Nebraska Marriage Records

Nebraska marriage records are official documentation detailing civil unions in the Cornhusker State. Most marriage records typically include the following:

• Full name of the bride and groom (first, middle, and last)
• Date of the marriage
• Location of the marriage (city and county)
• Place of the marriage (specific venue or site)
• Name of wedding officiant (usually a justice or member of the clergy)
• Residence of the bride and groom

Other details that may be contained in marriage records include the age of both parties, the date a license was obtained, and each party’s social security number. Some of this information is considered public and may be accessed by almost anyone, while others (such as social security numbers) remain confidential. Marriage records are considered civil records maintained by government authorities. These documents serve as formal evidence of marriage and are officially recorded by town or county clerks. The state’s courts usually manage these records as part of Nebraska family court records. They are also accessible through county clerks and recorders’ offices, where the town records marriage events in official registers. Marriage information may also be found in personal records, such as journals or written logs, especially for older cases. In some cases, additional evidence may be required to verify the marriage. Historically, churches played a significant role in documenting marriages and preserving vital records, making church records an essential resource for genealogical research.

What Types Of Marriage Records Are Available In Nebraska?

State and county agencies in Nebraska maintain different types of marriage records, ranging from license applications to abstract records. Marriage records may be available as a copy or in digital formats, including images of original documents. However, the most common options include marriage certificates and licenses, and some records are maintained as written documents, such as written applications or registers.

Nebraska Marriage Certificate

Nebraska marriage certificates provide official proof that the named parties have been married and serve as evidence of the couple's intended union. Unlike licenses issued before a marriage, marriage certificates are created only after a wedding. Nebraska marriage certificates serve legal and official functions such as providing proof of name change, getting benefits, participating in divorce processes, applying for a passport, verifying the legitimacy of a child, and doing genealogical research. A certified copy of the marriage certificate may be required for specific legal purposes. A spouse may need to present a certified copy of the marriage certificate for official matters. After a marriage, officials must send the completed certificate to the appropriate state or county office for official registration and record-keeping.

Nebraska Marriage License

A Nebraska marriage license is an official permit issued by Nebraska county clerks that grants a couple the right to marry. Most counties require both parties of the couple to appear in person together when applying for a license, which is only issued after the couple submits applications, enters all required information accurately, and pays the appropriate fee. The application process is designed to ensure all legal requirements for marriage are met.

Note: Licenses issued in Nebraska can only be used within the state. Couples who wish to marry in another state must apply for a license in the county or state where the ceremony will be performed.

Are Nebraska Marriage Records Public?

In Nebraska, certain types of marriage records are open to the public. For instance, marriage licenses are considered non-confidential and open to the public. Interested persons can obtain such records by searching local archives or public indexes. However, access to certified copies of a marriage certificate is limited. These documents can only be obtained by spouses and parents, or in some cases, by individuals with a direct and tangible interest, depending on the age of the record or the requester's relationship to the parties. In situations where both spouses are deceased, a death certificate may be required to obtain the marriage record. In addition, applicants may need to provide a reason for the request and a government-issued ID to prove their identity.

How to Find Marriage Records in Nebraska

Step 1. Decide on the type of Record

Different public agencies maintain marriage records. For instance, members of the public who wish to obtain certified copies of a marriage license must contact the court clerk in the county where the license was initially issued. Eligible parties can also get certified copies of a marriage certificate by applying to the Nebraska Vital Records Office. The Vital Records Office provides different types of records, including an abstract version of the marriage certificate and the long-form marriage certificate.

Step 2. Identify where and when the marriage occurred

To obtain certified copies of a marriage license, you’ll need to know the county where the license was issued. While the Nebraska Vital Records Office maintains records of marriages filed in the state since 1909, older records can only be obtained by contacting the State Historical Society or the county clerk where the license was issued. If you do not know the exact marriage date, you can use a date range to narrow your search results.

Step 3. Provide Information Related to the Record

Applicants who wish to obtain records must provide some details to assist with the search. You may need to enter the full name of the groom, full name of the bride, and the date or date range of the marriage into the search form. Some of the information that may be required includes:

• The full name of the groom
• Full name of the bride
• Time of marriage (month, day, and year)
• Reason for requesting the record

You’ll also need to state your relationship with the named parties, provide your residential address, and pay the fee for the record.

Step 4. Submit Applications

Once complete, applications for marriage records can be submitted in person or via mail to the record custodians. Residents can also submit requests for marriage certificates maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services at the office at 1033 O Street, Suite 130. Some records can also be requested or searched for through the official Nebraska Vital Records website.

How to Get a Marriage License in Nebraska

Couples must obtain a marriage license before their wedding ceremony. Obtaining a license is simple and can be completed in any county.

Step 1. Meet the Eligibility Rules

Anyone may obtain a license in Nebraska if they meet the state marriage rules, the most important of which is being old enough to marry. Applicants must be at least 19 to obtain a license. Minors between the ages of 17 and 18 may obtain a license, but only with the signed, notarized consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Step 2. Gather the Necessary Information for an application

As part of the application process, both parties must provide some information that goes into the record. Some of the details that you’ll need to provide when applying for a license include:

1. Full name of both parties
2. Date of birth
3. Social security number for both parties
4. Marital status (details of any previous marriage)
5. Full names of parents (including mother’s maiden name)
6. Parents' birthplace (city, state, country)

In addition, couples may need to provide a copy of supporting documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or a valid driver’s license. Although parties can remarry after a divorce, applications for a license are only permitted six months after the court issues a divorce decree.

Note: Social Security numbers are a key requirement for marriage license applications. Applicants who do not have a Social Security number must indicate this.

Step 3. Submit the Application and pay the fee

Marriage license applications are processed at the County Clerk’s office. While some counties permit unscheduled walk-in applications, others may require advanced appointments. Applicants may need to visit the county clerk’s office in person to submit their application in certain counties. Marriage licenses cost an average of $25.00. Acceptable payment options may include cash, credit cards, or checks. Nebraska has no waiting period for marriage licenses, which means couples can get married the same day the license is issued. Marriage licenses remain valid for a year, after which they expire.

Note: Marriage officiants must not be certified or residents of the state to perform the wedding.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records in Nebraska?

Access to marriage records depends on the type of records. For instance, anyone can obtain public information from a marriage license. The names and ages of license applicants are published several days after an application in the Daily Record. However, access to a certified copy of a marriage certificate is more restricted. Only persons named on the certificate (spouses) and direct family relations like parents may obtain such marriage records. To request a certified copy of a Nebraska marriage record, you’ll need to provide the necessary information, such as the full name of the bride and groom, the month, day, and year of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. You may also need to provide a reason for the request.

Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065,
Lincoln, Nebraska
68509-5065

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Nebraska?

Depending on the year they were established, some Nebraska marriage records may be accessible online for free. For example, information about marriage licenses is freely available. Official marriage records can be accessed through the Nebraska Vital Records website, which provides a convenient and secure way to obtain certified copies and submit requests online. To access these resources, applicants will need to supply some associated data, like the full name of one or both partners.

Third-party services may also provide an option. Such websites, which are privately run and unaffiliated with the Nebraska state government or any other official body, give users access to records gathered from several localities throughout the state. However, the accuracy of information obtained on such platforms can’t be guaranteed.

Is Nebraska a Common Law State for Marriage?

Nebraska is not a common-law marriage state. To be considered married in Nebraska, you must obtain a license and have a marriage ceremony. However, although the state does not accept the creation of common-law unions, it recognizes the validity of marriages established in other US states with laws permitting this type of union. This means couples establishing a common-law marriage in supporting states like Rhode Island will be considered legally married even if they move to Nebraska.

Common law marriage refers to informal marriage unions where couples are considered married without a marriage license, marriage certificate, or wedding ceremony. Such marriages are fully or partially recognized in over a dozen US states, including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, and Texas. While the exact rules vary in different states, some of the general requirements for creating a common-law marriage include:

• Both parties must be living together.
• Both parties must be single and unrelated.
• Both must be of marriageable age.
• Couples must hold themselves out as married to the general public.

Couples living together who wish to set some rights and responsibilities without getting married may be able to do so using a cohabitation agreement. A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract wherein two unmarried parties can define specific rights and responsibilities. Such agreements can be used to determine financial payments, debt splitting, and buyout rights in the event of a separation. However, it will not provide the same spousal privileges as a legal marriage grants.