How to Find West Virginia 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 West Virginia Marriage Records  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
| link4=[[West Virginia Vital Records|West Virginia Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records|How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records]]
}} 


== Finding West Virginia Marriage Records  ==
== Finding West Virginia Marriage Records  ==
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*Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia  
*Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia  
*1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
*1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}


{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
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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? '''  ==


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:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1963|Before 1963]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1863|Before 1863]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_1964_to_Present|1964 to Present]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_1964 to Present|1964 to Present]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>


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*Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia
*Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia


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]]. <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]]. <br>  


For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.  
For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''  
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| <br>  
| <br>  
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]  
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]  
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' {{RecordSearch|1408729| Also on FamilySearch.org;}} dates vary by county: some start before 1853 (as early as 1780) or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website] '''Index & images.'''
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website]
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
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|-
|-
| <br>  
| <br>  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|4375852|1776-1971 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="65%" |  '''Index & images.'''
| '''Free;''' dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website]; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 3rd:''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Database - Index Only'''
|
|
|-
| <br>
| width="25%" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=west%20virginia 1674-1966 - At Findmypast.com]
| width="65%" | '''($);''' '''Index & images.'''
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 4th:''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1408729|1780-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2538 Also on Ancestry.com] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2538 free at FamilySearch centers.] Name index of West Virginia county marriage records. '''Index only.'''
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 5th:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
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|  
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708701|1854-1932 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708701|1854-1932 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Images of records available at [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= FamilySearch Centers.] '''Index only.'''
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' Index only; Images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
 
|}
|}


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|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''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|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]]  


|  
|  
|}
|}


'''Found the couple in index but not image of the marriage record?''' <br> 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.  
'''Found the index but not the image of the marriage?''' <br> Some images of 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 West Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_West_Virginia_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Kentucky Marriage Records#Finding_Kentucky_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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==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====


Some marriages with copies of digital images after 1964 are found in the following databases.  
Some marriages after 1964 are found in the following databases.  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''  
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| <br>  
| <br>  
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]  
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]  
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - also on FamilySearch.org;}} dates vary by county: some start before 1853 (as early as 1780) or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website] '''Index & images.'''
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website]
|-
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
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|-
|-
| <br>  
| <br>  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|4375852|1776-1971 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="65%" |  '''Index & images.'''
| '''Free;''' dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website]; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 3rd:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| <br>
| width="25%" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=west%20virginia 1674-1966 - At Findmypast.com]  
| width="65%" | '''($);''' '''Index & images.'''
|}
|}


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| align="left" colspan="2" | '''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|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 Certificate'''  ====
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate'''  ====


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


:*If you know the county of marriage, but not the exact date, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp county clerk].  
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx county clerk].  
:*If you don't know the county or date of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp West Virginia Department of Health State office].  
:*If you don't know the county or date of marriage but you believe it is after '''June 1958''', you can request a search for a fee from the [http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics].  
:*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.]]
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records.]]


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''  
'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''  


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp county clerk].
:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx county clerk].


''OR''  
''OR''  


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp West Virginia Department of Health State office].
:*For marriages '''AFTER JUNE&nbsp;1958''' - a copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics].


{| 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" | [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp From County of Marriage]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx From County where Marriage occurred]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp From WV Dept. of Health State office]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm After June 1958 - Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics] <br>
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
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| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| 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
|}
|}
<center>[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_West_Virginia_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
<center>[[How to Find Kentucky Marriage Records#Finding_Kentucky_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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:*[[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]]  
:*[[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]]__NOTOC__
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]


{{West Virginia|West Virginia}}
[[Category:Kentucky]]
[[Category:West_Virginia_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 17:02, 14 June 2013


How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to How To Find West Virginia Marriage Records

Finding West Virginia Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
  • Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
  • Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia
  • 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

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 1963[edit | edit source]

  • In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
  • Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
  • Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia

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

For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images

Try 1st:


1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History Free; dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website
Try 2nd:


1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org Free; dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image
West Virginia Marriage Database - Index Only
1854-1932 - At FamilySearch.org

Free; Index only; Images of records available at FamilySearch Centers - see below

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

Found the index but not the image of the marriage?
Some images of 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 1964 to Present[edit | edit source]

  • 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index[edit | edit source]

Some marriages after 1964 are found in the following databases.

West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images

Try 1st:


1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History Free; dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website
Try 2nd:


1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org Free; dates vary by county: some start before 1853 or do not go to 1970; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen)on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image
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

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]

If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:

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

  • If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
  • If you don't know the county or date of marriage but you believe it is after June 1958, you can request a search for a fee from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
  • If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records

  • A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the county clerk.

OR

To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred After June 1958 - Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use May be more expensive than ordering from the county
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

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