Carter County Marriage Records Directory
Carter County sits in the foothills of eastern Kentucky. The county seat is Grayson, a town with deep roots in coal and timber. Mike D. Johnston serves as the County Clerk. The county has a second office in Olive Hill for added ease. Over 26,000 people live in this rural area. The clerk's team helps couples with marriage needs at both sites.
Carter County Marriage Facts
Carter County Clerk Services
Carter County has two office locations for your ease. The main office is on West Main Street in Grayson. A branch office sits in Olive Hill on Tom T. Hall Boulevard. Mike D. Johnston oversees both sites. You can apply for a license at either place.
The main office opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. These hours run Monday through Friday. The Olive Hill branch has more flexible times. It opens at 8:15 AM Tuesday through Friday. On Fridays, it stays open until 6:00 PM.
Saturday hours are at the Olive Hill branch. It opens on the last Saturday of each month. Hours run from 8:30 AM to noon. Call 606-286-6513 to check the date. The main office line is 606-474-5188.
| Office | Carter County Clerk |
|---|---|
| County Clerk | Mike D. Johnston |
| Main Address |
300 West Main Street, Room 232 Grayson, KY 41143 |
| Main Phone | (606) 474-5188 |
| Main Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Branch Address |
215 West Tom T. Hall Blvd. Olive Hill, KY 41164 |
| Branch Phone | (606) 286-6513 |
| Branch Hours | Tue-Thu 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM Fri 8:15 AM - 6:00 PM Last Sat 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both parties must come to the office. This rule holds at both Grayson and Olive Hill. You cannot have one person apply alone. The clerk must see both of you. Bring valid ID for each person.
The fee is $60 for the license. This is the same at both offices. Pay when you apply in person. Ask about payment types when you call. Cash or check usually works best.
The license lasts for 30 days. This period starts on the issue date. Use it within Kentucky only. It will not work out of state. Get married before it runs out.
No blood test is needed in Kentucky. There is no waiting time at all. You can marry right after you get the license. Many couples do just that. Pick your date and go for it.
Wedding Ceremony Requirements
You need two adult witnesses at your wedding. They must watch the whole service. Both must sign the license form. The officiant signs as well. These marks make your marriage legal.
Ministers can officiate with no state license. Judges may perform weddings too. Justices of the peace have the same right. Pick who fits your beliefs. Make sure they will file the papers on time.
The signed license goes back to the clerk. The officiant must do this within 30 days. Send it to the Carter County Clerk. Once filed, you can request copies. These prove you are wed.
Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Carter County keeps all marriage records on file. You can ask for copies at either office. Bring the names and wedding date. Staff will find the record for you. There is a small fee for each copy.
Certified copies are vital for name changes. You will need them at the DMV and Social Security. Banks may ask to see one too. Get a few copies when you first request them. This saves trips later on.
The state keeps records from 1958 forward. The Office of Vital Statistics holds these. You can order by mail or web. Visit their site for the forms. This helps if local files lack the record.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Carter County in eastern Kentucky. Couples near the line may use these clerk offices too.