How to Find Marriage Records

Getting marriage records can be helpful for several reasons. Maybe you need proof of your marriage for tax purposes and can't find your copy of your marriage license. Maybe you have been told that the person you are dating is married and he/she never told you. Whatever your reasons, here are some tips to finding marriage records.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Identification
• Information
• Money
• Patience

1. GATHER INFORMATION: Know or find as many details about the marriage as you can. (i.e. Date of marriage, names of man and wife, maiden name of wife, etc.)

2. REQUEST THE INFORMATION: Go to the county clerk's office (also known as a recorder's office) where the paperwork was originally filed. Ask the clerk for the information. There are some things in their computer system, and others that can only be found in hard copy archives. They will tell you where to look, if you need to look in the archives.

3. GETTING COPIES: Once you have found the documentation you need, either request a copy from the clerk or use their copy machine. Some places have a public access copier and others want to copy it for you. It all depends on the office you are in.

4. PAY UP: You will need to pay for the copies either as you get them from the machine or before you leave the building.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need several copies, get one from the clerk's office and make the rest yourself from a copy shop. That way you don't pay as much for the copies.

[Ladybugblue]

on 3/10/2009 Thanks for the information! 5* article!