Marriage records in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, are available through several channels. LauderdaleMSCourt.us allows you to find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk's office — in person, by mail, or through state online portals. Below is a practical guide to searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage documents in this county.
Lauderdale Marriage Records Search
In Lauderdale County, marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk — this official is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and storing the relevant documents according to Mississippi state law. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, filed marriage certificates, and historical records dating back decades.
To begin your search, contact the Circuit Clerk's office. Older records may sometimes require additional processing time, as they may be stored in archival collections.
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk
The Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) also maintains copies of marriage records starting from 1926. If you need a record issued before this year, the Circuit Clerk's office remains the primary source.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lauderdale
The fees for obtaining copies of marriage records are set according to the office's fee schedule and Mississippi state law provisions. Below are the approximate rates:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — first | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $5.00 – $6.00 |
| Search fee through MSDH | Included in the cost of the first copy |
Please note: exact amounts may vary. Before submitting a request, confirm the current fee schedule directly with the Circuit Clerk's office by calling (601) 482-9714. Request processing time usually ranges from a few business days for in-person requests to several weeks for mail orders.
Payment is generally accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check made payable to the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk. Personal checks are not always accepted — it's best to confirm in advance.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lauderdale
There are several ways to order a marriage certificate in Lauderdale County.
Online
Through the Mississippi State Department of Health, you can order a certified copy of a marriage certificate online — for records registered after 1926. The MSDH portal uses a third-party order processing service, which may involve an additional service fee. You will need:
- Full names of both individuals who were married
- Date of marriage
- County where the license was issued
- A copy of your photo ID
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the fee on-site. Requests submitted in person are usually processed the fastest — often within the same day.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office. Include in your letter:
- A completed request form or letter stating the full names of the spouses, date, and place of marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A money order or cashier's check for the appropriate amount
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE)
Processing of mail requests can take from two to four weeks. For urgent needs, it's better to apply in person or use the MSDH online portal.
If you're unsure which office holds the record you need, start with LauderdaleMSCourt.us — there you can find basic information and contact details for further steps.