|
Where to Find Marriage License Records
If you need to find marriage license records, take the easiest route first –
online records providers – before you go visiting country state offices.
To find marriage license records online, the first thing you will need would
be a specialized database. There are many online public records databases that
divide information by:
- category (marriages, births, criminal records, etc.);
- state, us territory, or country;
- government institution;
- health institution; and / or
- educational institution.
These databases have search fields that allow you to type in say, “island county
washington marriages,” to immediately turn up information. Some databases even
allow you to narrow the field down to exact date or the name of a spouse.
Since genealogists regard them as primary source records (accomplished by
someone present at the event), almost all the popular online databases have
found it practical to include a search of marriage records among the services
they offer.
Find Marriage License Records by Localizing Your Search
You can find marriage license records, pre-20th century, by accessing online
county-specific databases. Counties were one of the first government branches to
formally register marriages. New Hampshire, for example, began keeping formal
marriage registries as early as 1640. These extant records are particularly
helpful to those trying to document their family tree.
For records that are not available online and require you to visit the county,
the local library would be a good first stop. If the county has a local
genealogical or historical society, your job may become so much easier. Local
schools and churches could be another source. Many old counties have cemeteries
in back of their churches that you may also want to check out.
However, for other purposes such as securing a marriage certificate to settle an
estate, the records you need would most likely be found at the state clerk’s
office. If they do not provide online access to their records, at least many
have their contact numbers or post office box numbers online.
Once you explain your purpose and provide them enough information, they can help
you find the marriage license records you need as long as these exist in their
files.
A number of county or state clerks’ offices have online lists of the information
you need to provide plus how much it costs to get a certified copy of a marriage
certificate. Some require a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Of course, you need not always go the ‘long road’ to find marriage license
records. Before you go visiting local county offices, try the top providers
first listed at RecordsSiteReviews'
marriage license
records section. You may just be
surprised at how extensive these providers’ databases are!
|
