How to Order a Marriage Certificate in Lithuania?

As of January 1, 2017, civil registry offices in the Republic of Lithuania issue extracts confirming entries of civil status acts, as determined by the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania, instead of civil status registration certificates. Applicants can obtain this extract immediately after the registration of a civil status act— in this case, after the marriage registration— or at any later time.

The extract can be obtained by applying to the Civil Registry Office in Lithuania, a consular office, or the Center of Registers. This procedure applies not only to marriage registration but also to divorce, birth, death, or changes of name or surname.

Marriage Registered After 1940

Marriage entries registered after 1940 are kept in the archives of the Civil Registry Office. Therefore, requests for extracts must be submitted to the archive of the Vilnius Civil Registry Office at K. Kalinausko St. 21, or to the Center of Registers, or a consular office.

Documents Required to Obtain a Marriage Entry Extract:

To obtain an extract of your marriage entry, you must submit a request and provide the following details:

• Names and surnames of the individuals;
• The date of marriage or at least the year;
• The place where the marriage was registered.

If you wish to obtain a marriage entry extract for relatives, such as parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The individual’s consent or a death certificate;
• Documents proving kinship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or documents confirming name or surname changes).

How Long Does the Process Take?

Requests submitted to the Civil Registry Office archives are processed in order of receipt, usually within 1 month.

Marriage Registered Before 1940

Marriage entries registered before 1940 are searched in the Lithuanian State Historical Archives, located at Mindaugo St. 8, Vilnius. These archives hold metric books of various religious communities and churches. While some books date back to the 16th century, not all documents have survived. The majority of surviving records belong to the Roman Catholic Church, but there are also records from Jewish, Orthodox, and other religious communities.

Documents Required for Searching Marriage Records:

When submitting a request to search for a marriage record, the following details must be provided:

• The names and surnames of the spouses;
• The date of marriage or at least the year;
• The place of marriage registration;
• The religion or denomination (if known).

If the parish or religious denomination is unknown, the search can begin with the bride's place of birth, as marriages were typically registered in the bride’s parish.

How Long Does the Search Take?

The Lithuanian State Historical Archives processes requests in order of receipt within approximately 1 month. Expedited services are available within 10 or even 5 working days for an additional fee.

Is the Marriage Entry Important for Obtaining Lithuanian Citizenship?

Yes, a marriage certificate is an important document for the process of restoring or obtaining Lithuanian citizenship. It serves as proof of the marriage and, in some cases, evidence of a name or surname change.

For more information about the requirements and procedures related to obtaining Lithuanian citizenship, we invite you to visit our Lithuanian Citizenship section.

Can My or My Ancestors' Marriage Certificate Be Ordered in Lithuania and Sent to My Address?

Yes, with legal representation, the Migration Law Center lawyers can order your or your ancestors’ marriage certificate. If needed, the document can be sent to your specified address. Additionally, the document can be translated, certified with an Apostille, or legalized if necessary.

For more information about the marriage certificate search process or to order legal assistance, please contact us:

• Email: info@migration.lt  
• Phone: +370 685 63053

MIGRATION LAW CENTER