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


== Finding Texas Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Texas Marriage Records  ==


*Pre-1837 marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church  
*Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church  
*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county  
*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county  
*In Texas, duplicate copies '''''are not''''' sent to the Department of State Health Services
*In Texas, duplicate copies '''''are not''''' sent to the Department of State Health Services
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{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
! 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 Texas Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1837|Before 1837]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Texas Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1845|Before 1845]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Texas Marriage Records#Marriages_1837_to_Present|1837 to Present]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Texas Marriage Records#Marriages_1845_to_Present|1845 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 1837'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1845'''  ==


*Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
*Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church


Before 1837, no marriages were recorded by the county or state. First, check marriages recorded by the Catholic Church. If your ancestor does not appear in Catholic records, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.  
Before 1845, no marriages were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.  


{| width="70%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto;"
{| width="70%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto;"
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" |   '''Records that give marriage information:'''
| align="center" colspan="3" | &nbsp; '''Records that give marriage information:'''
|-
|-
| width="35%" |  
| width="35%" |  
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|}
|}


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


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index''' ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
|-
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Index'''
| <br>
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]
| 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="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| <br>
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1802-2010
| <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=texas On Findmypast] ($) index and some images
| {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="15%" align="center" |
| '''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
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1824-2014
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Database - Index Only'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|  
| align="center" | 12,788,808
|-
|-
| Texas, County Marriages, 1817-1965
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708701|1854-1932 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="65%" |  
| align="center" | 2,083,033
'''Free;''' Index only; Images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
 
|}
|}


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==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
'''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.  
 
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 [http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm county clerk].
:*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'''
 
:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm county clerk].
 
''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.  


::*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 microfilm 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 FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Texas Marriage Records#Finding_Texas_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_Texas_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 1837 to Present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1964 to Present'''  ==


*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county  
*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county  
*In Texas, duplicate copies '''''are not''''' sent to the Department of State Health Services
*In Texas, duplicate copies '''''are not''''' sent to the Department of State Health Services


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
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.


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| <br>
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1802-2010
| <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=texas On Findmypast] ($) index and some images
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]  
| width="15%" align="center" |  
| 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="30%" | Ancestry, Texas, County Marriages, 1817-1965
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| <br>
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| <br>
| align="center" | 2,083,033
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1965
| <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803985|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| align="center" | 187,126
| '''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="30%" | Ancestry, Texas, Select County Marriage Records, 1837-2015
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Database - Index Only'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9168 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9168 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
|
| align="center" | Undisclosed
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708701|1854-1932 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' Index only; Images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
 
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, 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. <br>[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|
|}
 
'''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 [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 FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_Texas_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|}
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index''' ====
 
Some marriages with copies of digital images after 1964 are found in the following databases.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1824-2014
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| <br>
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| <br>
| align="center" | 12,788,808
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1973
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681052|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| <br>
| align="center" | 2,099,675
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1977
| <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803987|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years. Also on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60183 Ancestry] $ [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60183 free at FamilySearch centers]  
| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_mcsearch.aspx 1853-1970 - At West Virginia Division of Culture and History]
| align="center" | 365,805
| 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="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1966-2010
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2031191|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years. Also on [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10069/texas-marriages-divorces?s=218489221 MyHeritage] $
| <br>
| align="center" | 7,606,159
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="30%" | VitalSearch, Marriage Index, 1967-2011
| <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/tx/tx_/txmarrim-go.htm $, On VitalSearch]  
| {{RecordSearch|1408729|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| align="center" | Undisclosed
| '''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="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
|  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| [[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. <br>[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


|
|}
|}


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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, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm county clerk].  
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp 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 date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|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.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm county clerk].
:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp county clerk].


''OR''  
''OR''  


:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:
:*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].


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.
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
 
|-
::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
|-
::*Some microfilm may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/CountyClerkList.asp From County of Marriage]
<center>[[How to Find Texas Marriage Records#Finding_Texas_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp From WV Dept. of Health State office]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
<center>[[How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_Texas_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"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm


== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==
Line 235: Line 272:
:*[[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 242: Line 279:
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]


{{Texas|Texas}}__NOTOC__
[[Category:Texas_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
 
[[Category:Texas_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 12:07, 1 July 2013


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

Finding Texas Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
  • Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
  • In Texas, duplicate copies are not sent to the Department of State Health Services
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 1845[edit | edit source]

  • Pre-statehood marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church

Before 1845, no marriages were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.

  Records that give marriage information:
Newspapers
Bible Records
Church Records
Military Records

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

West Virginia Marriage 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 FamilySearch Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1964 to Present[edit | edit source]

  • Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
  • In Texas, duplicate copies are not sent to the Department of State Health Services

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 Marriage 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 FamilySearch Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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

Some marriages with copies of digital images 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

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 county clerk.

OR

To Order Marriage Certificates
From County of Marriage From WV 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
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/field/localremotedistrict.shtm

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

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