Marriage records in Hopkins County, Kentucky, can be accessed through several channels. HopkinsKYCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Hopkins County Clerk's Office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. Records are available in person at the clerk's office, by mail, or through the Kentucky state vital records portal online.
Hopkins County Marriage Records Search
In Kentucky, the county clerk is the official custodian of marriage licenses and related records. The Hopkins County Clerk's Office, currently led by Clerk Keenan Cloern, issues marriage licenses and files completed marriage certificates for ceremonies performed in the county. The office's marriage records collection includes marriage license applications, issued licenses, and returned marriage certificates on file. Historical marriage records dating back to the county's formation are generally maintained at the clerk's office, though very old records may also be available through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current office hours before visiting. The office handles marriage license applications, records legal documents, files property liens, and maintains other public records.
At the state level, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics Branch also maintains marriage records for marriages that occurred in Kentucky from June 1958 to the present.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Hopkins County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you order from the Hopkins County Clerk or from the Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch. Below are the standard state-level fees established by Kentucky law. Contact the Hopkins County Clerk at (270) 821-7361 to confirm any county-specific fees.
| Service | Fee (State Vital Statistics) |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $6.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $6.00 |
| Online order through VitalChek (state portal) | $6.00 + processing/shipping fees |
The county clerk's office may charge a different fee for copies of locally held marriage records. Kentucky Revised Statutes set baseline fees, but small administrative charges can vary. Always verify the current amount before submitting payment.
- Accepted payment methods: Contact the clerk's office for details. The Hopkins County payment information page provides guidance on accepted forms of payment.
- Processing time: In-person requests at the county clerk's office are typically processed the same day. Mail requests through the state Vital Statistics Branch may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Hopkins County
Online
The Kentucky Vital Statistics Branch offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates for marriages recorded from June 1958 forward. Orders are placed through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Visit the Kentucky Marriage and Divorce Certificates page to start an online order. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- Valid photo ID
- Credit or debit card for payment
In Person
Walk into the Hopkins County Clerk's Office at 24 Union St, Madisonville, KY 42431, during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can search for and issue copies of marriage records on file in Hopkins County. Call (270) 821-7361 ahead of your visit to confirm hours and whether the record you need is available locally.
By Mail
You can request marriage records by mail from either the county clerk or the state vital records office:
- County Clerk (for locally held records): Send a written request to Hopkins County Clerk, 24 Union St, Madisonville, KY 42431. Include the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, your contact information, a copy of your photo ID, the applicable fee (check or money order payable to Hopkins County Clerk), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- State Vital Statistics Branch (for records from June 1958–present): Mail your request to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics Branch, 275 E Main St, 1E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621. Include the same identifying details, fee payment, a copy of your ID, and a return envelope. The state application form is available on the Vital Statistics website.
Allow additional time for mail delivery and processing. If you need a record for a marriage that predates 1958, the Hopkins County Clerk's Office is your primary source. For genealogical research involving very early records, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives may also be helpful.