How to Find Marriage Records Without Using a Pay Site
An individual may wish to find marriage records for a variety of purposes, such as probate, genealogical study or remarriage. While pay sites do allow individuals to search marriage records, these private Web sites charge fees. Before paying to conduct a search, an individual can find out whether any agencies in his state provide a similar service at no cost or at a lower cost. State governments, rather than the federal government, maintain records of events such as births, marriages and deaths. The availability of marriage records to members of the public depends on the laws of each particular U.S. state.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify the full names of the bride and groom. Gather information relevant to your search of marriage records, such as the month, day and year of the couple's marriage and the location of their marriage, including the state. Confer with family and friends or search wedding announcements in newspaper archives if you do not already know the relevant information.
-
2
Identify the agency that compiles marriage records in the relevant U.S. state, as the state may record events through an office of vital records, the state department of health or another agency. Find state-specific contact information from an official government source, such as the list of agencies compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics. Learn whether the appropriate state agency provides an online search engine of state marriage records or whether you must submit a written request by mail.
-
-
3
Access the relevant agency's online search page for marriage records, if available in your state or local municipality. Enter information into the search fields, including the names of the parties to the marriage and a date range for the marriage. Submit the information to generate your search results using the search form.
-
4
Prepare a written request or application form, as required by the relevant state agency, if your state does not provide an online search form for marriage records. Provide all of the requested information, including your personal information and information about the marriage. Attach any necessary documentation, such as proof of your identity if requested, and include payment for the service. Mail the records request to the specified office of vital records, department of public health or whichever agency provides the vital records services in your state.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Include a search using the bride's maiden name if she possibly changed her name after she married.
- Make note of the purpose for which you wish to conduct a marriage records search---some states, such as California, will only allow you to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate if you are one of the spouses or a qualifying relative. Additionally, in some states, such as New Jersey, you may only be able to conduct a "no record of marriage" search if you are searching for yourself.
- Learn whether your state allows "confidential marriage"---for example, California law allows individuals to choose a confidential marriage license, which limits access to the marriage record to only the couple.
References
- National Center for Health Statistics: Where to Write for Vital Records: Application Guidelines
- City of Philadelphia: Register of Wills: Search Marriage Records
- California Department of Public Health: Obtaining Certified Copies of Marriage and Divorce Records
- New Jersey of Health and Senior Services: How to Obtain a "No Record of Marriage" Statement
Resources
- Photo Credit marriage image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
