Marriage records in Lancaster County, Nebraska, are available through several channels. LancasterCourt.us allows you to quickly start searching for publicly available marriage record information. Additionally, certified copies are issued by the Nebraska Office of Vital Records at the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Lancaster County Clerk. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Lancaster Marriage Records Search
In Nebraska, marriage licenses are issued by the County Court of the county where the couple applies. After the ceremony is registered, the signed document is returned to the court and becomes part of the public records. Meanwhile, the Office of Vital Records at Nebraska DHHS maintains a centralized database of marriage certificates issued anywhere in the state.
The Lancaster County records collection includes:
- Issued marriage licenses
- Registered marriage certificates returned after the ceremony
- Historical records stored at the County Court
To search for court cases, including marriage and divorce records, you can use the JUSTICE system — a statewide portal indexing cases from all 93 county and district courts in Nebraska.
Lancaster County Court
Additional contact information can be found on the Lancaster County Courts page.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Lancaster
The cost depends on whether you contact the County Court or the Office of Vital Records at the state level. Below are the typical fees according to the current schedule:
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (via DHHS Vital Records) | $17 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-602; DHHS fee schedule |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $6 | DHHS fee schedule |
| Search fee (if record not found) | Included in the cost of the first copy | DHHS |
| Expedited processing (via DHHS) | Additional ~$15–$20 for courier delivery | DHHS |
The Lancaster County Court may charge a separate fee for copies of court records. It is best to confirm the exact amount by calling 402-441-7328 or through the public records request page. The standard processing time through Vital Records is 6 to 8 weeks by mail, though expedited options may reduce this time.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Lancaster
Online
Nebraska DHHS allows you to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate through its Vital Records portal. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date and county of marriage registration
- Payment by credit or debit card
The system operates 24/7. After submitting a request, processing usually takes a few weeks.
In Person
Visit the Lancaster County Court in Lincoln to obtain a copy directly from court records. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to pay the fee on-site.
If you need a certified state-issued copy (for example, for immigration purposes), contact the Vital Records office in Lincoln:
By Mail
Send a request to the Office of Vital Records, including:
- Completed application form (downloadable from the DHHS website)
- Check or money order for the fee, payable to "Nebraska Vital Records"
- Copy of the applicant's ID
- Self-addressed envelope (optional for faster return)
Mailing address:
Expect a response within 6–8 weeks. For urgent cases, indicate a request for expedited processing and include the appropriate payment for courier delivery.