How to Find Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Marriage Records  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
| link4=[[Wisconsin Vital Records|Wisconsin Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records|How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records]]
}}


== Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records  ==


Wisconsin, except for the Door County Peninsula, became part of Illinois Territory in 1809 and part of the Michigan Territory in 1818. Wisconsin became a territory in 1836 and a state in 1848. Some counties issued marriage applications as early as the 1820s, but most began recording marriages at the time the county was formed. Statewide registration began in 1907.
*1 April 18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state 
 
*In 1907 Wisconsin law required statewide registration of marriages
 
*Wisconsin marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period


{{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" colspan="2" scope="col" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" colspan="2" |  
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


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:'''Marriage Records'''  
:'''Marriage Records'''  
:Choose a time period:  
:Choose a time period:  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1907|Before 1907]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1820|Before 1820]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1907_to_Present|1907 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1820_to_1867|1820 to 1867]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1868_to_1925|1868 to 1925]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1926_to_1935|1926 to 1935]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Marriages_1936_to_Present|1936 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


|}
|}


[[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  
<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  


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== '''Marriages Before 1907'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 18--'''  ==
 
*Before 18--, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
*18-- to 18-- very few records exist
 
<br> 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]].
 
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]


Some [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/genereq.htm#G5 Wisconsin counties] began recording marriages in the 1820s, but most began when the county was formed. Statewide recording of marriages began in 1907.
| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Wisconsin Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  ====
|}
 
::
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_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" |
|}
 
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|-
|-
| <br>
| width="10%" | ''Try:''
| width="25%" | [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10883/wisconsin-marriage-index-1808-1907?s=275764761 Wisconsin, Marriage Index, 1808-1907]
|  
| width="65%" | at MyHeritage - index ($)
|  
|-
|-
| <br>
|  
| width="25%" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=wisconsin United States Marriages – Wisconsin, 1830-1979]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|------- |Michigan, County Marriages, 18-- -18--}}
| width="65%" | at Findmypast - index & images ($)
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties:
 
<br>
 
|-
|-
| <br>
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708704|Wisconsin Marriages 1836-1930}}
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| width="65%" | at FamilySearch ; Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Wisconsin. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | <br>  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4997 Wisconsin, Marriage Index, 1820-1907]
|
| width="65%" | at Ancestry ($) Name index to marriage records provided by the Wisconsin Historical Society.
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|
|}
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
 
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| width="25%" | [https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records?facets=CONTENT_TYPE%3A%22Marriage+Index+Record%22&nodes=*Research*%2C*Family*&sort=0 Wisconsin, Marriage Index, early-1907]
| width="65%" | at Wisconsin History Society; Free; Name index to marriage records at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Includes link to order the original document.
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
| <br>
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| 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.  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 18-- -19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.  


|}
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin, County Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
|
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.


<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties:
 
<br>


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| '''2. Then search'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
|-
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.


| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[How to Find Wisconsin Death Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|
|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [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 Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<br>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
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|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1907 to Present'''<br>  ==
== '''Marriages 19-- to 19--'''<br>  ==


Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1907. <br>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Wisconsin, County Marriages, 19-- -19--}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  


==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information''' ====
'''Does not''' include the following counties:


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Marriage Database'''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| <br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|-
|-
| <br>
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708704|Wisconsin Marriages 1836-1930}}
| --------County Clerk
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Name index to marriage records from the state of Wisconsin. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
| 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.
|-
|-
| <br>
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1946794|Wisconsin Marriage Index 1973-1997}}
|
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Index of marriages from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services in Madison.<br> Also on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8744 Ancestry.com] '''($)''', [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8744 Free at FamilySearch centers.]
|
|-
|-
| <br>
|  
| width="25%" | [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=wisconsin United States Marriages – Wisconsin, 1830-1979]
| Wisconsin Department of Health
| width="65%" | '''($);''' index & images
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the  Wisconsin Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Health charges $-- more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
|}
<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| <br>
|-
|-
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| 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.  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


|}
|}


<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].  
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
| [[Wisconsin Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
[[Wisconsin Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Wisconsin Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
 
| [[Wisconsin Census|Census Records]]
[[Wisconsin Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[How to Find Wisconsin Death Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]
 
|}
|}


==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''  ====
== '''Marriages 19-- to Present'''  ==


'''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 licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.  


::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
::*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.


<br>
:*Copies may be ordered from the  county clerk.


If you are unable to find your ancestor in one of the above indexes, you may request a search at the [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/marriage.htm Wisconsin Department of Health Services.]<br>
:*Copies may be ordered from the Wisconsin Department of Public Health.


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
Line 181: Line 242:
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/services.htm#deeds From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From County where Marriage occurred
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/marriage.htm From WI Department of Health Services]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From WI Vital Records office
|-
| 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
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}


Any person may request an '''''uncertified''''' copy of a marriage record at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred or from the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services. The record must be ordered by mail and must include picture identification of the person requesting the record.  
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Wisconsin marriage records:'''''}}
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>  
 
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
|-
<center>[[How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records#Finding_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin Wisconsin ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin_Online_Genealogy_Records Wisconsin Online Genealogical Records ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Wisconsin_Vital_Records Wisconsin Vital 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 Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
Line 198: Line 273:
:*[[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]]  
:*Wisconsin Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Wisconsin Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues


{{Wisconsin|Wisconsin}}
[[Category:Wisconsin_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Wisconsin_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 10:37, 9 July 2013


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

Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • 1 April 18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
  • In 1907 Wisconsin law required statewide registration of marriages
  • Wisconsin marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period
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 18--[edit | edit source]

  • Before 18--, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
  • 18-- to 18-- very few records exist


If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in 2. Then search
Church Records

Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries

Census Records

Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1820 to 1867[edit | edit source]

Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
Michigan, County Marriages, 18-- -18--

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties:


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

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

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use theFamily 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 the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925[edit | edit source]

Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Wisconsin Marriages, 18-- -19--

Free; most counties 18-- -19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.

Try 2nd:
Wisconsin, County Marriages, 18-- -19--

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.


Does not include the following counties:


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

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

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

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

Marriages 19-- to 19--
[edit | edit source]

Wisconsin Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Wisconsin, County Marriages, 19-- -19--

Free; most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties:

Try 2nd:
--------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.
Try 3rd:
Wisconsin Department of Health If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Health charges $-- more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.


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

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

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use theFamily 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 the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 19-- to Present[edit | edit source]

Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information

  • Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.
  • Copies may be ordered from the Wisconsin Department of Public Health.
To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred From WI Vital Records office
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee May be more expensive than ordering from the county
Tip: When ordering Wisconsin marriage records:

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Online Genealogical Records

Wisconsin Vital Records

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Find_Wisconsin_Marriage_Records&oldid=1397385"