Marriage records in Forrest County, Mississippi, can be accessed through several channels. ForrestCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains related documents. Records are available in person at the courthouse, by mail, and — for statistical copies maintained at the state level — through the Mississippi State Department of Health's online ordering system. The Forrest County Chancery Clerk's online portal also provides index access to certain county records.
Forrest County Marriage Records Search
In Mississippi, the Circuit Clerk is responsible for issuing marriage licenses at the county level. The Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office maintains marriage licenses issued within the county, along with related applications and returned marriage certificates. Historical marriage records for Forrest County date back to the county's establishment in 1906.
The Mississippi State Department of Health also holds statistical records of marriages that occurred statewide from 1926 to the present. If you need to verify a marriage that took place in Forrest County, you can start at the local Circuit Clerk's office or search the state's vital records. The county's official records inquiry system may allow you to search indexed records online, though marriage-specific records may require a direct request to the clerk.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Forrest County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the county Circuit Clerk or the Mississippi State Department of Health. Below are the standard fees based on published state vital records fee schedules and typical county charges.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified marriage record copy (MSDH) | $15.00 | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| Additional copy, same order (MSDH) | $6.00 | Mississippi State Department of Health |
| Marriage license copy (County Circuit Clerk) | Varies — contact the clerk | Forrest County Circuit Clerk |
| Online order processing fee (VitalChek) | Additional service and shipping fees apply | VitalChek / MSDH |
The state fee covers a search of records from January 1926 forward. If you need a record from before 1926, contact the Forrest County Circuit Clerk directly, as these older records exist only at the county level. Processing times for state-level requests are typically several weeks by mail; expedited service through VitalChek may shorten delivery.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Forrest County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage record connected to Forrest County:
Online
The Mississippi State Department of Health partners with VitalChek to offer online and phone ordering for marriage records. This option is for statistical copies of marriages recorded at the state level (1926–present). You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Approximate date of marriage
- County where the marriage took place
- Valid photo ID
- Credit or debit card for payment
Additional service and shipping fees from VitalChek apply on top of the state certificate fee.
In Person
Visit the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Hattiesburg during regular business hours. Walk-ins are generally accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Payment methods accepted may vary — call ahead to confirm.
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail from the state, download the appropriate application form from MSDH and mail it with:
- A completed application form
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Mississippi State Department of Health
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended)
Mail to:
For county-level copies, send your written request directly to the Forrest County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse address listed above. Include the names of both spouses, the approximate marriage date, your contact information, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the applicable fee. Call the clerk's office first to confirm the current copy fee and accepted payment methods.
Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, public records are generally available for inspection. Marriage records are typically considered public, though certain restrictions may apply depending on the record type and circumstances. If you have questions about access, ask the Circuit Clerk's office directly.