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


== Finding Delaware Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Delaware Marriage Records  ==


State registration of marriages began in 1847 and was generally complied with by 1913. The FamilySearch Library has microfilm copies of the marriage bonds for 1744-1836 and 1855-1861, and licenses for 1889-1894.  
State registration of marriages began in 1847 and was generally complied with by 1913. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the marriage bonds for 1744-1836 and 1855-1861, and licenses for 1889-1894.  


Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the FamilySearch Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.  
Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.  


Marriages of Delaware residents may also be recorded in adjoining states, such as [[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records|Pennsylvania]] and [[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records|Maryland]].  
Marriages of Delaware residents may also be recorded in adjoining states, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland.  


{{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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{| width="90%" border="1" align="left" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="90%" border="1" align="left" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
! width="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" rowspan="2" |  
! width="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" rowspan="2" scope="col" |  
== '''Next Step:<br>When did the marriage occur?'''  ==
== '''Next Step:<br>When did the marriage occur?'''  ==


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:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span><br>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span><br>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1847|Before 1847]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1847|Before 1847]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Marriages_1847_to_Present|1847-Present]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Marriages_1881-Present|1847-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 1847'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1847'''  ==


Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the [http://archives.delaware.gov/help.shtml Delaware Public Archives]. These early county marriage records are not available at the FamilySearch Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.  
Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.  


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Delaware Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''
| width="10%" | ''Try:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" |
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1676-1976
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=delaware On Findmypast] ($)
| width="25%" | '''1713-1953''' {{RecordSearch|1674782|Delaware Marriages Records}}
| width="15%" align="center" |
| width="65%" |  
'''Free''': name index only. There are no images currently online for this database.  
 
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1744-1912
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1750-1954
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61368 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="25%" | '''1744-1912'''[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 <br>Delaware Marriages Records at Ancestry.com]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61368 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="65%" | '''$,''' [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 through your local public library for free
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1806-1933
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1673 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1673 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|  
| align="center" |
|}
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| '''Delaware Public Archives'''  
| width="15%" align="center" |  
| If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the [[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Ordering_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Delaware Public Archives.]]
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1713-1953
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674782|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" |
|  
|}
 
{| 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. [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|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.
 
'''Delaware Public Archives''' If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the:  


:*[http://smu.archives.delaware.gov/cgi-bin/mail.php?contact_form Delaware Public Archives]<br>121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North<br>Dover, DE 19901
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm'''<br>Some 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.
 
::*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.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*Some microfilms may be available 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 Delaware Marriage Records#Finding_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Finding_Delaware_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"
Line 120: Line 101:
== '''Marriages 1847 to Present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1847 to Present'''  ==


*State registration of marriages began in 1847
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
|-
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Delaware Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
 
|
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| width="10%" | ''Try:''
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''  
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="25%" | '''1713-1953''' {{RecordSearch|1674782|Delaware Marriages Records}}
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| width="65%" |  
'''Free''': name index only. There are no images currently online for this database.
 
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1676-1976
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=delaware On Findmypast] ($)
| width="15%" align="center" |
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1744-1912
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="10%" | '''1913-1954''' {{RecordSearch|1609795| Delaware, County Marriages}}
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| width="65%" |  
| align="center" | 203,346
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.  
 
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1750-1954
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61368 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61368 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1806-1933
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1673 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="25%" | '''1744-1912'''[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1508 <br>Delaware Marriages Records at Ancestry.com]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1673 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="65%" | '''$,''' [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 through your local public library for free
| align="center" | 296,986
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1913-1954
| width="10%" | ''Try 4th:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1609795|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 112,894
|}
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
|  
| '''Archives or Vital Statistics'''
| If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the [[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Ordering_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Delaware Public Archives]] or the [[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Ordering_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Office of Vital Statistics.]]
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1713-1953
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674782|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 9,540
[[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]]
 
|  
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
'''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 Delaware Marriage Records#Finding_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|-
| 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.
 
|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
== '''Ordering Delaware Marriage Records'''  ==


Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.  
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.  
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You can obtain marriage records for the most recent 40 years old by writing to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. For marriages recorded more than 40 years ago, contact the Delaware Public Archives.<br>  
You can obtain marriage records for the most recent 40 years old by writing to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. For marriages recorded more than 40 years ago, contact the Delaware Public Archives.<br>  


For records '''recent to 40 years old''' there are three offices which can be contacted:<br>  
For records '''recent to 40 years old''' there are three officies which can be contacted:<br>  


:*[http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/files/marriage.pdf Jesse S. Cooper Bldg.]<br>417 Federal Street<br>Dover, DE 19901<br>Phone: (302) 744-4549<br><br>  
:*[http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/files/marriage.pdf Jesse S. Cooper Bldg.]<br>417 Federal Street<br>Dover, DE 19901<br>Phone: (302) 744-4549<br><br>  
Line 195: Line 173:


:*[http://smu.archives.delaware.gov/cgi-bin/mail.php?contact_form Delaware Public Archives]<br>121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North<br>Dover, DE 19901
:*[http://smu.archives.delaware.gov/cgi-bin/mail.php?contact_form Delaware Public Archives]<br>121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North<br>Dover, DE 19901
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some 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.
::*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 Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Finding_Delaware_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Delaware Marriage Records#Finding_Delaware_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  ==


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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]]  
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|}
|}


__NOTOC__ [[Category:Delaware Vital Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:Delaware]]

Revision as of 14:47, 18 June 2013


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

Finding Delaware Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

State registration of marriages began in 1847 and was generally complied with by 1913. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the marriage bonds for 1744-1836 and 1855-1861, and licenses for 1889-1894.

Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.

Marriages of Delaware residents may also be recorded in adjoining states, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland.

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]

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 1847[edit | edit source]

Delaware counties began keeping marriage records as early as 1832. These records have been transferred from the counties to the Delaware Public Archives. These early county marriage records are not available at the Family History Library; however, the library has records of some pre-1847 marriage bonds.

Delaware Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES
Try:
1713-1953 Delaware Marriages Records

Free: name index only. There are no images currently online for this database.

Try 2nd:
1744-1912
Delaware Marriages Records at Ancestry.com 		$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
Try 3rd:
Delaware Public Archives If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the Delaware Public Archives.
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 1847 to Present[edit | edit source]

Delaware Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
1713-1953 Delaware Marriages Records

Free: name index only. There are no images currently online for this database.

Try 2nd:
1913-1954 Delaware, County Marriages

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Try 3rd:
1744-1912
Delaware Marriages Records at Ancestry.com 		$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
Try 4th:
Archives or Vital Statistics If you do not find your ancestor in the above records you may order a marriage record from the Delaware Public Archives or the Office of Vital Statistics.
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

Ordering Delaware Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

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

You can obtain marriage records for the most recent 40 years old by writing to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. For marriages recorded more than 40 years ago, contact the Delaware Public Archives.

For records recent to 40 years old there are three officies which can be contacted:

For records 40 years and older:

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Find_Delaware_Marriage_Records&oldid=1374827"