Are Utah Marriage Records Public?
No. Utah is a closed-record state. This means that marriage records are not accessible by the public. To view a marriage record in Utah, a requester has to be a person named on the record or be any of the following with this individual:
- A legal guardian
- An immediate family member (parent, sibling etc.)
- A legal representative
However, a Utah marriage record becomes open to public access after 75 years from the day the marriage was solemnized.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain personal information of those involved and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records, and may not be available through government sources or third party public record websites.
How to Find Utah Marriage Records
Utah marriage records are documents issued by the state government indicating that the people named on the records got married in the state. Marriage records in Utah are issued by County Clerks and contain details including the names of the married parties and where they solemnized the marriages. Individuals seeking to obtain a marriage license, or even divorce certificates can send a request to the office of the County Clerk. Public marriage records are not available to members of the public. To obtain access to marriage records those seeing records can check third-party sites. Utah recognizes same-sex marriages and provides records for this type of marital union.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Utah.
Those seeking to find out if someone is married can contact the vital records office for marriages that happened after 1978. For marriages that took place before then, the office of the clerk would be the place to contact. Third-party sites are the best place to look as Utah’s marriage records are not public.
How to Check Marriage Status Online.
Those seeking to check marriage status online can visit the database maintained by the office of the Vital Records. Please note that only those who are the subject of the record can access it. One can also visit any third-party site that offers these services to carry out a search.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Utah
In Utah, a marriage record consists of a marriage license and a marriage certificate. These documents serve as proof that the holders have fulfilled the state’s requirements for marriage and are married. Married couples need these records to access marital benefits related to tax breaks and immigration aid, Social Security benefits, and inheritance rights.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
How to Check Marriage Records for Free
Individuals seeking to check marriage records for free can check third-party sites. Marriage records are not accessible to the public from the state’s database.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Utah
Parties must obtain a marriage certificate before changing their name after marriage in Utah. Next, parties must submit the certificate and the necessary documentation to the relevant government agencies. The State Security Administration (SSA) is in charge of issuing state security cards to U.S. citizens. Therefore, the party must contact this federal office to change their name after marriage legally. The application process includes:
- Completing a form-SS5.
- Submitting a copy of their marriage record.
- Providing proof of identity and citizenship.
The SSA gives a two to three weeks waiting period before applicants receive their new card.
Another crucial step is applying for a Utah driver's license name change. The applicant must visit any local driver's license office in Utah, submit an application form, bring along their current driver's license, and submit a copy of their marriage certificate. They will also need to pay a $25 fee to receive a duplicate license.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Utah?
A couple receives a Utah marriage certificate only after the wedding ceremony. A County Clerk issues this certificate to the couple, signifying that the state now recognizes them as married. The marriage certificate carries the couple’s names, the wedding date, the wedding location, and also the name of the person who solemnized the marriage.
A marriage certificate is different from a marriage license as it shows that the couple solemnized a state-approved marriage. The County Clerk issues the marriage certificate when the person who solemnized the marriage returns the marriage license after the wedding. A couple may use a marriage certificate solely as proof of marriage.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Utah?
The Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics holds all records for marriages between 1978 and 2010. Its record of marriages held from 2011 to the present is limited. Requesters may obtain unavailable marriage certificates at the County Clerk Offices where the marriages took place. Those looking to find a marriage certificate or find marriage records can send a request to the Office of Vital Records. A certified copy of a Utah marriage certificate costs $18 and additional copies cost $10 each. All fees are non-refundable.
Utah accepts marriage certificate requests submitted online, in person, and via mail.
To order for a Utah marriage certificate online, start by creating a Utah.gov account and follow the prompts. The service requires an email address, full name, mobile phone number, and an acceptable government-issued ID. Online orders require payments via debit/credit cards.
To order copies of a marriage certificate in person, visit the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics with a completed copy of a Marriage Certificate Request Form. Requesters may also visit the Vital Record Office at any Local Health Department in the state. Payment should be made either with a check or a money order. Requesters must also include government-issued IDs.
To place an order via mail, download and complete the same Marriage Certificate Request Form. Alternatively, write an application letter for a request for a marriage certificate. The letter should also contain the following information:
- The names on the record
- Location of the solemnization
- Date of wedding
- Relationship with a person named on the record
- Reason for the order
- Signature
Enclose the form/letter with a check or money order for the applicable fees and mail the request to:
Vital Records
P.O. Box 141012
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012
What is Considered a Marriage License in Utah?
Utah marriage licenses are state-issued documents which give couples the permission they need to proceed with marriage. A couple looking to get married must first visit any of the state’s County Clerks to apply for a marriage license. Utah does not recognize a marriage that was solemnized without first receiving a marriage license from a County Clerk.
A Utah marriage license differs from a Utah marriage certificate because the marriage license only shows that the couple has received permission and may solemnize the marriage as soon as possible. Any couple that meets the state’s requirements regarding age, consent, and marital status, may obtain a marriage license.
Formal Marriage License
A couple intending to marry in Utah receives a formal marriage license after meeting the state’s marriage requirements. Utah allows a couple to marry on the same day they receive a marriage license if there is an officiant ready to conduct the wedding rite.
Common-Law Marriage License
Utah does not recognize common law marriages. However, an unmarried couple may petition the court to recognize a similar relationship as a marriage. For this to work, the couple must file the petition either during the relationship, or not more than a year after the relationship ends. A partner may initiate this petition even if the relationship ended in the other party’s death. Either partner may file the petition or both parties may file jointly. If both parties are dead, a next of kin may file the petition.
The process involves presenting the court with evidence that both partners:
- Are at least 18 years old each
- Lived together
- Relate with each other like a married couple
- Have been in public together as though they were married
- Are not too closely related that the court will deny them a legal marriage
If the court upholds the petition, the state then recognizes the couple as married. The court will also backdate their marriage to when the relationship began. People may choose to do this if they need to access benefits that require them to be married at a certain period of their relationship.
How Do I Get a Marriage License in Utah?
To apply for a marriage license in Utah, visit a Utah County Clerk. An applicant must be at least 18 years old to receive a marriage license without consent from a parent or guardian. In addition to parental consent, an applicant who is 16 or 17 years old must obtain a written authorization from a judge with jurisdiction over juvenile matters in the same county. The judge will determine that the applicant is getting married voluntarily and that the marriage is in the applicant’s best interest. Furthermore, applicants under 18 years must attend premarital counseling.
Applicants must provide their social security numbers, and government-issued IDs such as passports, birth certificates, or driver’s licenses. Utah will also issue marriage licenses to non-residents as long as they are solemnizing their marriage in the state.
The County Clerk will not issue a marriage license to a couple more closely related than first cousins. However, first cousins may receive a marriage license if they are each at least 65 years old. First cousins between 55 years and 64 years may marry if they provide the County Clerk with evidence that they cannot reproduce.
An applicant who was previously married before must provide either a death certificate of the previous spouse or a divorce certificate. An applicant may marry immediately if they receive a marriage license and do not have to solemnize the marriage in the county where they applied.
Utah marriage licenses cost between $40 and $50 depending on the county. A Utah marriage license is only valid for 30 days. If the marriage is not solemnized within 30 days, the couple must apply and pay for a new license.
Are Prenups Public Records in Utah?
No, prenups are not public records in Utah. Some details contained in a prenup may be sensitive or personal which if accessible to members of the public can breach a person's right to privacy.
