The Rawtenstall office is closed until Tuesday 31 December 2024. Check for an alternative office.
Copy marriage certificates
Certificates are available for marriages within the current Lancashire County Council boundaries only.
You cannot pre-order copy certificates for marriages that have not yet taken place.
The certificates we issue are a certified copy of the original entry of the record of the marriage.
If your marriage took place outside of Lancashire County boundaries you will need to contact the Registration Office of the relevant district to obtain a copy of the certificate.
If your marriage took place in Blackburn with Darwen request a copy marriage certificate from Blackburn with Darwen Council.
If your marriage took place in Blackpool request a copy marriage certificate from Blackpool Council.
Find a register office in England and Wales.
Standard service £12.50
Due to a high volume of orders, we are unfortunately not currently always able to meet the target timeframe of processing certificates within 15 working days. Please allow 20 working days for your order to be processed.
Certificates will be posted using Royal Mail second class within 20 working days.
Certificates can be collected in person from Certificate Services, Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane, Preston, PR1 2RE. Please allow 20 working days before collecting certificates unless the priority service has been selected. You can collect your certificate between the hours of 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Certificates cannot be collected from a registration office.
Priority service £38.50
The priority service enables the certificate to be available for collection in person or posted, first class, after 24 hours. The service includes the cost of one certificate. Additional copies of the same certificate cost £12.50. Copies of a different certificate will cost an additional £38.50.
| Orders received before 3pm on | Will be sent out by Royal Mail 1st class post or be available for collection on |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Sunday, Monday | Tuesday |
| Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Wednesday | Thursday |
| Thursday | Friday |
| Friday | Monday |
| Orders received after 3pm on | Will be sent out by Royal Mail 1st class post or be available for collection on |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Sunday | Tuesday |
| Monday | Wednesday |
| Tuesday | Thursday |
| Wednesday | Friday |
| Thursday | Monday |
| Friday | Tuesday |
These timescales may differ during bank holidays.
Lancashire County Council cannot be held responsible for any delays with the Royal Mail service.
Information you need to provide
- For a man the forename(s) and surname
- For a woman the forename(s) and maiden name
- Any other surnames for either party that may have been used prior to this marriage may be useful in locating the entry.
- Date of the marriage
- Place of the marriage. Include the name of building, the place of worship or name of the Register Office
How to request a copy marriage certificate
Online
Telephone
Call 0300 123 6705 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Mail or in person
You can write to us or visit us at the following address:
Lancashire Certificate Services
Lancashire Archives
Bow Lane
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2RE
We are open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Lancashire County Council.