How to Find Illinois Marriage Records: Difference between revisions
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[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Illinois Marriage Records | |||
== Finding Illinois Marriage Records == | == Finding Illinois Marriage Records == | ||
Illinois land was part of the Northwest Territory established in 1787. It became part of the Indiana Territory in 1800; in 1809 the Illinois Territory was established. Illinois became a state in 1818. <br> | |||
Some counties began keeping marriage records as soon as the county was formed. Indexes of marriage records have been kept by the Illinois Department of Health, Division of Vital Records from 1962 through the present, but only verification will be made. County clerks are the official custodians of all marriage records in Illinois and copies must be obtained from them.<br> | |||
<br> | |||
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: | :'''Marriage Records''' | ||
: | :Choose a time period: | ||
:* | :*'''[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1900|Before 1900]]''' | ||
:* | :*'''[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Marriages_1900_to_1962|1900 to 1962]]''' | ||
:* | :*'''[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Marriages_1962_to_Present|1962 to Present]]''' | ||
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]''' | |||
|} | |} | ||
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! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | | ! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | <br> | ||
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== '''Marriages Before | == '''Marriages Before 1900''' == | ||
===== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information''' ===== | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border=" | |||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan=" | | align="left" colspan="3" | '''Illinois Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images''' | ||
| <br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | width="10%" | ''Try 1st:'' | ||
| | | <br> | ||
| | | <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | <br> | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1803970|Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934}} | ||
| | | width="65%" | | ||
'''Free;''' name index and images of county marriages from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Not complete - additional records will be added as they are completed.<br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | align="left" colspan="3" | '''Illinois Marriage Databases - Index Only''' | ||
| <br> | |||
| | | <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:'' | |||
| width=" | | <br> | ||
| | | <br> | ||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | <br> | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/databases/marriage.html 1763-1900<br> at Illinois State Archives] <br> | ||
| width=" | | width="65%" | | ||
| | '''Free;''' Illinois Statewide Marriage Index<br> | ||
| <br> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| width=" | | <br> | ||
| width=" | | width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1680829|Illinois Marriages 1815-1935}} | ||
| align=" | | width="65%" | | ||
'''Free;''' Name index to marriage records from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. | |||
|} | |||
<br> | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1" | |||
|- | |||
| width="100%" align="left" colspan="4" | '''Ancestry Databases ''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Ancestry, Illinois Marriages, 1790-1860 | ||
| | | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7851 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers] | ||
| | | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7851 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Marriages | | width="30%" | Ancestry, Illinois Marriages to 1850 | ||
| width="35% | | width="35%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2086 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers] | ||
| width="35% | | width="35%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2086 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Ancestry, Marriages | | Ancestry, Illinois Marriages 1851-1900 | ||
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7857 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers] | |||
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7857 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription] | |||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | {| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' | | '''''Can't access Ancestry?''''' | ||
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org | | Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library. | ||
|- | |||
| '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?''' | |||
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]] | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?''' | | 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 | [[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. | ||
|} | |} | ||
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> 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]]. | ||
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | {| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | ||
| Line 107: | Line 123: | ||
| [[Illinois Census|Census Records]] | | [[Illinois Census|Census Records]] | ||
[[Illinois Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[ | [[Illinois Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Illinois Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]] | ||
|} | |||
===== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ===== | |||
'''PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes. '''<br> | |||
[http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/countylisting.htm Illinois County clerks] are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages, write the appropriate county clerk and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage.<br> | |||
'''OR'''<br> | |||
Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/IRAD/iradregn.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository] and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk.<br> | |||
<br> '''PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage''' | |||
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for the marriage date for a fee from the [http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/countylisting.htm Local County Clerk] or from the appropriate [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/IRAD/iradregn.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository]. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and approximate date of the marriage you are requesting. | |||
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]] | |||
<br> '''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [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. | |||
<br> | |||
<center>[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Finding_Illinois_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" | <br> | |||
|} | |||
== '''Marriages 1900 to 1962''' == | |||
===== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information''' ===== | |||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | |||
|- | |||
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Illinois Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images''' | |||
| <br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:'' | |||
| <br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| <br> | |||
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1803970|Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934}} | |||
| width="65%" | | |||
'''Free;''' name index and images of county marriages from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Not complete - additional records will be added as they are completed.<br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Illinois Marriage Database - Index Only''' | |||
| <br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:'' | |||
| <br> | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| <br> | |||
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1680829|Illinois Marriages 1815-1935}} | |||
| width="65%" | | |||
'''Free;''' Name index to marriage records from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. | |||
|- | |||
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?''' | |||
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]] | |||
| <br> | |||
|- | |||
| 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. | |||
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]] | |||
| <br> | |||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 115: | Line 207: | ||
'''PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes. '''<br> | '''PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes. '''<br> | ||
[ | [http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/countylisting.htm Illinois County clerks] are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages, write the appropriate county clerk and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage.<br> | ||
'''OR'''<br> | '''OR'''<br> | ||
Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate [ | Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/IRAD/iradregn.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository] and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk.<br> | ||
<br> '''PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage''' | <br> '''PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage''' | ||
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for the marriage date for a fee from the [ | :*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for the marriage date for a fee from the [http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/countylisting.htm Local County Clerk] or from the appropriate [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/IRAD/iradregn.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository]. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and approximate date of the marriage you are requesting. | ||
:*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]] | :*If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]] | ||
<br> '''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [ | <br> '''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available. | ||
::*Search the [ | ::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county. | ||
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk. | ::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk. | ||
::* | ::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center. | ||
<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> | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | |||
== '''Marriages 1962 to Present''' == | == '''Marriages 1962 to Present''' == | ||
For a $5 fee, the [http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/marriageinfo.htm Illinois Department of Health, Division of Vital Records] can verify the facts of a marriage that has taken place from 1962 through the current index date available. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of marriage records. Certified copies are available from the county clerk in the county where the marriage occurred. <br> | |||
'''Illinois Regional Archives Depositories''' (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/IRAD/iradregn.html Illinois Regional Archives Depository] and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk. <br> | |||
'''Illinois Regional Archives Depositories''' (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the [http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/localgovrecordssrch.jsp Local Governmental Records Holdings Database] to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate [ | |||
'''County clerks''' are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages found in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, write the [ | '''County clerks''' are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages found in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, write the [http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/countylisting.htm appropriate county clerk] and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage given in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index.<br> | ||
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Illinois marriage records:''''' | {{Tip|'''''When ordering Illinois marriage records:''''' | ||
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.}}<br> | Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.}}<br> | ||
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | {| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor's marriage in the sources above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]] | <br> If you cannot locate your ancestor's marriage in the sources above, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]]. | ||
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | {| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto" | ||
| Line 171: | Line 264: | ||
| [[Illinois Census|Census Records]] | | [[Illinois Census|Census Records]] | ||
[[Illinois Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[ | [[Illinois Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Illinois Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
<center>[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Finding_Illinois_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> | <center>[[How to Find Illinois Marriage Records#Finding_Illinois_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center> | ||
== Wiki Articles == | == Wiki Articles == | ||
| Line 186: | Line 274: | ||
:*[[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 | :*[[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]] | :*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]] | ||
[[Category:Illinois_Vital_Records]] [[Category: | [[Category:Illinois_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]] | ||
Revision as of 09:56, 9 July 2013
How To Find U.S. Marriage Records 
How To Find Illinois Marriage Records
Finding Illinois Marriage Records[edit | edit source]
Illinois land was part of the Northwest Territory established in 1787. It became part of the Indiana Territory in 1800; in 1809 the Illinois Territory was established. Illinois became a state in 1818.
Some counties began keeping marriage records as soon as the county was formed. Indexes of marriage records have been kept by the Illinois Department of Health, Division of Vital Records from 1962 through the present, but only verification will be made. County clerks are the official custodians of all marriage records in Illinois and copies must be obtained from them.
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source] |
| |
|---|---|---|
Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1900[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
| Illinois Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934 |
Free; name index and images of county marriages from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Not complete - additional records will be added as they are completed. |
|||
| Illinois Marriage Databases - Index Only | ||||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1763-1900 at Illinois State Archives |
Free; Illinois Statewide Marriage Index |
|||
| Illinois Marriages 1815-1935 |
Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. | |||
| Ancestry Databases | |||
| Ancestry, Illinois Marriages, 1790-1860 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | |
| Ancestry, Illinois Marriages to 1850 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | |
| Ancestry, Illinois Marriages 1851-1900 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | |
| Can't access Ancestry? | Visit your local Family History Center or your local public library. | |
| 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. |
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.
| 1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
| Church Records |
Census Records |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]
PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes.
Illinois County clerks are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages, write the appropriate county clerk and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage.
OR
Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the Local Governmental Records Holdings Database to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate Illinois Regional Archives Depository and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk.
PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
- If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for the marriage date for a fee from the Local County Clerk or from the appropriate Illinois Regional Archives Depository. Consult the Local Governmental Records Holdings Database to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and approximate date of the marriage you are requesting.
- If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in other records.
Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.
- Search the FHLC by county.
- Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
- For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Marriages 1900 to 1962[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
| Illinois Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934 |
Free; name index and images of county marriages from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Not complete - additional records will be added as they are completed. |
|||
| Illinois Marriage Database - Index Only | ||||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| Illinois Marriages 1815-1935 |
Free; Name index to marriage records from the state of Illinois at FamilySearch. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. | |||
| 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. |
|||
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]
PART A: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes.
Illinois County clerks are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages, write the appropriate county clerk and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage.
OR
Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the Local Governmental Records Holdings Database to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate Illinois Regional Archives Depository and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk.
PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
- If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for the marriage date for a fee from the Local County Clerk or from the appropriate Illinois Regional Archives Depository. Consult the Local Governmental Records Holdings Database to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and approximate date of the marriage you are requesting.
- If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can try searching for marriage information in other records.
Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.
- Search the FHLC by county.
- Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
- For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Marriages 1962 to Present[edit | edit source]
For a $5 fee, the Illinois Department of Health, Division of Vital Records can verify the facts of a marriage that has taken place from 1962 through the current index date available. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of marriage records. Certified copies are available from the county clerk in the county where the marriage occurred.
Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for over seventy of the 102 counties in Illinois for the years 1809-1983. Consult the Local Governmental Records Holdings Database to see if IRAD has marriage records for the county and date of the marriage you are requesting. Type the search term MARRIAGE in the title field to return all marriage records in the IRAD holdings. If IRAD does have marriage records for the county you are searching and for the pertinent time period, write the appropriate Illinois Regional Archives Depository and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage. Marriage record searches are free, but a small copy fee will be billed for records found. IRAD provides uncertified copies only. Certified copies must be requested from the county clerk.
County clerks are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded in Illinois counties. To obtain copies of marriages found in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, write the appropriate county clerk and include in your letter all of the information on the marriage given in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index.
| Tip: When ordering Illinois marriage records: Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. |
| No marriage record for your ancestor? |
Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. |
If you cannot locate your ancestor's marriage in the sources above, try searching for marriage information in other records.
| 1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
| Church Records |
Census Records |
Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]
- Learn more about U.S. marriage records
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