the Kenton County Clerk's Office. This is required by law. Both need valid identification. A driver's license is standard. A passport is also valid. The clerk verifies your ages. You must be 18 or older. Applicants who are 17 need a court order. Kenton Family Court provides these.
Kentucky has no blood test requirement. There is no waiting period. Apply and marry the same day. The license expires after 30 days. Use it within that window. The license is valid anywhere in Kentucky. Many Covington couples marry in the city. Others choose venues in nearby counties.
The application asks for basic facts. Give your full legal name. State your date of birth. List your birthplace. Provide your parents' full names. Include your mother's maiden name. Give your current address. Answer questions about kinship. Kentucky law limits close kin marriage. Tell the truth on all items.
Wedding Officiants in Kentucky
KRS 402.050 governs who may perform marriages. The list includes ministers and priests. They must have a religious society. Judges of all types may officiate. This includes circuit and district judges. It includes retired judges. County judges and executives may perform weddings. Some justices of the peace may also.
City mayors lack this power in Kentucky. Do not ask the Covington mayor to officiate. The marriage would not be legal. Some couples assume mayors can marry them. This is not true here. Verify your officiant's authority. Ask the county clerk if you have doubts. A proper officiant is vital.
After your ceremony, the officiant completes the license. Two witnesses must sign. The officiant returns it to the clerk. The marriage is then recorded. You may request copies. Certified copies are available. Keep them for your records.
Finding Marriage Records
The Kenton County Clerk keeps all marriage records. You may request copies. Visit the Government Center. Ask for the clerk's office. Provide the couple's names. Give the marriage date. The staff searches the files. Fees apply for copies. Certified copies cost more. Call 859-392-1650 for pricing.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics has state records. They maintain all marriages since June 1958. Order by mail or online. Their fee is $6. Allow time for processing. Rush orders may cost more. Some offices take walk ins. Call first to check.
Kentucky Marriage Law Basics
KRS Chapter 402 covers marriage in Kentucky. It sets the age limits. It defines valid marriages. It lists prohibited relationships. It names who may solemnize. All these rules apply in Covington. The county clerk follows them closely.
Close kin cannot marry. Parents and children are barred. Brothers and sisters cannot wed. Aunts and uncles cannot marry nieces or nephews. These limits are clear. Mental capacity is required. Neither party can have a living spouse. Divorce must be final. Annulment must be complete. The clerk checks these items.
Residency is not needed. Out of state couples can apply in Covington. The license works statewide. Many couples from Ohio and Indiana choose Kenton County. It is convenient to the Cincinnati area. The process is quick. It is straightforward.
Marriage in Northern Kentucky
Covington is part of the Cincinnati metro area. Many couples live in Ohio but marry in Kentucky. Some do the reverse. Kentucky marriage licenses work anywhere in the state. An Ohio license works in Ohio. Know which state issued your license. This affects where you can marry.
Northern Kentucky offers many wedding venues. Covington has historic sites. Newport has riverfront locations. The region is popular for weddings. The county clerk's office is accessible. Parking is available at the Government Center. Public transit serves the area. The Southbank Shuttle connects to Cincinnati.
Kenton County Marriage Records
Covington is a seat of Kenton County. The county clerk serves all residents. For complete information about fees, hours, and services, visit the Kenton County page. Find full contact details. Find genealogy research help. Find links to state resources.