Owensboro Kentucky Marriage Records
Owensboro is the county seat of Daviess County. It sits on the Ohio River in western Kentucky. The city has over 60,000 residents. It is the fourth largest city in the state. The Daviess County Clerk issues all marriage licenses for Owensboro. The clerk maintains records for all county marriages. Couples apply in person at the courthouse. The staff assists with the process.
Owensboro Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage Records in Owensboro
The Daviess County Clerk is the source for marriage licenses in Owensboro. The office is at 212 Saint Ann Street. This is in the Daviess County Courthouse. The clerk keeps all marriage records. The office is open to the public. Staff help couples apply. They also help with record searches. Call 270-685-8434 for information.
In Kentucky, marriage licenses come from county clerks only. City clerks do not issue them. The Owensboro City Clerk handles city records only. These are not marriage records. Do not go to City Hall for a license. Go to the Daviess County Courthouse. This is the law in all 120 counties. No city clerk can issue a license.
| Office | Daviess County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 212 Saint Ann Street, Owensboro, KY |
| Phone | 270-685-8434 |
| Website | daviesscountyky.gov |
Visit the Daviess County website for clerk office hours.
Marriage License Application in Owensboro
Both parties must appear at the Daviess County Clerk's Office. This rule has no exceptions. Both need valid ID. A driver's license is common. A military ID works too. The clerk checks your age. You must be at least 18. Those aged 17 need court approval. The Daviess Circuit Court handles this.
Kentucky does not require blood tests. The waiting period is zero. Get your license and marry the same day. The license is valid for 30 days. Do not let it expire. Plan your ceremony within the month. The license is good anywhere in Kentucky. Marry in Owensboro or elsewhere.
You will give basic facts on the form. State your full name. Give your birth date. List where you were born. Give your parents' names. Include your mother's maiden name. State your address. Answer kinship questions. Kentucky bans close kin marriage. Be truthful on all answers.
Who May Perform Weddings
KRS 402.050 sets the rules for wedding officiants. Ministers and priests may perform ceremonies. They must belong to a religious society. Judges may officiate. This includes circuit judges. It includes district judges. It includes retired judges. County judges and executives have this power. Some justices of the peace may also officiate.
Mayors cannot perform weddings in Kentucky. This surprises some people. Other states allow it. Kentucky does not. Do not ask the Owensboro mayor to officiate. The marriage would not be valid. Choose a qualified officiant. Verify their authority. Ask the county clerk if unsure.
After the wedding, the officiant signs the license. Two witnesses must sign too. The officiant returns it to the clerk. The clerk records the marriage. You can then get a copy. Certified copies prove your marriage. Keep them safe.
Obtaining Marriage Certificates
The Daviess County Clerk can provide copies of marriage records. Visit the office in person. Request by mail if you prefer. Give the names of both parties. Give the date of marriage. The staff searches their files. Fees vary by copy type. Certified copies cost more. Call for current prices.
The state Office of Vital Statistics also keeps records. They have marriages from June 1958. Order online or by mail. The fee is $6 per copy. Processing takes several weeks. Order early if you have a deadline. Some banks and agencies need certified copies. Ask what type you need.
Kentucky Marriage Laws
Marriage in Kentucky is governed by KRS Chapter 402. The law sets who may marry. It sets age limits. It lists the prohibited degrees of kinship. It names who may solemnize. All couples must follow these rules. The county clerk enforces them.
Close relatives may not marry. This means parents and children. It means brothers and sisters. It means aunts and uncles with nieces and nephews. These limits are absolute. Mental capacity is required. Both parties must be single. Prior marriages must be dissolved. The clerk checks these facts.
Residency is not required. Non residents may apply in Owensboro. The license works statewide. Many out of state couples choose Kentucky. The process is simple. It is efficient. Daviess County welcomes all qualified couples.
Marriage Records and Genealogy
Daviess County has records dating back to 1815. The county was formed that year. Early records are at the Kentucky State Archives. The Department for Libraries and Archives holds them. You can visit in Frankfort. Microfilm copies exist. Some are online.
Local history resources exist in Owensboro. The Daviess County Public Library has a genealogy section. They can help with research. The Owensboro Museum of Science and History has archives. Marriage records help build family trees. They connect generations. They prove relationships.
Daviess County Marriage Records
Owensboro is the seat of Daviess County. The county clerk provides marriage services. For complete details about fees, forms, and procedures, visit the Daviess County page. Find full contact information. Find genealogy resources. Find links to state offices.