How to Find Alabama 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=[[Alabama Birth, Marriage, and Death Records|Alabama Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Alabama Marriage Records|How to Find Alabama Marriage Records]]
}} __NOTOC__


== Finding Alabama Marriage Records ==
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Alabama Marriage Records  


== Finding Alabama Marriage Records  ==


*Colonial marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
*Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county  
*Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county  
*1936 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
*1936 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
Line 38: Line 34:
== '''Marriages Before 1936'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1936'''  ==


*Colonial marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
*Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county<br>
*Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county<br>
{| width="100%"  cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| Alabama Marriage Database(s)
|-
|
|}
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]].
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| Ancestry, Alabama, County Marriages, 1805-1967
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61365 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61365 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 5,117,756
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages – Alabama, 1733-2013
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | On [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=alabama Findmypast.com] ($)
| align="center" | 8,200,239
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1743384|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1743384|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| align="center" | 566,839
| align="center" | 566,839
|-
| width="30%" | Alabama County Marriages, 1818-1936
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2534485|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 80,469
|}
|}


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|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1800-1969  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1800-1969  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 2,404,100
| align="center" | 2,404,100
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|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1809-1920  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1809-1920  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4192 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4192 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4192 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4192 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 298,298
| align="center" | 298,298
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1784-1920  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1784-1920  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1898 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1898 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1898 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1898 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 99,354
| align="center" | 99,354
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, to 1825  
| Ancestry, Marriages, to 1825  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2080 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2080 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2080 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2080 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 12,255
| align="center" | 12,255
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|-
|-
| '''''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?'''  
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|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
'''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 databases above, 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 probate court ([http://www.google.com Google] for the name of the county + probate court).  
:*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 probate court ([http://www.google.com Google] for the name of the county + probate court).


''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 microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Alabama Marriage Records#Finding_Alabama_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Alabama Marriage Records#Finding_Alabama_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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| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| Ancestry, Alabama, County Marriages, 1805-1967
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61365 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61365 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 5,117,756
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages – Alabama, 1733-2013
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | On [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=alabama Findmypast.com] ($)
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1743384|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1743384|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| align="center" | 566,839
| align="center" | 566,839
|-
| width="30%" | Alabama County Marriages, 1818-1936
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2534485|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 80,469
|}
|}


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|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1800-1969  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1800-1969  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7838 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 2,404,100
| align="center" | 2,404,100
Line 211: Line 153:
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674672|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674672|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years  
| align="center" | 1,516,339
| align="center" | 1,516,339
|}
|}  


==== '''Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
==== '''Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
Line 217: Line 159:
'''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 probate court ([http://www.google.com Google] for the name of the county + probate court).  
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.laclerksofcourt.org/clerksofcourt.htm county clerk].  
:*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 probate court ([http://www.google.com Google] for the name of the county + probate court).
:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.laclerksofcourt.org/clerksofcourt.htm county clerk].


''OR''  
''OR''  


:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.adph.org/vitalrecords/?id=1562 Alabama Department of Public Health].
:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/louisiana/louisiana-vital-records VitalChek].


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
Line 232: Line 174:
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | county probate court
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.laclerksofcourt.org/clerksofcourt.htm From County of Marriage]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.adph.org/vitalrecords/?id=1562 From AL Dept. of Public Health]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/louisiana/louisiana-vital-records From VitalChek]
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
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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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:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]


*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60000 Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957] ($)
[[Category:Alabama_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
 
[[Category:Alabama_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 10:57, 3 July 2013


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

Finding Alabama Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • Colonial marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
  • Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county
  • 1936 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
Tip: More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.

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 1936[edit | edit source]

  • Colonial marriages were recorded by the Catholic Church
  • Marriages are kept by the probate court for each county and usually begin in 1799 or at the creation of the county
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name - Index and Image Link or links to access database # of records
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 566,839
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, 1800-1969 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 2,404,100
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1816-1957 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 1,516,339
Ancestry, Marriages, 1809-1920 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 298,298
Ancestry, Marriages, 1784-1920 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 99,354
Ancestry, Marriages, to 1825 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 12,255
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.

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 1936 to Present[edit | edit source]

  • 1936 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name - Index and Image Link or links to access database # of records
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1809-1950 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 566,839
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, 1800-1969 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 2,404,100
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1816-1957 On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years 1,516,339

Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]

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

  • If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
  • If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

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

  • Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the county clerk.

OR

  • Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the VitalChek.
To Order Marriage Certificates
From County of Marriage From VitalChek
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use
May be more expensive than ordering from the county
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

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