Are Wyoming Marriage Records Public?
Marriage records are typically considered confidential documents in Wyoming. Thus, they are exclusively available to those named on the records and legal counsels representing them. Wyoming makes marriage records confidential for 50 years, after which they become public records and can be obtained by anyone from the Wyoming State Archives.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain the personal information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and dissolution of marriage 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 Wyoming Marriage Records
Wyoming marriage records are official documents authorizing and establishing the legal standings of marital unions contracted in the state. The state issues both marriage licenses and marriage certificates. The Wyoming Department of Health maintains marriage records filed and registered from May 1941 to date. Some marriage records are also available from the Offices of Wyoming County Clerks.
Marriage records in Wyoming are not public records until after 50 years. Confidential marriage records search in Wyoming can be conducted online, by mail, or in person at the State Vital Records Office. When 50 years elapse, marriage records become accessible to everyone. Wyoming public marriage records search in Wyoming can be done at the State Archives office. Requests for marriage records involve providing information about the record holders. The information included in their divorce certificates is excluded.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Wyoming
Individuals who want to find out if someone is married in Wyoming can access marriage records through the following means:
- County clerk offices: A requester can obtain copies of a person’s marriage records at the Clerk's Office where the marriage occurred.
- Wyoming Vital Records Office: A person can also find out if someone is married by requesting their marriage certificates online, by mail, or in person at the Office.
- Wyoming State Archives: A person’s marriage records can be obtained by phone at (307) 777-7826 or in person at the Archives office.
How to Check Marriage Status Online
Wyoming residents can check their marriage status online by requesting marriage certificates at the Wyoming Vital Records Office. The office has a Vital Statistics Services Portal where individuals can request marriage certificates. Requesters must sign up with an email and password to log in to the portal. Once logged in, click on the certificate icon on the left of the screen. Then click on the “Order Marriage Certificate” link. fill out the appropriate fields and submit the request. Contact the Wyoming Vital Records Office for more information on how to check marriage status online.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Wyoming?
Wyoming marriage records are state-issued documents showing that couples are, or intending to be, lawfully married in the state. While marriage certificates and marriage licenses are different, they both provide the full names of the parties involved in the documented unions. Certificates also state where and when the registered marriages occurred.
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 dissolution of marriage 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
Marriage records in Wyoming are not free. Instead, prices vary based on the level of data and format that the user wants to access. one contact the county clerk’s office to know if it is possible to check marriage records for free.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Wyoming
The first stage of a name change after marriage in Wyoming is submitting the marriage license to the appropriate agencies. Parties must register the new name with the State Security Administration (SSA) to validate the name change. To do this, the party must file a form-SS5 and attach the following documents to it:
- Proof of identity
- A certified copy of their marriage record
The SSA will issue a new card to the registrants after two to three weeks.It is also important to register this new data with the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Visit a driver's license examination office in the state and provide the following documents:
- Current driver's license
- A copy of a name change document
All documents must be original and certified. The Wyoming DOT does not accept photocopies.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Wyoming?
Marriage certificates are vital documents provided to couples after conducting marriage ceremonies. They differ from marriage licenses in that they serve as authentic proof of marriages, while marriage licenses simply allow couples to become married.
In Wyoming, marriage certificates are prepared as certified and uncertified/plain copies. Certified copies are available to the couples named on the records. Other eligible persons include the couples’ immediate family members and legal representatives. Marriage certificates serve different purposes and can be used when applying for legal name changes, dual citizenship, joint taxations, loans, and family insurances. A record seeker interested in knowing how to find a marriage certificate should contact the State Vital Records office.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Wyoming?
Applicants can purchase copies of their marriage certificates in Wyoming by visiting or sending a mail-in request to any of the following offices:
- Vital Statistics division of the Wyoming Department of Health
- County Clerk office where the marriage license was issued
To submit a Wyoming marriage certificate request in person, visit the state office with the full names and prior surnames of both spouses, date of marriage, and city/county of the wedding event. Also, bring along an enlarged photocopy of a government-issued photo ID for identification. To speed up processing, provide this information by completing the marked section of the Application for a Certified Copy of Wyoming Vital Record. Submit the form along with appropriate documents and fees to the office situated at:
Wyoming Department of Health
Vital Statistics Services
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
The Wyoming Vital Statistics Office charges $20 for each copy of a marriage certificate. Pay this fee using a check or money order made payable to “Vital Statistics Services”.
Applicants can also submit marriage certificate applications by mail. Start by downloading and printing an Application for a Certified Copy of Wyoming Vital Record. Complete the yellow-marked sections of this form and then send it along with appropriate fees, required documents, and a self-addressed prepaid envelope to the Vital Statistics Services.
The same fee applies for both in-person and mail-in request options. Fees are payable by check or money order when submitting a mail request.
Individuals can also find marriage records at the County Clerk offices. The methods of requesting marriage certificates from Wyoming county clerks’ offices are similar to the state office. However, applicable payment differs. All county clerks in the state charge $5 for each certified copy of marriage certificates and $1 for an uncertified/plain copy. Visit or mail the county clerk office where the marriage license was issued to submit a request. Make sure to provide appropriate documents and fees.
Most clerks provide marriage certificate application forms on their respective websites. Find the applicable website and navigate to the marriage license and certificate order page to download the form. Print and complete the form and then submit it in person or by mail to the particular clerk’s office.
Contact the State Vital Statistics Division and County Clerk offices for more information on how to find a marriage certificate in Wyoming.
What is Considered a Marriage License in Wyoming?
Marriage licenses provide detailed information about intending couples and declare them eligible to marry within the state. In the State of Wyoming, these documents officially give prospective couples permissions to solemnize their unions. A marriage license features information such as the names of the parties involved, their places and dates of birth, places of residence, race, social security numbers, and bride’s maiden name. It also details the names and signatures of public notaries witnessing the solemnization. Those eligible to apply for Wyoming marriage licenses include adults and minors between 16 and 17 years of age with parental consents and court orders.
Wyoming Formal Marriage Licenses
Formal marriage licenses are state-recognized documents issued to eligible applicants by Wyoming County Clerks. These documents permit prospective couples to perform marriage ceremonies in any county within the state. Intending couples are not required to observe a waiting period after getting their marriage licenses. If not used, the licenses will expire after a period of one year. Wyoming does not require those applying for marriage licenses to submit to blood tests or be residents of the state.
Wyoming Common Law Marriage Licenses
The State of Wyoming does not recognize common law marriages formed within its borders. A common law marriage is a form of union where two partners live together and represent themselves to their community as a couple. In this form of marriage, there is no marriage license, certificate, or any legal framework supporting the marital foundation. Although common law marriages are not authorized in Wyoming, the state recognizes similar marriages established in states where common law marriages are allowed.
How Do I Get a Marriage License in Wyoming?
A couple seeking a Wyoming marriage license can obtain this approval by following these steps:
- Print and carefully complete the Marriage License Questionnaire provided on the County Clerks’ website
- Provide government-issued photo IDs as proof of identification
- If divorced, provide information included in the divorce certificate like date and state the divorce was granted
- If widowed, provide the former spouse’s date of death
When applying for a marriage license, both parties must visit the County Clerk’s office along with a witness each and pay applicable license fees after completing the application process.
Acceptable forms of identification include valid driver’s license, passport, original birth certificate, national ID card, and any state-issued photo ID which provides satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s names and face.
Minors between 16 and 17 years must have parental consents before applying for a marriage license in Wyoming. An underaged applicant aged 15 years or younger must have a court order issued by a state licensed judge.
Wyoming marriage licenses cost $30 each. Acceptable payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Note that additional charges will apply if paying for a marriage license with a card.
Wyoming Confidential Marriage Licenses
A confidential marriage license is one that is kept out of the public's view; this usually means that the marriage is also hidden from the public. This frequently occurs when a couple chooses, with the support of the state county and in accordance with state legislation, that their marriage should be kept private. By their very nature, marriage records in Wyoming are confidential for 50 years after the wedding ceremony; but, in some circumstances, marriage licenses may be further withheld from the public in accordance with state law.
Are Prenups Public Record in Wyoming?
Prenups are commitments made by an engaged couple outlining their rights and responsibilities in the marriage partnership. Prenups are not public records but intending couples may decide to disclose their premarital agreements to the public.
