Marriage Records and Related Sources of Genealogical Information
It is now easier than ever before to find information about your ancestors and to build a large family tree with many branches.
You simply need to search the marriage records which are available from state authorities and archives.
There are other valuable sources of information which you can use as well.
Find out more about the documents which can give you the details that you are looking for.
Types of Marriage Records The certificates of marriage are the most common types of marriage records.
The original is given to the couple so you may want to start your search from the boxes in your attic.
If you are looking for a very old document or if you are pretty certain that it has been lost, you should check with the clerk responsible for the vital records in the town where the ceremony took place as they may keep a copy.
A copy may be kept in the local court as well so you may want to check it too.
If there is a marriage register in the town where the ceremony took place, it will certainly have the names of the bride and groom and the date when they became a family.
The information may not be very detailed, but it is quite useful.
You should pay special attention to the maiden name of the woman.
The so called returns are among the most valuable marriage records which are available.
These are reports sent by ministers and other people performing marriage ceremonies to the official authorities.
The reports contain full details about the couple that got married including their names, ages, birth dates, address and possibly even occupations.
The names of the parents and witnesses are present as well.
Other Valuable Records There are many other types of documents which can give you information about the two people who got married and their families.
The applications for marriage licenses and licenses themselves are quite valuable sources of information.
Both types of documents are kept by town clerks and the very old ones are transferred to the archive of the respective country or state.
If you are looking for documents from the 19th century or earlier, you should consider the so called marriage banns, which were formal written announcements of intention to marry.
The marriage bonds are also useful documents.
These were agreements arranging a payment made by the groom to a relative of the bride.
Your research should definitely cover as many marriage records from different sources as possible.
You simply need to search the marriage records which are available from state authorities and archives.
There are other valuable sources of information which you can use as well.
Find out more about the documents which can give you the details that you are looking for.
Types of Marriage Records The certificates of marriage are the most common types of marriage records.
The original is given to the couple so you may want to start your search from the boxes in your attic.
If you are looking for a very old document or if you are pretty certain that it has been lost, you should check with the clerk responsible for the vital records in the town where the ceremony took place as they may keep a copy.
A copy may be kept in the local court as well so you may want to check it too.
If there is a marriage register in the town where the ceremony took place, it will certainly have the names of the bride and groom and the date when they became a family.
The information may not be very detailed, but it is quite useful.
You should pay special attention to the maiden name of the woman.
The so called returns are among the most valuable marriage records which are available.
These are reports sent by ministers and other people performing marriage ceremonies to the official authorities.
The reports contain full details about the couple that got married including their names, ages, birth dates, address and possibly even occupations.
The names of the parents and witnesses are present as well.
Other Valuable Records There are many other types of documents which can give you information about the two people who got married and their families.
The applications for marriage licenses and licenses themselves are quite valuable sources of information.
Both types of documents are kept by town clerks and the very old ones are transferred to the archive of the respective country or state.
If you are looking for documents from the 19th century or earlier, you should consider the so called marriage banns, which were formal written announcements of intention to marry.
The marriage bonds are also useful documents.
These were agreements arranging a payment made by the groom to a relative of the bride.
Your research should definitely cover as many marriage records from different sources as possible.