Marriage records in Lake County, Indiana, are available through several channels. LakeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, you can contact the Clerk of the Lake Circuit/Superior Court office directly — in person, by mail, or by phone. Indiana state online tools also assist in searching for court records related to marriage licenses and certificates issued in the county.
Lake County Marriage Records Search
In Indiana, marriage licenses are issued and maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit/Superior Court. This office in Lake County is responsible for accepting marriage license applications, processing documents, and preserving returned marriage certificates. The records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in the county
- Returned and registered marriage certificates
- Historical marriage records stored in the clerk's archives
The clerk's office is located in the Courts Building in Crown Point. To search for court cases, including those related to marriage, you can use the MyCase portal — Indiana's online public access system for court records.
The office also has an additional location at 232 Russell Street. It is recommended to confirm office hours by phone before visiting.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lake County
Fees for copies of marriage records in Indiana are regulated by state law. Below is an approximate fee schedule typically charged by the county clerk's office. Confirm exact amounts directly with the Lake County clerk's office, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | Check with the clerk's office |
| Additional copy (in the same order) | Check with the clerk's office |
| Search fee | May be charged separately |
According to Indiana law (IC 31-11-11), the county clerk is required to issue certified copies of marriage records for a prescribed fee. Uncertified (informational) copies are not always available — this depends on the policy of the specific office. Processing time for in-person requests is usually one business day, while mail requests may take from one to several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lake County
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate issued in Lake County.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the address provided above. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can search and issue a certified copy, usually on the same day.
By Mail
Send a written request to the clerk's office address. Include in the envelope:
- A completed request with the full names of the spouses and approximate date of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- Payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check (personal checks are not always accepted)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The state of Indiana offers the option to order vital records through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) portal at in.gov/health/vital-records. Through this portal, you can order certified copies of marriage certificates registered at the state level. Note: Records stored only at the county level may not be available through the state portal — in such cases, contact the Lake County clerk directly.
To search for information on court cases related to marriage, use the MyCase system. This database contains Indiana court records, although access to some documents may be restricted according to federal and state laws. Additional information about public court records can be found on the Indiana Judicial Branch website.
If you need assistance in searching for Lake County marriage records, start with LakeCourt.us or call the clerk's office at (219) 755-3460.