Wyoming Marriage Records
To get married in Wyoming, two people must be single, meaning neither should already be married to other individuals. They also have to be at least 18 years of age. Wyoming’s legal statutes mandate that both individuals express consent before signing a marriage certificate. This process must be done in the presence of an approved officiant and two adult witnesses. Applicants for marriage licenses in the state must also be at least 18 years of age and may do so without parental consent. Those 16 or 17 must first get a court order and written authorization from a guardian.
Both persons must be present to apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office. An official form of government-issued photo identification and a $30 fee would be needed. Before issuing and dating the license, the clerk will also verify relevant information, including addresses, Social Security numbers, parent identities, and divorce confirmations if relevant. It is also important to note that the state does not require one to get a marriage license in the county where the wedding occurs. On the contrary, one can apply for the license from any county clerk, provided they are in the state.
According to the Vital Statistics Services, 4,061 marriages occurred in the state in 2023, a reduction from 4,272 the previous year. Marriage records are not open to the public in the state unless they are over 50 years old. They are maintained by the county clerk for each county or the state vital records office at the Wyoming Department of Health.
What are Marriage Records?
In Wyoming, marriage records are government-issued documentation that shows a couple has been joined in matrimony. Government agencies and churches may use them to demonstrate that a marriage is valid. Typically, marriage records in the state are created and stored at the county level. Wyoming marriage records will generally entail the full names of spouses, wedding dates or locations, witnesses to the wedding, marriage license issuance date, dates of birth, and marital status before the ceremony. Information concerning the bride and groom's parent’s identities and their places of residence may also be found within these records.
Marriage records are essential within Wyoming because they help government institutions and private organizations track population growth and social trends. They may allude to an emerging issue and complement other vital records that offer equally important information. Records can also be used by approved parties to track genealogies for personal or research purposes. Marriage licenses, a part of the record, are a must-have for couples intending to get married in Wyoming. They determine eligibility according to age, parental permission, or marital status.
Marriage records in Wyoming are not open to the public for the first 50 years. Per Wyoming’s laws 35-1-426(a), vital records are private, so they may only be accessed by parties, including spouses, children, parents, and legal representatives. Third parties can also access them, provided there is court authorization.
Marriages in Wyoming
Research has shown that Wyoming has one of the highest rates of marriage in the nation, at 7.3 people per 1000 residents. That said, this is a reduction from 7.6 in 2010 and 10.7 in 1990. Determinants such as changing social ideals, like an increase in couples practicing alternative lifestyles, have reduced opposite-sex marriages within the state. Wyoming also legalized same-sex marriages in 2014. A higher cost of living and reduced financial security within the state population have also reduced the population’s marriage rates.
53% of individuals 15 years of age and older are currently married, while 12% have been divorced. 32% were never married, and 3% were widowed. The percentage of Wyoming’s married population according to ethnic group is illustrated below:
- White (non-Hispanic) - 54.8%
- Asian (non-Hispanic)- 56.7%
- White Hispanic - 44.6%
- Black(non-Hispanic)- 33.4%
- Mixed (including Hispanic)- 39.49%
- Other (including Hispanic)-38.76%
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Wyoming's divorce rate is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average of 2.4. In Wyoming, marriage by proxy is not recognized, considering that the law requires all parties to be present during the ceremony. Under Statute § 20-1-103, parties will appear before the county clerk to get a marriage license. The ceremony must also be organized and conducted by an authorized officiant before two adult witnesses.
The minimum age for marriage in Wyoming is 18, except as otherwise indicated. However, all marriages involving individuals under the age of 16 or 17 are prohibited unless a judge of the court of record approves the union before contracting. The couple would also have to authorize a county clerk to issue a license.
To obtain marriage licenses in Wyoming, both parties must appear in person at the County Clerk's office. During their visit, they will present proof of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Both must also be at least 18 years of age, while those who are 16 must have court approval. Marriage license requesters will also pay a $30 licensing fee, though it depends on the county. Wyoming only offers the option of public marriage licenses. The marriage license is the document that allows the couple to perform the ceremony and get married.
Once the marriage ceremony is finished, the permit becomes part of the record. While the license is public information because it indicates the intention of the couple to get married, the details of the parties after the ceremony are only concealed to particular parties. Public marriage licenses are required to conduct a legal marriage ceremony. Licenses issued by the county clerk are also valid anywhere in the state. However, the ceremony should be performed within one year from the time it was issued. If the license is not used for that duration, it will expire, and a new one must be issued.
Wyoming Marriage Certificate
Wyoming marriage certificates are official documents the state gives to prove that a ceremony has been conducted. It also serves as proof that a couple is legally married. Marriage certificates are stored at the county clerk’s office where the marriage ceremony occurs. For statewide records, parties can also get marriage certificates from the Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services.
While they are part of the marriage record, marriage certificates are mostly restricted to couples. They must also present valid photographic identification at the county office or the state department of health. Other parties may obtain access to the marriage certificate if they are authorized to do so by the courts. Wyoming certificates can also be retrieved in paper or electronic format, depending on the requester's preference.
How to Find and Access Wyoming Marriage Records
Approved parties may find and access Wyoming marriage records by mail, online, or in person.
Finding and Accessing Wyoming Marriage Records in Person
The first thing to do would be to confirm the county where the marriage ceremony occurred. Marriage records are generally held at the county clerk’s office. Their addresses can be found after an online search. Visit their offices and bring a valid government-issued ID or passport, as well as proof of relationship to the party on the record. Some county offices will also require one to fill out a request form. Alternatively, parties may visit the Vital Statistics Services office on 2300 Capitol Avenue. Pay the required fee for the marriage record following county requirements. Most typically charge $30 per request.
Finding and Accessing Wyoming Marriage Records by Mail
To get marriage records via mail, submit a request to the Wyoming Department of Health. In the request, indicate the full name of the requestor, date of occurrence, city, and mailing address where the record would be mailed. Every request must have a copy of the State Identification card, driver’s license, or the applicant's passport. However, an ID within 59 days of the expiration is not acceptable. The copy should also be enlarged enough so everything is legible. The Department will also accept the requester's signature. Applicants will be required to pay $25 for the record. If it is not available, the $25 will be considered a search fee.
Finding and Accessing Wyoming Marriage Records Online
To access marriage records online, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website and head to the vital statistics services portal. Create an online profile and log in to place an order on the preferred record. Enter the required information in all fields, including the names of the parties and the date of the marriage. Submit valid identification, including a driver’s license or passport.
Pay for the order via credit or debit card.
The portal will guide the applicant through the payment process. VSS also charges a $1.00 minimum service fee, along with the order cost each time. The order will be mailed to the requester within a few days or weeks. If the request is missing critical details, VSS will also contact the requester through their portal inbox, and this should be completed within 15 days.