Marriage records in Kanawha County, West Virginia, are available through several channels. KanawhaCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the Kanawha County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains original documents. Records can also be obtained through the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, in person at the clerk's office, or by mail request.
Kanawha Marriage Records Search
In Kanawha County, marriage records are maintained by County Clerk Vera J. McCormick. This office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, registering returned marriage certificates, and storing historical records. The collection includes marriage licenses issued in the county, marriage certificates filed after the ceremony, and archival records dating back to the 19th century. According to the West Virginia Code §29B-1-3, most public records are available for viewing or copying.
Office contact information:
For office hours, please call the clerk's office directly.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kanawha
Fees for copies of marriage records are set according to West Virginia state law and the internal policy of the County Clerk's office. At the state level, certified copies of marriage records can also be ordered through the Vital Registration Office at the Department of Health.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (through state — Vital Registration) | $12.00 | Standard fee for the first search and one copy |
| Additional copy (same order, through state) | $12.00 | For each additional copy |
| Certified copy (through County Clerk) | Check with office | County-level fees may vary |
| Uncertified / informational copy | Check with office | Availability depends on the type of record |
Processing times for requests through the state office usually take several weeks. A personal visit to the County Clerk's office often allows you to obtain a copy more quickly. Call (304) 357-0130 for current fees and wait times.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kanawha
There are several ways to order a marriage certificate in Kanawha County.
Online
Certified copies of marriage records can be ordered through the online portal of the West Virginia Vital Registration Office. The state is the official repository for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. To order online, you need to complete an application and pay the fee.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can conduct a search and issue a copy during your visit — this is the quickest option.
By Mail
Send a written request to the County Clerk's office address. Include:
- A completed application with the names of the spouses and approximate date of marriage
- A copy of a valid photo ID
- Payment in the form of a money order or check made payable to Kanawha County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level mail orders, send your request to:
If you are unsure which form to use, call the clerk's office or check the information on KanawhaCourt.us before submitting your request.