How to Find Maryland 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]]
=== THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: PLEASE WAIT TO USE  ===
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
 
| link4=[[Maryland Vital Records|Maryland Vital Records]]
[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Maryland Marriage Records  
| link5=[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records|How to Find Maryland Marriage Records]]
}}


== Finding Maryland Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Maryland Marriage Records  ==


*Colonial marriages were recorded by the Church of England and other religious bodies
 
*Marriages are kept by the circuit court for each county and begin in 1777 or at the creation of the county
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}
*1990 - county circuit court clerks began sending copies to the state
 
<br>


{| 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? '''  ==


| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>
:'''Marriage Records'''  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>
:Choose a time period:  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1777|Before 1777]]''' </span>
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1640_thru_1776|1640 thru 1776]]'''
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1777_to_1990|1777 to 1990]]''' </span>
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1777_thru_1864|1777 thru 1864]]'''  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1990_to_Present|1990 to Present]]''' </span>
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1865_thru_1885|1865 thru 1885]]'''
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1886_thru_1913|1886 thru 1913]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_1914_thru_2003|1914 thru 2003]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Marriages_2004_thru_Present|2004 thru Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


|}
|}
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|}


== '''Marriages Before 1777'''  ==
<br>
 
== '''Marriages 1640 thru 1776'''  ==
 
*Maryland's earliest marriage records are indexes which refer to records which imply marriage information. &nbsp;The dates refer to the record, '''not''' the date of the marriage.
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Death Information'''  ====
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Maryland Death Index Only'''
|
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try: 1st''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | [http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/stagser/s1500/s1527/html/ssi1527.html Maryland Marriage References by Robert Barnes] online at [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=marriage Maryland State Archives]
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' name index <br>


*Colonial marriages were recorded by the Church of England and other religious bodies
|-
|
| width="25%" | [http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/stagser/s1500/s1527/html/ssi1527.html Maryland Marriage References by Robert Barnes] online at [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=marriage Maryland State Archives]
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' name index <br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes'''
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | ''Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1666-1970
| width="10%" | <br>
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1675199|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 1655-1850 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| align="center" | 256,134
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1761-1947
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=maine On Findmypast] ($); Includes some images
|
| align="center" |
|
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 1655-1850 - use your Ancestry subscription]
| '''$,''' [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
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1655-1850
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
|  
| align="center" | 257,488
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Maryland State Archives, Marriages, 1600s-1800s
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=marriage Maryland State Archives]; free
| width="25%" | ''Can't access Ancestry?''
| align="center" | Undisclosed
| Go to Step Two listed below. You may be able to order the marriage record for your ancestor from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1667-1899
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4729 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4729 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
|  
| align="center" | 84,761
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1634-1777
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No death record for your ancestor?'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4738 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Other records with death information]]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4738 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 23,319
|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
 
<br> Copies Marriage records may be available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Records'''
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You know the marriage date from the index
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the marriage date
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy
|
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee
[[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.  
|}
 
<br> '''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. 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, then vital records.
::*Select the topic Vital Records.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.


Search [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|substitute records]] to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place:
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
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|}
|}
<br>
::
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
Line 106: Line 151:
|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1777 to 1990'''  ==
<br>


== '''Marriages 1777 thru 1864'''  ==


 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
*Marriages are kept by the circuit court for each county and begin in 1777 or at the creation of the county
 
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
 
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''District of Columbia Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|  
|-
|-
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1666-1970
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1675199|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1675199|Maryland Marriages, 1666-1970}}  
| align="center" | 256,134
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' name index online at FamilySearch.
 
<br>
 
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1761-1947
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=maine On Findmypast] ($); Includes some images
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
| align="center" |  
|  
|-
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1655-1850
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
|
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7846 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
| align="center" | 257,488
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|
|}
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. 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, then vital records.
::*Select the topic Vital Records.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| width="30%" | Maryland State Archives, Marriages, 1600s-1800s
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=marriage Maryland State Archives]; free
| align="center" | Undisclosed
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1667-1899
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4729 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4729 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 84,761
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1634-1777
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4738 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4738 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 23,319
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1778-1800
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48201 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48201 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 317
|-
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1801-1820
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48202 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48202 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 260
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 1865 thru 1885'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Order a copy of the original marriage record'''  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try''  
|  
|
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  
| width="25%" | Order a copy of the license from the [http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_marriage/marriage.jsf District of Columbia Superior Court]&nbsp;($)
| width="65%" |  
*You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
*Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.<br>  
*'''Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986'''. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below.&nbsp;
*You may order a copy in person or by mail.
*Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.


|}
:500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
:Washington, D.C. 20001


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''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.


If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


==== Obtain the Record  ====
|
|}


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''  
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br>District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. Use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ county circuit court] or [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives].  
::*{{FHL|682872|item|disp=District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950; Index 1811-1986}}
:*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.]]
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''  
== '''Marriages 1886 thru 1913''' ==


:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee (up to 2003) from [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives].
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
 
''OR''
 
:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ county circuit court].
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="6" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Order a copy of the original marriage record'''  
|
|
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="10%" | ''Try''
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives]
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
|  
|  
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
| width="25%" | Order a copy of the license from the [http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_marriage/marriage.jsf District of Columbia Superior Court]&nbsp;($)
|}
| width="65%" |
*You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
*Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.<br>
*'''Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986'''. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below.&nbsp;
*You may order a copy in person or by mail.
*Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.


:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:
:500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
:Washington, D.C. 20001


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.  
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''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.  


::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*Some microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.


== '''Marriages 1990 to Present'''  ==
|
|}


*1990 - county circuit court clerks began sending copies to the state
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br>District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. Use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.
*Currently, there are no online indexes to Maryland marriages for the years 1990 to the present


==== Obtain the Record  ====
::*{{FHL|682872|item|disp=District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950; Index 1811-1986}}
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''  
== '''Marriages 1914 thru 2003''' ==


:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ county circuit court], [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives], or the [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/pages/dvr.aspx Maryland Department of Health].  
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
:*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.]]
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Order a copy of the original marriage record'''
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | Order a copy of the license from the [http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_marriage/marriage.jsf District of Columbia Superior Court]&nbsp;($)
| width="65%" |
*You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
*Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.<br>
*'''Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986'''. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below.&nbsp;
*You may order a copy in person or by mail.  
*Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.


'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''
:500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
:Washington, D.C. 20001


:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee (up to 2003) from [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives].
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''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.  


''OR''
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ county circuit court].
|
|}


''OR''  
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br>District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. Use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.


:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/pages/dvr.aspx Maryland Department of Health].
::*{{FHL|682872|item|disp=District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950; Index 1811-1986}}
 
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
{| width="150%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="6" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/ From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/pages/dvr.aspx Maryland Department of Health] <br>
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://shop.msa.maryland.gov/orders/OrderForms/MarriageLanding.aspx Maryland State Archives]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Expedited service on [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/maryland/maryland-vital-records VitalChek]
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Marriage Records#Finding_Maryland_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
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== '''Marriages 2004 thru Present'''  ==
 
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== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==


:*[[Maryland Vital Records: Marriages|Maryland Vital Records: Marriages]]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]  
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[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]]__NOTOC__
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]<br>


{{Maryland|Maryland}}
[[Category:Maryland|Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2081 American Marriages Before 1699] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=24897 Maryland Revolutionary records : pension claims and bounty land applications, but also includes 1,000 marriages] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2521 U.S., Hochheimer Marriage Records for Maryland, 1850-1900 (Jewish)]($)
[[Category:Maryland_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 16:29, 8 July 2013


THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: PLEASE WAIT TO USE[edit | edit source]

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

Finding Maryland Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

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 1640 thru 1776[edit | edit source]

  • Maryland's earliest marriage records are indexes which refer to records which imply marriage information.  The dates refer to the record, not the date of the marriage.

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

Maryland Death Index Only
Try: 1st
Maryland Marriage References by Robert Barnes online at Maryland State Archives

Free; name index

Maryland Marriage References by Robert Barnes online at Maryland State Archives

Free; name index

Try 2nd:
Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:

1655-1850 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center

1655-1850 - use your Ancestry subscription $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
Can't access Ancestry? Go to Step Two listed below. You may be able to order the marriage record for your ancestor from the Maryland State Archives.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor? Other records with death information

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


Copies Marriage records may be available from the Maryland State Archives.

To Order Marriage Records
You know the marriage date from the index You do not know the marriage date
Maryland State Archives Maryland State Archives
Request a copy The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee


Marriage Records on Microfilm

Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county, then vital records.
  • Select the topic Vital Records.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.


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


Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year


Marriages 1777 thru 1864[edit | edit source]

District of Columbia Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
Maryland Marriages, 1666-1970

Free; name index online at FamilySearch.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm

Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county, then vital records.
  • Select the topic Vital Records.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1865 thru 1885[edit | edit source]

Order a copy of the original marriage record
Try
Order a copy of the license from the District of Columbia Superior Court ($)
  • You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
  • Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.
  • Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below. 
  • You may order a copy in person or by mail.
  • Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.
500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
Washington, D.C. 20001
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1886 thru 1913[edit | edit source]

Order a copy of the original marriage record
Try
Order a copy of the license from the District of Columbia Superior Court ($)
  • You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
  • Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.
  • Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below. 
  • You may order a copy in person or by mail.
  • Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.
500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
Washington, D.C. 20001
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1914 thru 2003[edit | edit source]

Order a copy of the original marriage record
Try
Order a copy of the license from the District of Columbia Superior Court ($)
  • You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage.
  • Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies.
  • Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below. 
  • You may order a copy in person or by mail.
  • Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C.
500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500
Washington, D.C. 20001
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year



Marriages 2004 thru Present[edit | edit source]

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

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