How to Find California Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find United States Marriages]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] '''California Marriages'''''<br> __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=[[California Vital Records|California Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find California Marriage Records|How to Find California Marriage Records]]
}}


*Marriage records began at the creation of the individual county
Statewide registration of deaths began in 1905 with general compliance by 1920.
*County clerks began sending copies to the state in 1905


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! width="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" rowspan="2" scope="col" |  
<span style="font-weight:bolder; line-height:1.3; font-size: 1.5rem; font-family:Museo, Helvetica, Verdana, serif; text-decoration:underline; margin-left:15px;">Next Step: When did the marriage occur?</span>
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


| width="55%" bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
| width="55%" bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
<div style="font-size:120%; padding-left:1.6em; padding-right:0; overflow:hidden;">'''Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:'''</div>
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:'''</span><br>
<ul style="padding-left:3.2em;">
 
<li style="font-size:120%;">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_before_1905|Before 1905]]'''</li>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_before_1905|Marriages before 1905]]'''</span>  
<li style="font-size:120%;">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_between_1905_and_1952|1905 thru 1952]]'''</li>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_between_1905_and_1952|Marriages between 1905 and 1952]]'''</span>  
<li style="font-size:120%;">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_after_1952|After 1952]]'''</li>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Marriages_after_1952|Marriages after 1952]]''' </span>  
<li style="font-size:120%;">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</li>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
</ul>


|}
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== '''Marriages before 1905'''  ==
== '''Marriages before 1905'''  ==


Marriage records began at the creation of the individual county. The first official law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850.  
Marriage records began at the creation of the individual county. The first official law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850.


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''California Marriage Database - Includes Index and Images'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''California Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only'''
|-
|
| [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=california 1667-2007 At Findmypast.com]
| '''($)'''
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''California Marriage Databases - Includes Index Only'''
|-
|-
| ''Try 1st:''  
| ''Try 1st:''  
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|-
|-
|  
|  
| {{RecordSearch|1804002|1850 - 1952 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| {{RecordSearch|1674915|1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| '''Free;''' index of marriage records from individual counties. Includes marriage licenses, certificates, registers, applications, affidavits, stubs, etc. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers. ''Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30244/california-county-marriages-1850-1952?s=275764761 '''MyHeritage'''] ($)''
| '''Free;''' index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
|-
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''  
| ''Next try:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only'''
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Choose one of the following:''
|  
|  
| [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Index]
| '''Free;''' incomplete.
|-
|-
| ''Next try:''  
| width="10%" | <br>
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
| width="10%" |  
| {{RecordSearch|1674735|1850 - 1945 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription]
| '''Free;''' index of marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers.
| '''$,''' [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 for free through your local public library
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
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{| width="70%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto;"
{| width="70%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto;"
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="3" |   '''Records that give marriage information:'''
| align="center" colspan="3" | &nbsp; '''Records that give marriage information:'''
|-
|-
| width="35%" |  
| width="35%" |  
{{Block indent|1=[[California Church Records|Church Records]]}}
:[[California Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
{{Block indent|1=[[California Newspapers|Newspapers]]}}
:[[California Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br>
{{Block indent|1=[[California Military Records|Military Records]]}}
:[[California Military Records|Military Records]]<br>
{{Block indent|1=[[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]}}
:[[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]


| width="35%" |  
| width="35%" |  
{{Block indent|1=[[California Census|Census Records]]}}
:[[California Census|Census Records]]  
{{Block indent|1=[[California Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]}}
:[[California Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]  
{{Block indent|1=[[California Vital Records|Death Records]]}}
:[[California Vital Records|Death Records]]  
{{Block indent|1=[[California Bible Records|Bible Records]]}}
:[[California Bible Records|Bible Records]]


|}
|}
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<br>  
<br>  


=== '''Obtain the Marriage Record'''  ===
==== '''Obtain the Marriage Record'''  ====


If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:  
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:  


*FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or possibly a FamilySearch Center. <br>  
*FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can [[Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche|order]] the microfilm from the Family History Library. <br>  
*Individual County Registrars and Recorders - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may [http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CountyRecorderOffice.aspx contact] the county registrar or recorder office where your ancestor was married and order a copy of the marriage record.
*Individual Town Clerks - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may [http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/munic.shtml contact] the town clerk office where your ancestor dead and order a copy of the marriage record.
<center>[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
<center>[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
<br>  
<br>  
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|}
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== '''Marriages between 1905 and 2007'''  ==
== '''Marriages between 1905 and 1952'''  ==
 
The state of California began recording marriages in 1892. All marriage certificates from 1892 to 1922 are held at the California State Archives.
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  ====


Statewide registration of marriages began in 1905 with general compliance by 1920. The Vital Records office of the California Department of Public Health has copies of marriage records from 1905 to present day. County clerks began sending copies to the state in 1905.
For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database.  
An image of the record may be available at:
* [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=california '''United States Marriages – California, 1667-2007'''] '''($)''' <BR>
To locate a record using available marriage indexes, follow the steps below:
=== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  ===


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''California Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only'''
|-
|-
| ''Try 1st:''  
| ''Try 1st:''  
|  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|-
| <br>
| [https://portal.maine.gov/marriage/archdev.marriage_archive.search_form 1892 - Current*]
| '''Free;''' index to death certificates from California State Archives. *Includes years from 1892 to '''THREE '''years previous to current year.
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
|  
| <br>
| {{RecordSearch|1804002|1850 - 1952 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| {{RecordSearch|1674915|1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| '''Free;''' index of marriage records from individual counties. Includes marriage licenses, certificates, registers, applications, affidavits, stubs, etc. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers.
| '''Free;''' index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
|-
|-
| ''Next try:''  
| ''Next try:''  
|  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only'''
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Choose one of the following:''
| <br>
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
| <br>
| <br>
| <br>
|-
|-
|  
| width="10%" | <br>
| {{RecordSearch|1674735|1850 - 1945 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription]
| '''Free;''' index of marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers.
| '''$,''' [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 for free through your local public library
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
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|}
|}


<br>
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Marriage Certificate'''  ====


=== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Marriage Certificate'''  ===
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:  


If your ancestor appeared in the index, you have three options:  
*FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can [[Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche|order]] the microfilm from the Family History Library. <br>
*California State Archives - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may [http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/about/index.html contact] the state archives and order a copy of the marriage record.


*FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or possibly a FamilySearch Center. <br>
<br>  
*Individual County Registrars and Recorders - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may [http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CountyRecorderOffice.aspx contact] the county registrar or recorder office where your ancestor was married and order a copy of the marriage record.
*California Department of Health - You can [http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CertifiedCopiesofMarriageandDivorceRecords.aspx order] the certificate from the state department.
 
<br> <br>  
<center>[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
<center>[[How to Find California Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
<br>  
<br>  
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{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | <br>
|}
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== '''Marriages after 1952'''  ==
== '''Marriages after 1952'''  ==


=== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  ===
The Vital Records office of the California Department of Health and Human Services has copies of marriages from 1923 to present day. Marriages from 1892 to 1922 are held by the California State Archives. Marriages before 1892 are held by the individual town clerk offices.
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  ====


For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database. <br>  
For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database. <br>  
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|-
|-
| ''Try 1st:''  
| ''Try 1st:''  
|  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|-
|-
|  
| <br>
| [http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/camarrin.htm 1949-1959 at VitalSearch-ca.com]  
| [https://portal.maine.gov/marriage/archdev.marriage_archive.search_form 1892 - Current*]  
| '''$'''; index only, no images
| '''Free;''' index to death certificates from California State Archives. *Includes years from 1892 to '''THREE '''years previous to current year.
|-
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''  
| ''Try 2nd:''  
|  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|-
|-
|  
| <br>
| {{RecordSearch|1949339|1960-1985 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| {{RecordSearch|1674915|1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| '''Free;''' index to marriage records.
| '''Free;''' index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
|-
|-
| ''Next try:''  
| ''Next try:''  
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|-
|-
| width="10%" | <br>  
| width="10%" | <br>  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1144 1960 - 1985 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]  
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center]
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|-
| <br>  
| <br>  
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|-
|-
| width="10%" | <br>  
| width="10%" | <br>  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1144 1960 - 1985 - use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1961 1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
| '''$,''' [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 for free through your local public library
|-
|-
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CountyRecorderOffice.aspx County Registrar and Recorder offices]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.daddezio.com/records/room/RR-ME-NDX.html County probate judge's offices]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CertifiedCopiesofMarriageandDivorceRecords.aspx Vital Records office of the California Dept of Public Health]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/data-research/vital-records/order/index.shtml Vital Records office of the California Dept of Health and Human Services]
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
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| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| Has an expedited service on [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records Vital Chek]  
| Has an expedited service on [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/maine Vital Chek]  
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}
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<br>  
<br>  


'''''Restrictions to qualify for marriage certificates:'''''<br> To obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate, you must be:  
'''''Restrictions to qualify for certificates for persons who married within the last 100 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the marriage certificate, you must be:  
*The person named on the certificate  
 
*The person's spouse  
:*The person named on the certificate  
*The person's spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling
:*The person's spouse  
*A legal party (attorney, law enforcement or representative of the government) with authorization or court order
:*The parent(s) named on the record
*The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record  
:*Descendants of the person named on the record (including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the most remote degree)  
*An individual who orders the certificate in behalf of an individual in the above categories
:*The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record  
:*Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the California Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics


'''NOTE:''' An certified copy of the death certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above. If you do not qualify for an authorized copy, you may order an informational copy.<br> <br>The department of public health ONLY provides certified copies between 1949 to 1986, 1998 to 1999.
'''NOTE:''' You must have full name, exact date and place of the marriage to order from the certificate. If you do not have the exact information, a search can be conducted for a fee by the Vital Records Office. <br>  


'''If you do not want to order the marriage record, there are [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records with marriage information]] you can search.<br>'''  
'''If you do not want to order the marriage record, there are [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records with marriage information]] you can search.<br>'''  
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=== Related Wiki Articles  ===
=== Related Wiki Articles  ===
*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to Find United States Birth Records]]
*[[How to Find United States Death Records|Learn more about U.S. Death Records]]
*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]
*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
*[[United States Birth Records|United States Birth Records ]]
*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]<br>
<br> {{california|california}}


* [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7848 California Marriages, 1850-1877] Index ($)
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to Find United States Birth Records]]
* [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60241 California, Select Marriages, 1850-1945] Index ($)
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|Learn more about U.S. Death Records]]  
* [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8797 California, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1850-1941] ($). Images.
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]
* [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5186 California, Marriage Index, 1949-1959] ($).
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
*__NOTOC__
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[United States Birth Records|United States Birth Records ]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]


[[Category:California_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:California_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]

Revision as of 13:06, 8 July 2013

How to Find United States Marriages Gotoarrow.png California Marriages

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1905 with general compliance by 1920.

Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source]
Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages before 1905[edit | edit source]

Marriage records began at the creation of the individual county. The first official law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850.

California Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:
1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org Free; index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
Next try:
Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only
Choose one of the following:

1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center
1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes


If your ancestor does not appear in the index, you may need to contact the town clerk office or you may need to search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place.

  Records that give marriage information:
Church Records
Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries
Census Records
Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records


Obtain the Marriage Record[edit | edit source]

If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:

  • FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
  • Individual Town Clerks - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the town clerk office where your ancestor dead and order a copy of the marriage record.
Return to top: Choose another marriage year


Marriages between 1905 and 1952[edit | edit source]

The state of California began recording marriages in 1892. All marriage certificates from 1892 to 1922 are held at the California State Archives.

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

For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database.

California Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:


1892 - Current* Free; index to death certificates from California State Archives. *Includes years from 1892 to THREE years previous to current year.
Try 2nd:


1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org Free; index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
Next try:

Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only
Choose one of the following:

1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center




1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes

STEP TWO: Obtain the Marriage Certificate[edit | edit source]

If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:

  • FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
  • California State Archives - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the state archives and order a copy of the marriage record.


Return to top: Choose another marriage year



Marriages after 1952[edit | edit source]

The Vital Records office of the California Department of Health and Human Services has copies of marriages from 1923 to present day. Marriages from 1892 to 1922 are held by the California State Archives. Marriages before 1892 are held by the individual town clerk offices.

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

For marriages that exist during this time period, try the following database.

California Marriage Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:


1892 - Current* Free; index to death certificates from California State Archives. *Includes years from 1892 to THREE years previous to current year.
Try 2nd:


1771-1907 - At FamilySearch.org Free; index to marriage records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers.
Next try:

Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only
Choose one of the following:

1713-1937 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center




1713-1937 - use your own Ancestry subscription $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]

To Order Marriage Certificates
County probate judge's offices Vital Records office of the California Dept of Health and Human Services
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use Has an expedited service on Vital Chek May be more expensive than ordering from the county


Restrictions to qualify for certificates for persons who married within the last 100 years:
To obtain a copy of the marriage certificate, you must be:

  • The person named on the certificate
  • The person's spouse
  • The parent(s) named on the record
  • Descendants of the person named on the record (including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the most remote degree)
  • The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record
  • Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the California Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics

NOTE: You must have full name, exact date and place of the marriage to order from the certificate. If you do not have the exact information, a search can be conducted for a fee by the Vital Records Office.

If you do not want to order the marriage record, there are other records with marriage information you can search.

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