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[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Wisconsin Marriage Records  
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Wisconsin Marriage Records  
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== Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records  ==


*18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
Wisconsin, except for the Door County Peninsula, became part of Illinois Territory in 1809 and part of the Michigan Territory in 1818. Wisconsin became a territory in 1836 and a state in 1848. Some counties issued marriage applications as early as the 1820s, but most began recording marriages at the time the county was formed. Statewide registration began in 1907.
*In 1907 Wisconsin law required statewide registration of marriages
*Wisconsin marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period


{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
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<br>  


{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
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! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" colspan="2" scope="col" |  
|}
 
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


<br>
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
 
:'''Marriage Records'''  
:'''Marriage Records'''  
:Choose a time period:  
:Choose a time period:  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1907|Before 1907]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1820 to 1867]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1907_to_Present|1907 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1868_to_1925|1868 to 1925]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1926_to_1935|1926 to 1907]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1936_to_Present|1907 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


|}  
|}


<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  
<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  
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! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | <br>
|}
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== '''Marriages Before 18--'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1907'''  ==


*Before 18--, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
Some [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/genereq.htm#G5 Wisconsin counties] began recording marriages in the 1820s, but most began when the county was formed. Statewide recording of marriages began in 1907.
*18-- to 18-- very few records exist


<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
|-
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Index Only'''
| <br>  
| <br>
|-
| <br>
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708704|Wisconsin Marriages 1836-1930}}
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Name index to marriage records from the state of Wisconsin. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ancestry Database: Includes Index Only'''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''
| width="10%" | <br>
| '''2. Then search'''
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4997 pre-1907 use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|-
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
| <br>  
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
| <br>  
 
| <br>
| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Wisconsin Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]
 
|}
 
::
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4997 pre-1907 - use your Ancestry subscription]
| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library.
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
|  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
|  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|  
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|  
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|------- |Wisconsin, County Marriages, 18-- -18--}}
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.  


'''Does not''' include the following counties:
|}


<br>  
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| '''1. Look first in'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| '''2. Then search'''
|
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
|  
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.


[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Wisconsin Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|
|}
|}


'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
<br>
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
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{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | <br>
|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1907 to Present'''<br> ==
 
Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1907. <br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Index Only'''  
|  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| <br>
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708704|Wisconsin Marriages 1836-1930}}
|
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Name index to marriage records from the state of Wisconsin. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
|-
|-
|  
| <br>
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
| <br>
| width="65%" |
| <br>
'''Free;''' most counties 18-- -19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.
 
|-
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''  
| <br>
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1946794|Wisconsin Marriage Index 1973-1997}}
|
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Index of marriages from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services&nbsp; in Madison.
|-
|-
|  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ancestry Database: Includes Index Only'''  
| {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin, County Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
| <br>  
|  
| <br>
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties:
 
<br>  
 
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| width="10%" | <br>
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8744 1973-1997 use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
|
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| <br>
|
| <br>  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
| <br>
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|
|}
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.
 
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8744 1973-1997 - use your Ancestry subscription]
| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library.
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 19-- to 19--'''<br>  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
|  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
|  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|  
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|  
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin, County Marriages, 19-- -19--}}
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  


'''Does not''' include the following counties:
|}


|-
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].  
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| --------County Clerk
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the -------- county clerk] where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
|
|
|-
|
| Wisconsin Department of Health
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Health charges $-- more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.  
<br>


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| '''1. Look first in'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
|  
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.


[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Wisconsin Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|}
|}


'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
<br>
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


== '''Marriages 1907 to Present'''  ==
<br>
 
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
 
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
 
:*Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


:*Copies may be ordered from the Wisconsin Department of Public Health.
If you are unable to find your ancestor in one of the above indexes, you may request a search at the [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/marriage.htm Wisconsin Department of Health Services.]<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From County where Marriage occurred  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/services.htm#deeds From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From WI Vital Records office
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/marriage.htm From WI Department of Health Services]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}


{{Tip|'''''When ordering Wisconsin marriage records:'''''}}
Any person may request an '''''uncertified''''' copy of a marriage record at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred or from the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services. The record must be ordered by mail and must include picture identification of the person requesting the record.
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
<br>


Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin Wisconsin ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin_Online_Genealogy_Records Wisconsin Online Genealogical Records ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin_Vital_Records Wisconsin Vital Records]


:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
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:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*Wisconsin Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Wisconsin Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues


[[Category:Wisconsin_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Wisconsin_Vital_Records|Wisconsin_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
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