Free Marriage Record

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Free Marriage Records Used to Trace Genealogy

A free marriage record can be obtained by just about anyone on just about any marriage in the United States. Records have been kept on file for centuries in most countries around the world in order to keep track of legal marriages. The records can be obtained for free in many countries because they can be used to prove or disprove that an individual was ever married, and they can also be used to trace genealogical information.

What is a Marriage Record?

A marriage record is a document that contains information on two individuals (a man and a woman) who are/were legally married. Usually, a marriage record contains at least some basic information like the full names of the bride and groom (and probably the maiden name of the bride), and the date and location of where the marriage took place.

Depending on where the marriage took place, and also depending on how long ago it occurred, the marriage record may contain additional information as well. Some of other details that may be on the record include how old the bride and groom were when they got married, the names of the bride’s and groom’s parents, the addresses of where the bride and groom lived before the marriage, information on the bride’s and groom’s previous marriages (if applicable), who witnessed the marriage, and who officiated the marriage.

What Information is Needed to Obtain a Record?

There are several ways to search for old marriage records, but before any such search can begin, the searcher will need to have a few pieces if vital information. First, the full name (including the maiden name) of the bride and groom will be needed. Correct spelling is a must! Second, the date that the marriage occurred is necessary. If an exact date is not available, a year may be sufficient. If the year is not known, an approximate year may work. Third, the location of the marriage will need to be known. If the location is not known, it can be approximated by using the cities of birth for both the bride and the groom.

Where to Look

Marriage records can be found in a number of different ways. The older the documents, however, the harder they will be to find.

Marriage records are kept by most countries, and the information is usually kept in a central location or database. However, in the United States, marriage records are kept more locally. Each of the 50 states is responsible for keeping records of all marriages that took place in their own territory.

Churches and other religious institutions usually keep records of anyone married in their congregation.

Newspapers, no matter how old, often print marriage announcements. So, it’s possible to find information about marriages that took place over 100 years ago in old newspapers, which may be available on microfiche in public libraries.

Strangely enough, many people find information related to marriages in attics. Sometimes, information as valuable as old marriage records is kept boxed in an attic (or possibly a basement) for decades until someone uncovers it.

United States Department of Vital Records

All of the states in the United States keep vital records on all of their residents. Some of the records they keep are birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, death certificates, and adoption records. Copies of these documents are available, and instructions on how to obtain the records are different for each state. Therefore, each state department must be contacted individually for directions on how to submit a request. Some states offer copies of free marriage records, but others may charge a small fee.

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