Effective June 30, 2003
Marriage And Records Division Business Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATIONS will only be processed until 4:00 p.m.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICANTS

PLACE: Individuals who wish to be married must both appear in person to apply for a marriage license in the Clerk's Office, Records Department, located on the second floor of the Porter County Courthouse.

TIME: (The Courthouse is closed on weekends and all legal holidays.) Please allow yourself at least thirty minutes to complete the application.

FEE: Indiana resident: $18.00; Residents of any other state: $60.00. CASH ONLY.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: One of the following items is required for each individual:


  1. Valid operator's license or other identification issued by the State containing date of birth and correct current address (if address is incorrect, please provide us with a current utility bill with your name and current address); or,
  2. Baptismal certificate, passport, military identification or discharge papers which contain date of birth.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS UNDER THE AGE OF 22: Certified copy of State Issued Birth Certificate.

RESIDENCE: A marriage license shall be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county of residence of either of the individuals who intend to marry. If neither individual who intends to marry is a resident of Indiana, the marriage license is to be obtained in the county which the marriage will take place. (I.C. 31-11-4-3)

AGE: Applicants at least 18 years of age may marry without special consent. According to I.C. 31-11-2, persons who are 17 years of age must apply for the license with both parent(s) or the person with legal custody who must sign the consent portion of the application. Individuals 16 years of age or younger must petition the court as shown under I.C. 31-11-1-6.

MARRIAGE PERFORMED: According to I.C. 31-11-6-1 and I.C. 33-4-7-4, members of the clergy may perform marriages (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, imam, etc.), judge, magistrate, clerk or deputy clerk of the Circuit Court or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town. You may contact the Clerk of the Porter County Circuit Court at (219) 465-3453 for information on scheduling a ceremony.

LICENSE EXPIRATION: A marriage license expires sixty (60) days after it is issued and is only valid in the State of Indiana. You will receive the license the same day that you apply.

FOR THE MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION RECORDING, CALL (219) 465-3455.