Scott County Marriage Records Lookup
Scott County marriage records are issued and maintained by the County Clerk's office in Scottsburg, where Clerk Michelle Shelton manages all marriage license applications under Indiana Code 31-11. Located in southern Indiana, Scott County is a smaller rural county where the clerk's office provides direct, personal service. There are a few things worth knowing before you go: the office does not accept personal checks, and an online application is available to start the process before your in-person visit. This page explains the full procedure, fees, copies, and how to search Scott County marriage records through state databases.
Scott County Marriage Records Quick Facts
Scott County Clerk's Office
The Scott County Clerk's Office is located at 1 E McClain Avenue, Scottsburg, IN. Clerk Michelle Shelton can be reached by email at michelle.shelton@scottcounty.in.gov. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Both applicants must appear together to finalize the marriage license. Indiana law under IC 31-11 requires both parties to be present, and the clerk cannot issue a license with just one person in the office.
One practical note before your visit: the Scott County Clerk does not accept personal checks. As the office states: "We do not accept payment by personal checks." Bring cash, a money order, or another accepted form of payment. Call the office or email Clerk Shelton at michelle.shelton@scottcounty.in.gov before your visit to confirm which payment methods are currently accepted, as policies can change. The courthouse at 1 E McClain Avenue in Scottsburg is easy to locate, and the clerk's office is accessible from the main entrance.
| Office | Scott County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Michelle Shelton |
| Address | 1 E McClain Avenue, Scottsburg, IN |
| michelle.shelton@scottcounty.in.gov | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday |
| Fee (Resident) | $25 |
| Fee (Out-of-State) | $60 |
| Payment | No personal checks accepted |
How to Apply for a Scott County Marriage License
Couples can start the application online at in.gov/courts/services/marriage-license before going to the courthouse in Scottsburg. The online portal lets you complete the initial form in advance, which saves time at the counter. You still must appear in person together with your partner to pay the fee and receive the license. The online form does not issue the license. It just speeds up the in-person visit.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either applicant was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate is what the clerk needs. Do not assume the office can look it up in a database. Carrying a physical document avoids delays. Indiana law under IC 31-11 also requires that at least one applicant be an Indiana resident to apply in Scott County.
No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. As the clerk's office notes: "A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued." Plan your ceremony within that 60-day window. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Fees and Copies for Scott County Marriage Records
Scott County charges $25 for Indiana resident couples and $60 for out-of-state applicants. That out-of-state rate is slightly lower than many Indiana counties, which typically charge $65. The resident rate applies when at least one person lives in Indiana. Indiana Code 31-11 permits counties to set their own fees within certain ranges, which is why rates vary across the state. Remember that personal checks are not accepted. Plan to pay by another method.
Certified copies of Scott County marriage records cost $1 per page plus $2 per certification. That means one certified copy costs $3 total (assuming the document is one page), and each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $1. Certified copies are used for name changes at the Social Security Administration and BMV, for insurance beneficiary updates, and for other legal purposes where an official seal is required. Plain copies cost less but are not valid for official submissions. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current pricing before sending a mail request.
Search Scott County Marriage Records Online
The screenshot below shows the Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup portal, the state's main tool for searching Scott County marriage records by name.
The lookup at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL is free and maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court. No account is needed. Search by name and filter to Scott County to see records in the state system. Recent licenses may take a short time to appear after the clerk processes them.
For older Scott County marriage records, the Indiana Legacy Database at digital.statelib.lib.in.us/legacy holds digitized historical materials collected by the Indiana State Library. Scott County was organized in 1820, so marriage records extend back into the early 1800s. Some of those historical records have been indexed and are searchable through genealogy databases. FamilySearch holds free indexes for many Indiana county marriages, including some from Scott County, and is a good first stop for genealogy research before contacting the clerk or archives.
Public Access to Scott County Marriage Records
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3, makes marriage records generally open to the public. Anyone can request a Scott County marriage record without needing to be listed on it or explain the reason. Plain copies are lower cost. Certified copies carry the official seal and are used for legal submissions. Remember that the clerk does not accept personal checks, so plan your payment accordingly when making a records request in person or by mail.
The screenshot below is from the Indiana State Library genealogy page, which provides finding aids and database links for researching Scott County historical marriage records.
The State Library holds microfilm and digitized materials for many Indiana counties. Their genealogy staff can identify what is available for Scott County from a particular time period.
Under IC 16-37-1-10, the Indiana State Department of Health also maintains some vital records at the state level. The ISDH at in.gov/health/vital-records/marriages explains what the state holds. For Scott County marriage records, the county clerk is the primary source. The Indiana Archives at in.gov/iara may also have older materials transferred from county custody over the years.
Other Ways to Request Scott County Marriage Records
If the online lookup does not return what you need, contact the Scott County Clerk directly. Email Clerk Shelton at michelle.shelton@scottcounty.in.gov with your question before making the trip to Scottsburg. Mail requests are also an option. Send the names of both parties, the approximate year of the marriage, your contact information, and payment for copy fees. Do not send a personal check. Use a money order or other accepted form of payment when requesting records by mail. The Indiana Public Records portal at in.gov/courts/public-records provides general guidance on requesting court and clerk records across Indiana.
Cities in Scott County
Scott County's main community is Scottsburg, the county seat and home to the clerk's office at 1 E McClain Avenue. No cities in Scott County meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. All marriage license applications for Scott County residents are processed at the courthouse in Scottsburg.