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]]
'''[[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'''
| 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.  
*Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.  
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records '''''are not''''' sent to the state.
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records '''''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" 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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{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images'''
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes'''
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
Line 53: Line 47:
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985  
| 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.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 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 7,542,774
| align="center" | 7,542,774
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1626-2016
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania On Findmypast] ($); index and some images
| align="center" |
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1709-1940  
| width="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
|-
|-
| 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  
| 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.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.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2098 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| 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.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2097 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| 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
|-
| 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
|}
|}


Line 110: Line 82:


| [[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]]  


|}
|}
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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.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]]&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;


| 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]]  
Line 174: Line 146:


| 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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| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Indexes and Images'''  
| 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
|-
| 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  
| 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.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 178:
|-
|-
| '''''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?'''  
Line 231: Line 186:
|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
==== '''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 192:
:*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 [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.  
'''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.  


::*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 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|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 250: Line 205:
== '''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 during these years, start with church records. Some large cities have marriage registers, but they are often difficult to search.  
*'''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"
Line 263: Line 216:


| [[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]]  


|}
|}
Line 275: Line 228:


*Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.  
*Pennsylvania counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.  
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records '''''are not''''' sent to the state.
*In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records&nbsp;'''''are not''''' sent to the state.


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
Line 288: Line 241:
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1885-1889  
| Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1885-1889  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2489 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 37,562
| align="center" | 37,562
Line 294: Line 247:
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1885-1950  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1589502|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926).  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1589502|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; '''does not''' include the following counties: Centre, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Pike, Union counties, Lackawanna (before 1926).  
| align="center" | 2,246,248
| align="center" | 2,221,287
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Philadelphia Marriage Index, 1885-1951  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Philadelphia Marriage Index, 1885-1951  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1388247|On FamilySearch}}; free  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1388247|On FamilySearch}}; free  
| align="center" | 1,830,468
| align="center" | 1,830,468
|}
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''&nbsp;  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|4138689|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
| align="center" | 688,711
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1626-2016
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''&nbsp;
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=pennsylvania On Findmypast] ($); index and some images
| &nbsp;
| align="center" |
[[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.&nbsp;
|-
| 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
|-
|Ancestry, Pennsylvania. U.S., Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
| width="35%" align="center" |[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61894 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" |
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' 
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Pennsylvania Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|  
|
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?''' 
| [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.
[[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'''  ====
==== '''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:  


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


<br> '''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''  
<br> {{Tip|'''''When ordering Pennsylvania marriage records:'''''}}


:*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].
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.  
:*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'''
<br> '''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.


:*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].
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
 
''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.  
::*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.
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== 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 14:31, 5 July 2013


How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to 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.
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 large cities have marriage registers, but they are often 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

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.

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.
Search 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:

  • 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.
Go Back to the 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 during these years, start with church records. Some large cities have marriage registers, but they are often difficult to search.

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 counties have continuously recorded marriages since 1885.
  • In Pennsylvania, copies of marriage records are not sent to the state.

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

Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name-Index Only Link or links to access database # of records
Ancestry, Marriage Records, 1885-1889 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 37,562
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). 2,221,287
FamilySearch, Philadelphia Marriage Index, 1885-1951 On FamilySearch; free 1,830,468
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. 

Pennsylvania Marriage Database - Includes INDEX WITH DIGITAL IMAGES
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.

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:


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.


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
Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

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