How to Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records: Difference between revisions
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'''[[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''' | |||
Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885. In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage certificates '''are not''' 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'''. }} | {{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" | {| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" | ! 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 41: | Line 34: | ||
== '''Marriages Before 1852''' == | == '''Marriages Before 1852''' == | ||
Before 1852 marriages were kept on the Church level. Some of the larger cities may have marriage registers but may be difficult to search. | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1" | {| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes | | colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only ''' | | width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only ''' | ||
| Line 53: | Line 45: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 | | Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.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] | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | 7,542,774 | | align="center" | 7,542,774 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1709-1940 | | width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1709-1940 | ||
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681011|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | | width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1681011|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | ||
| align="center" | 476,245 | | align="center" | 476,245 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1700-1821 | | Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1700-1821 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.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] | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | 78,410 | | align="center" | 78,410 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1810 | | Ancestry, Marriages, To 1810 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.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] | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2098 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | 34,873 | | align="center" | 34,873 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1790 | | Ancestry, Marriages, To 1790 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.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] | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2097 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | 15,830 | | align="center" | 15,830 | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 110: | Line 80: | ||
| [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]] | | [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]] | ||
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records | [[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Bible Records|Bible Records]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
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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 | '''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 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]] | ||
*[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Allegheny]] | *[[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Allegheny]] | ||
*[[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Armstrong]] | *[[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Armstrong]] | ||
*[[Beaver County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Beaver]] | *[[Beaver County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Beaver]] | ||
*[[Bedford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bedford]] | *[[Bedford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bedford]] | ||
*[[Berks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Berks]] | *[[Berks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Berks]] | ||
*[[Bradford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bradford]] | *[[Bradford County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bradford]] | ||
*[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bucks]] | *[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Bucks]] | ||
| Line 142: | Line 112: | ||
*[[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]] | ||
*[[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Cumberland]] | *[[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Cumberland]] | ||
*[[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Dauphin]] | *[[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Dauphin]] | ||
*[[Delaware County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Delaware]] | *[[Delaware County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Delaware]] | ||
*[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Franklin]] | *[[Franklin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Franklin]] | ||
*[[Greene County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Greene]] | *[[Greene County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Greene]] | ||
| Line 155: | Line 125: | ||
*[[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]] | ||
*[[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Luzerne]] | *[[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Luzerne]] | ||
*[[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lycoming]] | *[[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Lycoming]] | ||
*[[McKean County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|McKean]] | *[[McKean County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|McKean]] | ||
*[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mercer]] | *[[Mercer County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mercer]] | ||
| valign="top" | | | valign="top" | | ||
*[[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mifflin]] | *[[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Mifflin]] | ||
*[[Monroe County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Monroe]] | *[[Monroe County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Monroe]] | ||
*[[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Montgomery]] | *[[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Montgomery]] | ||
| Line 174: | Line 144: | ||
| valign="top" | | | valign="top" | | ||
*[[Tioga County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Tioga]] | *[[Tioga County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Tioga]] | ||
*[[Union County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Union]] | *[[Union County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Union]] | ||
*[[Venango County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Venango]] | *[[Venango County, Pennsylvania#Vital_Records|Venango]] | ||
| Line 193: | Line 163: | ||
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images ''' | | colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images ''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - | | width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image''' | ||
| 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, Marriages, 1852-1854 | | Ancestry, Marriages, 1852-1854 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.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] | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2486 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | 9,368 | | align="center" | 9,368 | ||
| Line 223: | Line 176: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' | | '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' | ||
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org | | 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?''' | ||
| Line 231: | Line 184: | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the | ==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate''' ==== | ||
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below: | If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below: | ||
| Line 237: | Line 190: | ||
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center: | :*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 [ | '''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 [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available. | ||
::*Search the [ | ::*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. | ||
::* | ::*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| | <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" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 250: | Line 203: | ||
== '''Marriages 1855 - 1884''' == | == '''Marriages 1855 - 1884''' == | ||
State and county marriage records do not exist for this time period. To locate marriage records | State and county marriage records do not exist for this time period. To locate marriage records for this time period start with church records. Some of the larger cities have records for this time period but are incomplete. | ||
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | {| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | ||
| Line 263: | Line 214: | ||
| [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]] | | [[Pennsylvania Census|Census Records]] | ||
[[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records | [[Pennsylvania Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Pennsylvania Bible Records|Bible Records]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 272: | Line 223: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== '''Marriages 1885 - Present''' == | == '''Marriages 1885 - Present'''<br> == | ||
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index''' ==== | ==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index''' ==== | ||
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{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1" | {| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes | | colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only ''' | | width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only ''' | ||
| Line 287: | Line 235: | ||
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records | | width="15%" align="center" | # of records | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, | | Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search. | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers] | ||
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid= | | width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
| align="center" | | | align="center" | 7,542,774 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950 | | width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950 | ||
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1589502|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926). | | width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1589502|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926). | ||
| align="center" | | | align="center" | 476,245 | ||
|} | |||
<br> | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | align="left" colspan="3" | '''Pennsylvania Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES''' | ||
| | |||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | width="10%" | ''Try:'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | '''1885-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1589502|Pennsylvania, County Marriages}} | ||
| width=" | | width="65%" | | ||
| | '''Free;''' most counties do not include records to 1950: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. | ||
'''Does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926). | |||
|- | |||
| width="25%" | ''Try 2nd:'' | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | '''1885-1889'''[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 <br>Pennsylvania, Marriages at Ancestry.com] | ||
| width=" | | width="65%" | '''$,''' [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=" | | | ||
| | |- | ||
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:'' | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/birth_certificates/14121/birth_and_death_events_prior_to_1906/608673 County Clerk] | |||
| 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="25%" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?''' | ||
| | | [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]] | ||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | '''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. | ||
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. | [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm'''<br>Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [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. | ::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk. | ||
::* | ::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center. | ||
<center>[[How to Find 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|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" | ||
| Line 368: | Line 307: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== 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#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center> | |||
== Wiki Articles == | == Wiki Articles == | ||
:*[[United States Record | :*[[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 376: | Line 321: | ||
:*[[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]] | ||
:*[[Pennsylvania County Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Known_Issues_with_This_Collection|Pennsylvania Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records) Known Issues]] | |||
[[Category:Pennsylvania_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]] | |||
[[Category:Pennsylvania_Vital_Records]] [[Category: | |||
Revision as of 13:14, 5 July 2013
How To Find U.S. Marriage Records 
How To Find Pennsylvania Marriage Records
Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885. In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage certificates are not 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] |
| |
|---|---|---|
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.
| Marriage Indexes | |||
| Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 7,542,774 |
| FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1709-1940 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 476,245 | |
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1700-1821 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 78,410 |
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1810 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 34,873 |
| Ancestry, Marriages, To 1790 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 15,830 |
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.
| 1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
| Church Records |
Census Records |
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.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index[edit | edit source]
For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following database:
| Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
| Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1852-1854 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers |
$, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 9,368 |
| 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. |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]
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
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.
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 start with church records. Some of the larger cities have records for this time period but are incomplete.
| 1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
| Church Records |
Census Records |
Marriages 1885 - Present
[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index[edit | edit source]
| Marriage Indexes | |||
| Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 7,542,774 |
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950 | 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). | 476,245 | |
| 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. | |||
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.
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.