Bartholomew County Marriage Records Search
Bartholomew County marriage records are maintained at the Clerk's Office in Columbus, Indiana. Clerk Shari Lentz and her team handle all marriage license applications and keep the county's official record of marriages on file. This page covers how to apply for a marriage license in Bartholomew County, how to search existing records online, and how to get certified copies of past marriage documents.
Bartholomew County Marriage Records Quick Facts
Bartholomew County Clerk's Office
The Bartholomew County Clerk's Office is the official keeper of marriage records in Columbus. Clerk Shari Lentz leads the office, with Chief Deputy Julie Robertson and Office Manager James Seaborne supporting daily operations. The office is located at 234 Washington Street in Columbus, and you can reach them by phone at 812-379-1600. The clerk is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, maintaining those records, and providing copies to anyone who requests them.
Marriage license applications in Bartholomew County are by appointment only. Appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at two time slots: 8:30 to 9:15 AM or 2:00 to 2:45 PM. Each appointment lasts about 15 minutes. You must call 812-379-1600 to schedule your time. Walk-ins are not accepted for marriage license applications. Plan your visit in advance so you can secure a spot that works for both of you.
The Bartholomew County Clerk's website at bartholomew.in.gov/clerk.html has office information, staff contacts, and links to marriage license details.
The clerk's office website shows appointment scheduling information, staff details, and services available at the Columbus courthouse for Bartholomew County marriage records.
| Office | Bartholomew County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Shari Lentz |
| Chief Deputy | Julie Robertson |
| Address | 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN |
| Phone | 812-379-1600 |
| Appointment Days | Tuesday and Thursday only |
| Appointment Times | 8:30-9:15 AM or 2:00-2:45 PM |
| Website | bartholomew.in.gov/clerk.html |
How to Apply for a Bartholomew County Marriage License
Both parties must be present at the appointment. You cannot apply without your future spouse, and you cannot send someone else on your behalf. Each person must bring a driver's license or another form of valid identification. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. The clerk's office does not perform marriage ceremonies, so you will need to arrange your own officiant for the wedding itself.
A marriage license application can be started online before your appointment. Go to in.gov/courts/services/marriage-license to fill out your pre-application. This shortens the time you spend at the clerk's office and lets you come prepared. The online form does not replace the in-person appointment, but it does help the process move faster on your day at the courthouse.
The Bartholomew County marriage license page at bartholomew.in.gov/clerk.html describes the local process and what you need to bring to your appointment in Columbus.
The county clerk page shows the appointment schedule, fees, and what documents to bring when applying for a Bartholomew County marriage license.
The fee for Indiana residents is $25. Out-of-state applicants pay $65. Under Indiana Code 31-11, all couples marrying in Indiana must hold a valid marriage license before the ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If you do not marry within 60 days, you will need to get a new license and pay the fee again. Residents of Bartholomew County apply at this office. If you live outside Indiana, you apply in the county where your ceremony will be held.
Search Bartholomew County Marriage Records
The Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL is the main online tool for searching Bartholomew County marriage records from 1993 onward. The search is free and open to anyone. You can look up records by name, county, or date. The database confirms whether a license was issued and when, which is useful for verifying a marriage or researching family history. No account is required to use it.
For older records, the Bartholomew County Clerk's Office in Columbus is the right place to look. Staff can search the office's files by name or date and provide copies at standard fees. Bring as much information as you can about the parties involved. The Indiana Courts case search at mycase.in.gov also covers some Bartholomew County court records and may be helpful depending on what you need.
Note: The MLPL database covers licenses issued after 1993. For marriages before that year, contact the Bartholomew County Clerk directly at 812-379-1600.
Certified Copies of Bartholomew County Marriage Records
The Bartholomew County Clerk's Office can provide certified copies of marriage licenses issued in Columbus. Call 812-379-1600 to ask about current fees and how to request a copy. You can pick up copies in person during office hours or send a written request by mail. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of the marriage, and your contact information so the office can follow up if needed.
The Indiana Department of Health also holds marriage records at the state level. You can order copies through the Indiana vital records office. The state has records going back to 1958. For marriages before that, the county clerk is typically the best source. Access to these records is governed by Indiana Code 5-14-3, the state's public records access law, and by IC 16-37-1-10 for vital records privacy rules.
Historical Bartholomew County Marriage Records
Older Bartholomew County marriage records can be found through several archives. The Indiana State Library's digital collection at digital.statelib.lib.in.us has digitized historical documents from Indiana counties. The Indiana Archives and Records Administration at in.gov/iara holds state-level vital records going back many decades. FamilySearch has also indexed older Bartholomew County records and makes them available for free genealogical research. For deep genealogy work, the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus may also hold local record collections and indexes.
Bartholomew County Marriage Records and Indiana Law
Indiana marriage law under Indiana Code Title 31, Article 11 sets the rules for marriage licenses statewide. Bartholomew County follows these laws for every license it issues. The law requires both parties to appear in person, which is why the clerk's office requires appointments with both applicants together. There is no waiting period in Indiana between getting the license and using it, so you can marry on the same day the license is issued if you choose.
Marriage records in Bartholomew County are public records under Indiana Code 5-14-3. Anyone can ask to see them. The clerk must respond to valid records requests and may charge only the fees set by state law. Some personal details in vital records are protected under IC 16-37-1-10. If you need legal advice about marriage records or related matters, the Indiana Legal Help website offers free resources and referrals for Indiana residents.
Cities in Bartholomew County
Marriage licenses for Columbus and surrounding areas are handled by the Bartholomew County Clerk's office. Residents of these cities apply at the county courthouse in Columbus.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Bartholomew County. Each has its own Clerk of the Circuit Court for marriage records.