Genealogy: A Library of Memories: Marriage Records (Government Records Series, Part 6)

“By searching for our roots, we come closer together as a human family.” – Senator Orrin Hatch

Marriage records are some of the most valuable records within genealogy research. These records provide insight into the ages of the bride and groom, the county/city in which they were married, and where they were married; whether it was a courthouse, church or other venue. As far back as our country was founded, marriage records have become some of our best kept records, as marriage has always been a very public affair within our culture. Because of this, we have marriage certificates and record books that are widely digitized, especially marriage records which date back to the 1700’s and 1800’s. Within genealogical records, it is usually the opposite case: where we have a higher number of recent records that are digitized and older records that are more difficult to come by.

For example, in my own genealogy research, I was easily able to locate the marriage record for my 4^th great-grandparents, John and Martha McKenzie, which took place in the year 1800, by searching Ancestry’s collection of U.S Marriage records from 1590-1900. However, I was searching for a more recent marriage record for my great-grandparents, and was having a difficult time knowing where to start.

Below, I will list some tips to help you know where to begin your search for your ancestor’s marriage record.

1. Names and Places

To begin to search for any marriage record, you will need to know the names of your ancestors and the state (and county) in which they were living at the time. Since marriage licenses are a county business, this information is key.

2. Know Your State

Obtaining a Marriage Record in Clermont County, Ohio

Search for the county probate court in which your ancestors were married to understand their policy for obtaining a marriage record. Each county may have a different policy and cost associated with obtaining records, however costs are usually very minimal at $3 to $5 for a certified copy. In some counties, you are able to go the Clerk of Court’s office and obtain the marriage record in person during regular business hours and some counties only accept mail-in requests. Above, is a screenshot of the instructions for obtaining a certified copy of a marriage license in my home county of Clermont.

3. Search for the local genealogical society

Another option includes contacting the genealogical society in the county where your ancestors were married. The Hamilton County Genealogical Society will research marriage records for you(https://hcgsohio.org/cpage.php?pt=60). The cost of research, for example, is 50 cents per name (members) or $1 per name (non-members) and/or $10 for 1-hour research for member ($20 for non-members). Contacting a genealogical society in the area where the marriage took place can be a good place to start, if you are not sure where to start.

4. Check out the Church or Synagogue

If know which church the marriage took place at, or which religious group your ancestors were associated with, you may also start there. Cincinnati, for example, has a large Catholic population. If you have ancestors that were Catholic, you may contact the archivist at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati (linked below) to request a marriage record from the Parish. You may fill out a PDF form and mail in the request or fill out their online form. You will need to know the name of the Parish, the approximate date of the wedding, your ancestor’s names, and their parents’ names, if known. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati charges $25.00 upon submission of the request.

5. State Government Digitization Projects

The Marriage License for my great-grandparents.
Found at WVCulture.org

As you are searching for your marriage record, check to see if there are any digitization projects occurring within the state where your ancestors were married. It is better to find the record online, rather than having to pay to request the record! For example, my great-grandparents were married in Wheeling, West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History has a website (linked below), called WVCulture. Many resources are available on this site, including marriage, birth, and death records. I have attached screenshots of the marriage record for my great-grandparents, which I was able to easily locate on this site.