Finding & Analyzing U.S. Marriage Records
Major respositories for accessing marriage records. It is also advisable that you check the Secretary of State (SOS) office for a particular state to see if they provide online access to marriage records for that state.
- Ancestry.com Marriage & Divorce RecordsIn a few of the marriage collections on Ancestry, you will find the indexes that link to images of actual marriage records. In other cases, there are indexes that contain information that will help you request the record. If you find your ancestor in an index, be sure to click on the database title and look at the description to learn how to request the actual marriage record. The full record will include details not found in the index. We also maintain a list of links to state vital records agencies in the Ancestry Library.
- FamilySearch Marriage RecordsFamilySearch provides free access to marriage records from around the world, many with the actual digitized images.
- FamilySearch: Family History Library CatalogIncludes records and background information available on microfilm, microfiche, in books, or in other publications. Useful for finding items not yet digitized or indexed on FamilySearch.org. Items are accessible for free at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and many can be accessed via interlibrary loan to your local Family History Center for a small fee.
A playlist of marriage record tutorials provided by Ancestry.com's YouTube Channel. Click on a thumbnail (displayed at the bottom of the video player) to preview or play a specific tutorial. The videos will also play in sequence.
Good tutorials and tips for locating and analyzing marriage records.
- FamilySearch Research Wiki: United States Marriage RecordsTypes of marriage-related records, what you might find in marriage records, where to find marriage records, and tips for finding and using marriage records.
- FamilySearch Research Wiki: How To Use U.S. Marriage RecordsSearch strategies, how to search and index, and other useful tips.
- FamilySearch Research Wiki: Summary of U.S. Marriage Records State By StateWhere to find marriage records for each state.