How to Find Texas Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
m (Text replacement - "ancestryinstitution" to "ancestry")
No edit summary
(49 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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  ==
Line 17: Line 13:
{| 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? '''  ==


Line 44: Line 40:
{| 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" |   '''Records that give marriage information:'''
|-
|-
| width="35%" |  
| width="35%" |  
Line 56: Line 52:
|}
|}


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"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Index'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Texas Marriage Databases - Index Only'''  
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| align="left" colspan="3" | At FamilySearch Centers/Libraries:
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1802-2010
|  
| 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://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com]
| width="15%" align="center" |
| Ancestry Library edition - '''free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]; Index only - images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1824-2014
| align="left" colspan="3" | Use Your Ancestry Subscription:
| 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="10%" | <br>
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| Ancestry subscription - '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Index only - images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
| align="center" | 2,083,033
|}
|}


Line 98: Line 92:
|}
|}


==== '''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''
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
 
:*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.  
::*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"
|-
|-
Line 130: Line 107:
*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'''  ====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
Line 141: Line 116:
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1802-2010
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1977
| 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="15%" align="center" |
|-
| width="30%" | Ancestry, 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="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 2,083,033
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1965
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803985|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803985|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| align="center" | 187,126
| align="center" | 187,126
|-
| width="30%" | Ancestry, Texas, Select County Marriage Records, 1837-2015
| 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
|}
|}


Line 168: Line 129:
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1824-2014
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1814-1909 and 1966-2002
| 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.ancestryinstitution.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]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1169 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 12,788,808
| align="center" | 12,788,808
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1973  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1973  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681052|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681052|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 2,099,675
| align="center" | 2,099,675
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1977  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1977  
| 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="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1803987|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 365,805
| align="center" | 365,805
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1966-2010  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1966-2010  
| 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] $
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2031191|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 7,606,159
| align="center" | 7,606,159
|-
|-
| width="30%" | VitalSearch, Marriage Index, 1967-2011  
| width="30%" | VitalSearch, Marriage Index, 1967-2011  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/tx/tx_/txmarrim-go.htm $, On VitalSearch]  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/tx/tx_/txmarrim-go.htm On VitalSearch]; '''($)'''
| align="center" | Undisclosed
| align="center" | Not disclosed
|}
|}


Line 193: Line 154:
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| 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.  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|Search other records]] with marriage information.
 
|}
 
For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Texas Marriage Databases - Index Only'''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | At FamilySearch Centers/Libraries:
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com]
| Ancestry Library edition - '''free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]; Index only - images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | Use Your Ancestry Subscription:
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8795 1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com]
| Ancestry subscription - '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Index only - images of records available at [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Centers] - see below
|}
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| 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>
|-
| <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="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| <br>
| {{RecordSearch&#124;1408729&#124;1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| '''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
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Marriage Database - Index Only'''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch&#124;1708701&#124;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="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]]
|
|-
| 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"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}
==== '''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"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''West Virginia Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| width="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 1st:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| <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="10%" align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| <br>
| {{RecordSearch&#124;1408729&#124;1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| '''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"
|-
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br>[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
|
|}
|}


Line 207: Line 294:
'''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 337:
:*[[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 344:
:*[[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 11:41, 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-1837 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 1837[edit | edit source]

  • 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.

  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.

Texas Marriage Databases - Index Only

At FamilySearch Centers/Libraries:
1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com Ancestry Library edition - free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center; Index only - images of records available at FamilySearch Centers - see below
Use Your Ancestry Subscription:

1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com Ancestry subscription - $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; 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 1837 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
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name - Index and Image Link or links to access database # of records
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1977 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 187,126
If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:
Database Name-Index Only Link or links to access database # of records
Ancestry, Marriages, 1814-1909 and 1966-2002 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 12,788,808
FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1973 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 2,099,675
FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1837-1977 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 365,805
FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1966-2010 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 7,606,159
VitalSearch, Marriage Index, 1967-2011 On VitalSearch; ($) Not disclosed
Can't access Ancestry? Visit your local Family History Center or your local public library.
No marriage record for your ancestor?

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

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

Texas Marriage Databases - Index Only

At FamilySearch Centers/Libraries:
1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com Ancestry Library edition - free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center; Index only - images of records available at FamilySearch Centers - see below
Use Your Ancestry Subscription:

1814-1909 and 1966-2002 at Ancestry.com Ancestry subscription - $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Index only - images of records available at FamilySearch Centers - see below
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:


{{RecordSearch|1408729|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
{{RecordSearch|1708701|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:


{{RecordSearch|1408729|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]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Find_Texas_Marriage_Records&oldid=1389178"