How to Find Pennsylvania 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=[[Pennsylvania Vital Records|Pennsylvania Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records|How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records]]
}} 
 
*Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records '''''are not''''' sent to the state.
 


'''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records'''


{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
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{| width="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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== '''Marriages Before 1852'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1852'''  ==


*Before 1852 marriages were kept on the church level.  
*Before 1852 marriages were kept on the Church level. Some of the larger cities may have marriage registers but may be difficult to search. 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]].
*Some large cities have marriage registers, but they are often difficult to search.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images'''
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 7,542,774
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1626-2016
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania On Findmypast] ($); index and some images
| align="center" |
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1709-1940
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681011|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 476,245
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|4138689|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 688,711
|-
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1700-1821
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 78,410
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1810
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2098 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2098 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 34,873
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1790
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2097 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2097 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 15,830
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Indexes and Images'''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1677-1950
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2466357|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 1,117,101
|-
| Ancestry, Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1845-1963
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 540,342
|}
 
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].  


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
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| [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]]  
| [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]]  
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Birth_And_Death_Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Bible Records|Bible Records]]  
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|}
|}
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Finding_Pennsylvania_Marriage_Records|Go Back 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 1852 - 1854'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1852 - 1854'''  ==


'''1852-1854''' - grouped by county and record type, then arranged by certificate number, these records of marriage were kept by the Register of Wills for each county with returns sent to the Department of State. These returns are available for 47 of the 64 counties (listed below) existing at that time; however, they are not complete for each county. Digital images of the records along with a search capability are available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 www.ancestry.com]. Film copies of the marriage records can also be found at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.  
'''1852-1854''' - grouped by county and record type, then arranged by certificate number, these records of marriage were kept by the Register of Wills for each county with returns sent to the Department of State. These returns are available for 47 of the 64 counties (listed below) existing at that time; however, they are not complete for each county. Digital images of the records along with a search capability are available at [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 www.ancestry.com]. Film copies of the marriage records can also be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.  


{| width="99%" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| width="99%" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| valign="top" |  
| valign="top" |  
*[[Adams County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Adams]]
*[[Adams County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Adams]]&nbsp;
*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Allegheny]]
*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Allegheny]]&nbsp;
*[[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Armstrong]]
*[[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Armstrong]]&nbsp;
*[[Beaver County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Beaver]]
*[[Beaver County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Beaver]]&nbsp;
*[[Bedford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bedford]]
*[[Bedford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bedford]]&nbsp;
*[[Berks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Berks]]
*[[Berks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Berks]]&nbsp;
*[[Bradford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bradford]]  
*[[Bradford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bradford]]  
*[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bucks]]  
*[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bucks]]  
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*[[Chester County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Chester]]  
*[[Chester County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Chester]]  
*[[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Clearfield]]  
*[[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Clearfield]]  
*[[Columbia County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Columbia]]
*[[Columbia County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Columbia]]&nbsp;
*[[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Cumberland]]  
*[[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Cumberland]]  
*[[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Dauphin]]
*[[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Dauphin]]&nbsp;
*[[Delaware County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Delaware]]
*[[Delaware County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Delaware]]&nbsp;
*[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Franklin]]  
*[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Franklin]]  
*[[Greene County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Greene]]
*[[Greene County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Greene]]
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*[[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lancaster]]  
*[[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lancaster]]  
*[[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lawrence]]  
*[[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lawrence]]  
*[[Lehigh County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lehigh]]
*[[Lehigh County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lehigh]]&nbsp;
*[[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Luzerne]]  
*[[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Luzerne]]  
*[[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lycoming]]
*[[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lycoming]]&nbsp;
*[[McKean County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|McKean]]
*[[McKean County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|McKean]]&nbsp;
*[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mercer]]  
*[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mercer]]&nbsp;
 
<br>


| valign="top" |  
| valign="top" |  
*[[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mifflin]]
*[[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mifflin]]&nbsp;
*[[Monroe County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Monroe]]  
*[[Monroe County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Monroe]]  
*[[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Montgomery]]  
*[[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Montgomery]]  
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*[[Somerset County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Somerset]]  
*[[Somerset County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Somerset]]  
*[[Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Susquehanna]]
*[[Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Susquehanna]]
<br>


| valign="top" |  
| valign="top" |  
*[[Tioga County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Tioga]]
*[[Tioga County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Tioga]]&nbsp;
*[[Union County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Union]]  
*[[Union County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Union]]  
*[[Venango County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Venango]]  
*[[Venango County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Venango]]  
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|}
|}


==== '''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 database:
For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases.


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
|
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Indexes and Images'''  
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 1852-1854, Pennsylvania, Marriages at Ancestry.com]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|
|
| width="65%" | '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
|
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1626-2016
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania On Findmypast] ($); index and some images
|  
| align="center" |  
|  
|-
|  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1677-1950
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2466357|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 1,117,101
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|4138689|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 688,711
|  
|  
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1845-1963
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Free using Ancestryinstitution<br>at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 540,342
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1852-1854
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 Free using Ancestryinstitution<br>at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|  
| align="center" | 9,368
|}
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the index?'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|  
|
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching indexes]]  
|
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|
|
| [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|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|Search other records]] with marriage information.
|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.
 
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:  
 
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:


'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
 
::*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 Family Search Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Next_Step:When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
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== '''Marriages 1855 - 1884'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1855 - 1884'''  ==


State and county marriage records do not exist for this time period. To locate marriage records during these years, start with church records. Some large cities have marriage registers, but they are often difficult to search. Some marriage records for this period are available on the following Findmypast collection:
State and county marriage records do not exist for this time period. To locate marriage records for this time period church records should be searched. Some of the larger cities have records for this time period but are complete.  
*'''1626-2016''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania United States Marriages – Pennsylvania, 1626-2016] at Findmypast($); index and some images
*'''1512-1989''' {{RecordSearch|4138689|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
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| '''2. Then search'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
|-
| [[Pennsylvania Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
| [[Michigan Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
[[Pennsylvania Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Michigan Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Michigan Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  


| [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]]  
| [[Michigan Census|Census Records]]  
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records#Birth_And_Death_Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Bible Records|Bible Records]]  
[[Michigan Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Michigan Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|}
|}
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Finding_Pennsylvania_Marriage_Records|Go Back 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 1885 - Present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1885 - Present'''<br> ==


*Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records '''''are not''''' sent to the state.
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Pennsylvania Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| width="10%" | ''Try:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1885-1889
| width="25%" | '''1885-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania, County Marriages}}
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="65%" |  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
'''Free;''' most counties do not include records to 1950: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.
| align="center" | 37,562
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926).  
 
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950
| width="25%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1589502|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926).
|  
| align="center" | 2,246,248
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Philadelphia Marriage Index, 1885-1951
| width="25%" | '''1885-1889'''[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 <br>Pennsylvania, Marriages at Ancestry.com]
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1388247|On FamilySearch}}; free  
| width="65%" | '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
| align="center" | 1,830,468
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|4138689|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 688,711
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1626-2016
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania On Findmypast] ($); index and some images
|  
| align="center" |  
|  
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Indexes and Images'''
| [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_certificates/14121/birth_and_death_events_prior_to_1906/608673 County Clerk]
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_certificates/14121/birth_and_death_events_prior_to_1906/608673 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="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1677-1950
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|2466357|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| align="center" | 1,117,101
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1845-1963
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|  
| align="center" | 540,342
|  
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Pennsylvania. U.S., Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
| width="25%" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| width="35%" align="center" |[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61894 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
| width="35%" align="center" |[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61324 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
|  
| align="center" |
|  
|}
|  
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' 
| width="25%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| [[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
|-
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information. 


|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm'''<br>Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
 
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:
 
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Pennsylvania marriage records:''''' Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Always order from the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/marriage_and_divorce_certificates/14126 county] where the marriage occurred.}}
 
<br> '''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.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/marriage_and_divorce_certificates/14126 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.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_certificates/14121/birth_and_death_events_prior_to_1906/608673 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 Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Finding_Pennsylvania_Marriage_Records|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
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== Ordering Marriage Records  ==
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Pennsylvania marriage records:'''''}}
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Always order from the [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_certificates/14121/birth_and_death_events_prior_to_1906/608673 county] where the marriage occurred.
<center>[[How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records#Finding_Pennsylvania_Marriage_Records|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==


:*[[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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:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
__NOTOC__
:*[[Pennsylvania County Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Known_Issues_with_This_Collection|Pennsylvania Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records) Known Issues]]


{{Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania}}
[[Category:Pennsylvania_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 13:19, 5 July 2013


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

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 1852[edit | edit source]

  • Before 1852 marriages were kept on the Church level. Some of the larger cities may have marriage registers but may be difficult to search. 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

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1852 - 1854[edit | edit source]

1852-1854 - grouped by county and record type, then arranged by certificate number, these records of marriage were kept by the Register of Wills for each county with returns sent to the Department of State. These returns are available for 47 of the 64 counties (listed below) existing at that time; however, they are not complete for each county. Digital images of the records along with a search capability are available at www.ancestry.com. Film copies of the marriage records can also be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.



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.

Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
1852-1854, Pennsylvania, Marriages at Ancestry.com $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
Can't find your ancestor in the index? Tips for searching indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor? 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 top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1855 - 1884[edit | edit source]

State and county marriage records do not exist for this time period. To locate marriage records for this time period church records should be searched. Some of the larger cities have records for this time period but are complete.

1. Look first in 2. Then search
Church Records

Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries

Census Records

Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1885 - Present
[edit | edit source]

Pennsylvania Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES
Try:
1885-1950 Pennsylvania, County Marriages

Free; most counties do not include records to 1950: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926).

Try 2nd:
1885-1889
Pennsylvania, Marriages at Ancestry.com 		$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
Try 3rd:
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.
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.
Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Ordering Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

Tip: When ordering Pennsylvania marriage records:

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Always order from the county where the marriage occurred.

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

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