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


== Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records  ==
=== THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION--PLEASE WAIT TO USE THE INFORMATION ===


State wide registration of marriages in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier marriage records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns. Some '''pre-1636 marriage records''' are available in the following Findmypast collection:
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Rhode Island Marriage Records
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=rhode%20island '''United States Marriages – Rhode Island, 1522-1989'''] ($) index and some images


== Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records  ==
*1805 Rhode Island 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
*Rhode Islandmarriage 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'''. }}
<br>
{| 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" |
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== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
:'''Marriage Records'''
:Choose a time period:
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1805 to 1867]]'''
:*'''[[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]]'''
|}
<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
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<br>
== '''Marriages Before 1820'''  ==
*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]].  
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].  
Line 20: Line 56:
| '''2. Then search'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
|-
| [[Rhode Island Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
| [[Michigan Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
[[Rhode Island Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Rhode Island Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Michigan Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Michigan Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  


| [[Rhode Island Census|Census Records]]  
| [[Michigan Census|Census Records]]  
[[Rhode Island Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Rhode Island Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  
[[Michigan Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Michigan Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


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


<br>  
<br>  


{| width="90%" border="1" align="left" style="margin: 1em auto"
::
<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="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" rowspan="2" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}


== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
<br>


| width="55%" bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867''' ==
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>


:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records#Marriages_1636_to_present|Marriages 1636 to present]]'''</span>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{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>


{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| 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?'''
|  
|  
'''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records]]'''
[[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]]  


|
|}
|}


'''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"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
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== '''Marriages 1636 to present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==
 
Towns began keeping marriage records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of marriages began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.
 
For marriages that occurred in this time period try the following databases:


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island Marriages Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island&nbsp;Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1675538|1724-1916 Rhode Island Marriages- At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1452395|Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925}}  
| '''Free;''' Rhode Island, Marriages, 1724-1916: Name index to marriage records from the state of Rhode Island. '''Index only.'''
| 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.  
 
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''
|  
|  
| {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925}}
|  
|  
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.
<br>
|-
|-
|  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| width="25%" | 1522-1989 [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=rhode%20island United States Marriages- At Findmypast.com]
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| '''($);''' index and some images
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| 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.
[[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 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" |  
|width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1935767|1846-1953 Rhode Island Vital Records - At FamilySearch.org}}  
|}
| '''Free;''' Rhode Island, Vital records, 1846-1898, 1901-1953: Certificates and registers of marriages from the State Archives in Providence.
 
== '''Marriages 1926 to 1935'''<br>  ==
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island&nbsp;Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|
|  
|  
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=15395 1636-1850 Vital Records of Rhode Island, First Series, Births, Marriages and Deaths: a family register for the people]
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=15395 Free at FamilySearch centers;] [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] '''Index only.'''
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try;''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3897 1636-1899 Rhode Island, Vital Extracts]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935}}
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3897 Free at FamilySearch centers;] [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] Marriage records from Rhode Island counties, church records, newspaper, and military records. '''Index only.'''
| width="65%" |  
'''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.  
 
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try;''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4263 1851-1920 Rhode Island Marriages]  
| [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html County Clerk]  
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4263 Free at FamilySearch centers;] [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] Marriage records taken from existing copies of the original records. '''Index only.'''
| 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="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|  
|  
| [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Rhode Island Department of Health]
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact theRhode Island[http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Department of Public Health]. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Rhode Island 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.
<br>
|-
|-
| 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?'''  
| [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].
|  
|  
[[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]]
|}
'''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" |
|}
|}
<center></center>
==== '''Obtain the Record'''  ====


With the approximate marriage date and place, you can locate marriage records available through the [http://www.health.ri.gov/records/#where city or town] where the marriage occurred or from the [http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives.] <br>
== '''Marriages 1936 to Present'''  ==
 
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
 
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
 
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html county clerk].
 
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Rhode Island Department of Public Health].


{| 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.health.ri.gov/records/ From Town of the Marriage]  
| 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://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives]
| 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" | '''Pros'''  
Line 152: Line 262:
|-
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| Town websites can be more difficult to use  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| records 100 years and older have no restrictions<br>
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the Town
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
 
==== '''Record Restrictions'''  ====
 
There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a marriage that occurred 100 or more years ago. <br>
 
To obtain a record for a marriage that occurred less than 100 year ago you must be:
 
:*person named on the certificate
:*a member of his/her immediate family
:*his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
:*Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
:*person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
:*person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document
 
<br> If you do not want to order the marriage record, you can search [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records with marriage information]]. <br>
 
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
| [[Rhode Island Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
[[Rhode Island Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Rhode Island Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
 
| [[Rhode Island Census|Census Records]]
[[Rhode Island Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Rhode Island Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]
 
|}
|}
<center>[[How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>
<br>


{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Michigan marriage records:'''''}}  
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


=== Related Wiki Articles  ===
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 Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
== Wiki Articles  ==


:*[[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]]  
Line 198: Line 277:
:*[[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 Marriage Records|United States Marriage 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]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records ]]
:*[[Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Rhode Island Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]


{{Rhode Island|Rhode Island}}
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 08:52, 26 June 2013


THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION--PLEASE WAIT TO USE THE INFORMATION[edit | edit source]

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to How To Find Rhode Island Marriage Records

Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • 1805 Rhode Island 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
  • Rhode Islandmarriage 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]

| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |

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]

Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
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]

Rhode Island 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]

Rhode Island 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:
Rhode Island Department of Health If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact theRhode IslandDepartment of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Rhode Island 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.
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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.

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Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

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