How to Find Michigan Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
__NOTOC__
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
 
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Michigan Marriage Records  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
| link4=[[Michigan Vital Records|Michigan Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records|How to Find Michigan Marriage Records]]
}}


== Finding Michigan Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Michigan Marriage Records  ==


*1805 Michigan laws required counties to record marriages
*1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state  
*1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state  
*An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance  
*An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance  
*In 1911 Michigan law required statewide registration of marriages
*Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period
*Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period


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|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" colspan="2" |  
! 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? '''  ==


Line 27: Line 23:
:Choose a time period:  
:Choose a time period:  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1820 to 1867]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1805 to 1867]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1868_to_Present|1868 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1868_to_1925|1867 to 1925]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1926_to_1935|1926 to 1935]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1936_to_Present|1936 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


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<br>


== '''Marriages Before 1820'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1820'''  ==
*Some early records are available in the following Findmypast collection:
**[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=michigan United States Marriages – Michigan, 1585-1945] ($) index & images<BR><BR>
*Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state.
*1805 to 1820 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]].  
*Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
*1805 to 1820 very few records exist
 
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].  


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<br>


::
::
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<br>


== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|-
| width="35%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.


'''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


<br>


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| align="left" colspan="1" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''
| align="left" colspan="1" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
|-
 
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1585-1945
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=michigan On Findmypast] ($)
 
| align="center" |
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1820-1940
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.  
| align="center" | 371,310
|-
| Ancestry, Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61374 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61374 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 4,451,095
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
'''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 Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1822-1995
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1675359|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 1,908,148
|-
| Ancestry, Michigan, Compiled Marriages, 1817-1850
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2092 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2092 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 13,881
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1875
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5299 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5299 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 51,913
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|  
|
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|  
|  
[[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|Search other records]] with marriage information.  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1452395|Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 1868-1925: 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.


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925}}
|
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.


If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''
<br>


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords Michigan Department of Health and Human Services].
|-
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords Michigan Department of Health and Human Services].
|
 
|}
''OR''
 
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:


Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  
'''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 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] 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.  
::*Some microfilms may be available  to view at a local FamilySearch 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_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
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|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1868 to Present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1926 to 1935'''<br> ==


 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952 
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9093 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935}}
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9093 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| width="65%" |  
| align="center" | 15,032,934
'''Free;''' most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  
|-
 
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1585-1945
'''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=michigan On Findmypast] ($)
| align="center" |
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1820-1940
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; 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.
| align="center" | 371,310
|-
| Ancestry, Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61374 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61374 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 4,451,095
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1868-1925
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1452395|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.  
| align="center" | 371,310
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html County Clerk]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html 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="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1822-1995
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1675359|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 1,908,148
|  
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1875
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5299 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Michigan Department of Health]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5299 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Michigan Department of Public Health]. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Michigan Department of Public Health charges $12 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.
| align="center" | 51,913
<br>
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|  
|  
[[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|Search other records]] with marriage information.
[[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]]


|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
'''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 Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_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" |
|}


If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:
== '''Marriages 1936 to Present'''  ==


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords Michigan Department of Health and Human Services].
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html county clerk].


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords Michigan Department of Health and Human Services].
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Michigan Department of Public Health].


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
Line 242: Line 241:
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords From MI Dept. of Health]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html From MI Dept. of Health State office]
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
|-
| Expedited service available through [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/michigan/michigan-vital-records VitalChek]
| 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
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}


''OR''  
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Michigan marriage records:'''''}}
 
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:


Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
 
::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*Some microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_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" |
|}
== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==


Line 272: Line 265:
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]  
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
Line 278: Line 271:
:*[[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]]  
:*[[Michigan Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records/Known Issues|Michigan Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records/Known Issues]]
:*[[Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues]]
 
{{Michigan|Michigan}}__NOTOC__


[[Category:Michigan_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:Michigan]]

Revision as of 14:12, 5 June 2013


How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to How To Find Michigan Marriage Records

Finding Michigan Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • 1805 Michigan laws required counties to record marriages
  • 1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
  • An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance
  • Michigan 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.


Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source]
Marriage Records
Choose a time period:


Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records


Marriages Before 1820[edit | edit source]

  • Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
  • 1805 to 1820 very few records exist


If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in 2. Then search
Church Records

Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries

Census Records

Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records


Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year


Marriages 1820 to 1867[edit | edit source]

Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925[edit | edit source]

Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925

Free; most counties 1868-1925: 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:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.


Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1926 to 1935
[edit | edit source]

Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935

Free; most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.

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.
Try 3rd:
Michigan Department of Health If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Michigan Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Michigan Department of Public Health charges $12 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.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present[edit | edit source]

Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information

To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred From MI Dept. of Health State office
Pros Cons Pros 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 Michigan marriage records:

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

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