Nelson County Marriage License Search

Nelson County serves nearly 48,000 residents in Central Kentucky. The Nelson County Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed within the county. Jeanette Hall Sidebottom serves as the County Clerk. Her office is located in historic Bardstown. The office provides marriage services to couples planning their weddings in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country.

Nelson County Clerk Marriage Services

The Nelson County Clerk handles all marriage license applications for the county. The office also files marriage certificates after ceremonies are performed. You can obtain copies of marriage records at the Bardstown office. Staff members are ready to assist you without requiring an appointment.

Marriage licenses are issued in the County Clerk's office. The applicants must appear together. Both parties must be present to complete the application. This is a Kentucky state law requirement. You cannot apply without both individuals present.

The office is located at 113 E Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown. The phone number is (502) 348-1820. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Thursday hours extend until 5:30 PM. The office is also open the second Saturday of each month from 8 AM to 11:30 AM.

Visit the Nelson County Clerk website for more details. The address is nelson.kycountyclerk.us. You can find hours, directions, and additional service information online.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

Nelson County does not require appointments for marriage license applications. You can walk in during regular business hours. Both parties must be present to apply. This is a Kentucky state law requirement. You cannot apply without both individuals present.

Fill out the marriage license application before your visit. Complete one application for each party. Bring the forms to the County Clerk's office. Staff will review your application and verify your identification.

Both parties must show valid photo identification. A driver's license or state ID card works best. Passports and military IDs are also accepted. The names on your ID must match your application exactly.

The license fee is $35.50. You must pay at the time of application. The clerk accepts various payment methods. Contact the office to confirm current payment options before your visit.

Marriage License Terms

Your license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. The countdown starts on the issue date. You must have your ceremony within this period. After 30 days, the license expires. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again.

The license must be used within Kentucky state boundaries. It is not valid in other states. You can marry anywhere within the Commonwealth. Many couples choose local venues or scenic locations for their ceremonies in Nelson County.

No waiting period or blood test is required. You can marry immediately after receiving your license. Some couples apply and marry on the same day. This offers flexibility for your wedding planning.

Kentucky has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You do not need to live in Nelson County to apply. Out-of-state couples can obtain licenses here. This makes Nelson County convenient for couples from neighboring areas.

Wedding Ceremony Guidelines

Two witnesses must attend your ceremony. Kentucky law requires this for all marriages. The witnesses must be over 18 years old. They watch the ceremony and sign the license. The bride and groom cannot serve as their own witnesses.

Any ordained minister can officiate your wedding. Kentucky does not license or register clergy. Judges may also perform ceremonies. You have many options for choosing your wedding officiant.

After the wedding, your officiant files the signed license. This must happen within 30 days. The document returns to the Nelson County Clerk's office. Once filed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate.

Obtaining Marriage Records

The Nelson County Clerk maintains all marriage records for the county. You can request certified copies at the Bardstown office. Provide the names of both parties when making your request. Include the marriage date if you know it.

Certified copies cost a fee per document. Call ahead for current pricing information. Order multiple copies at once. You will need them for legal name changes and other matters.

The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics also keeps marriage records. They have certificates from 1958 forward. You can order from the state office. They offer online and mail ordering options.

Nearby Counties

These Central Kentucky counties neighbor Nelson County. Residents near the county line may also apply in these locations.