Virginia Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] > [[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] > [[Portal:Virginia|Virginia]] > Virginia Vital Records''  
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| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
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== Virginia Vital Records Dates ==
{| class="wikitable" width="40%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
| width="10%" align="center" | '''Government Registration'''
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Virginia Vital Records#Birth_Records|Births]]'''
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Virginia Vital Records#Marriage_Records|Marriages]]'''
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="center" | '''[[Virginia Vital Records#Death_Records|Deaths]]'''
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''County/Town'''
| width="10%" align="center" | 1853-1896
| width="10%" align="center" | County Formation
| width="10%" align="center" | 1853-1896
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''Statewide Registration'''
| width="10%" align="center" |  1912*
| width="10%" align="center" |  1912
| width="10%" align="center" |  1912*
|-
| width="10%" bgcolor="#b6ebfb" align="left" | '''General Compliance'''
| width="10%" align="center" |  1917
| width="10%" align="center" |  1853
| width="10%" align="center" |  1917
|-
| colspan=4|* Between 1896 and 1912 there was no law to collect births and deaths. Some counties/cities did keep them.
|}


<div style="clear:left"></div>
= Virginia Birth, Marriage and Death Records  =


== Online Resources ==
== Virginia Vital Records Online Links  ==
===Birth===
*'''1584-1917''' {{RecordSearch|1708660|Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1660-1923''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61462 Virginia Extracted Vital Records, 1660-1923] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1715-1901''' {{RecordSearch|4149585|Virginia Vital Records, 1715-1901}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1721-2015''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9277 Virginia Birth Records, 1912-2015 & Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1911] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1853-1866''' {{RecordSearch|3326815|Virginia Slave Birth Index, 1853-1866}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Slave Birth Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1853-1950''' {{FSC|777933|item|disp=Birth Records (Virginia), 1853-1896; Indexes, 1853-1899; Delayed Birth Indexes, 1912-1950}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
*'''1853-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/collections/search/va/doh Virginia Department of Health, Birth, Marriage, and Death Records] at Ancestry.com; index & images; index only for more recent years, includes delayed births, free collection
*'''1853-1896''' {{RecordSearch|5000046|Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Birth Records, 1853-1896}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, coverage may vary
*'''1853-1911''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62153/ Virginia, U.S., Birth Registers, 1853-1911] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*'''1912-1913''' {{RecordSearch|2388824|Virginia Birth Certificates, 1912-1913}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Birth Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


===Marriage===
*The Library of Virginia: Vital Statistics (Birth, Marriage, and Death Records) - [http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/vital/index.htm Vital Statistics]
*Virginia Marriage Records - [http://www.genwed.com/state/vagen.htm Accomac to York County Virginia Marriage Records]
*[http://www.deathindexes.com/virginia/ Online Virginia Death Records &amp; Indexes]
*[http://www.vdh.state.va.us/Vital_Records/index.htm Virginia Department of Health: Office of Vital Records] <br>


*'''Pre-1824''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3001 Virginia Marriages, Pre-1824] at Ancestry — index ($)
== Introduction to Vital Records ==
*'''Pre-1853''' ''Early Virginia Marriages, Pre-1853,'' by Inez Raney Waldenmaier. N.p, n.p:n.d. {{FSC|319831|item|disp=FS Catalog microfilm 908282 Item 5}}; {{WorldCat|866390366|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};  '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|558078}}
*'''1600s to 1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=virginia US Marriages - Virginia, 1600s to 1900s] at Findmypast — index ($)
*'''1639-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7832 Virginia Land, Marriage, and Probate Records, 1639-1850] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1660-1800''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 Virginia Compiled Marriages, 1660-1800] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1660-1923''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61462 Virginia Extracted Vital Records, 1660-1923] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1700-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 Virginia Marriage Records, 1700-1850] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1700-1799''' ''Virginia Marriages 1700-1799,'' by Cecil D. McDonald. Multi-volume. Seattle, Wash.: C.D. McDonald, n.d. {{FSC|78715|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.5 V2m}}; {{WorldCat|866521798|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' FamilySearch Digital Library: {{FSDL|244203|v. 1-5}}; {{FSDL|250074|v. 6-12}}; {{FSDL|34195|v. 13-17}}; {{FSDL|29306|v. 18-22}}; {{FSDL|34195|v.23-25}}<ref>Includes Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Cumberland, Elizabeth City, Fauquier, Goochland, Halifax, Harrison, Henrico, Henry, Lancaster, Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Norfolk, Northampton, Orange, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Richmond, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Surry, Sussex, Washington, Westmoreland, Wythe, and York counties. Includes (in addition to the counties previously named) Berkeley, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Loudoun, Northumberland, and Shenandoah counties. Vols. 1-5, 6-12, 13-17, 18-22, 23-25.</ref>
*'''1706-1901''' {{RecordSearch|4016437|Virginia Various Counties, Marriage Bonds, 1706-1901}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Various Counties, Marriage Bonds - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1715-1901''' {{RecordSearch|4149585|Virginia Vital Records, 1715-1901}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1740-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 Virginia Compiled Marriages, 1740-1850] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1771-1943''' {{RecordSearch|2134304|Virginia County Marriage Records, 1771-1943}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, County Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1785-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1708698|Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60214 Ancestry]($), [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30207/virginia-marriages-1785-1940?s=218489221 MyHeritage]($)''
*'''1800-1825''' ''Some Virginia Marriages 1800-1825.'' by Cecil D. McDonald. 2 vols. Seattle, Wash.: C.D. McDonald, 1973. {{FSC|272316|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.5 V2mc v. 1-4}}; '''''Online at:''''' FamilySearch Digital Library: {{FSDL|86375|v. 1-4}}; {{FSDL|469397|v. 5}}; {{FSDL|601662|v. 6}}; {{FSDL|531266|v. 7}}; {{FSDL|494477|v. 8}}; {{FSDL|492462|v. 9}}; {{FSDL|494649|v. 10}}; {{FSDL|493330|v. 11}}; {{FSDL|407571|v. 12}}<ref> Includes Accomack, Amelia, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Campbell, Caroline, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Dinwiddie, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Goochland, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Harrison, Henrico, Henry, King William, Lancaster, Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, New Kent, Nottoway, Orange, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Richmond (both City and County), Rockbridge, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Surry, Sussex, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.</ref>
*'''1851-1929''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Virginia Compiled Marriages, 1851-1929] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1853-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/collections/search/va/doh Virginia Department of Health, Birth, Marriage, and Death Records] at Ancestry.com; index & images; index only for more recent years, free collection
*'''1853-1935''' {{RecordSearch|3477666|Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images (*); ''Also at: [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62154/ at Ancestry]; index & images ($)''
*'''1853-1935''' {{FSC|775529|item|disp=Marriage Registers, 1853-1935 (Virginia)}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images
*'''1936-1988''' {{RecordSearch|2370234|Virginia, Marriage Certificates, 1936-1988}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Marriage Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1936-2014''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 Virginia Marriage Records, 1936-2014] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


===Death===
== Birth and Death Records ==
*'''1660-1923''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61462 Virginia Extracted Vital Records, 1660-1923] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1715-1901''' {{RecordSearch|4149585|Virginia Vital Records, 1715-1901}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1853-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/collections/search/va/doh Virginia Department of Health, Birth, Marriage, and Death Records] at Ancestry.com; index & images; index only for more recent years, free collection
*'''1853-1896''' [https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/death-index Death Index of Virginia] at Library of Virginia — index
*'''1853-1906''' {{FSC|780106|item|disp=Death Registers, 1853-1906 (Virginia)}} at FamilySearch Catalog (*) — index & images
*'''1853-1911''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62152/ Virginia, U.S., Death Registers, 1853-1911] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*'''1853-1912''' {{RecordSearch|3940896|Virginia Bureau of Vital Statistics, Death Records, 1853-1912}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1853-1912''' {{RecordSearch|1708697|Virginia, Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2558 Ancestry]($)''
*'''1912-1987''' {{RecordSearch|2377565|Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987}} at FamilySearch — [[Virginia, Death Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1912-2014''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9278 Virginia Death Records, 1912-2014] at Ancestry — index ($)


===Divorce===
Few births were recorded by civil authorities before 1853. You may find some information on pre-1853 births and deaths in genealogies, histories, church and Bible records, and collections of personal papers.  
*See [[Virginia Divorce Records|Virginia Divorce Records]] for more resources.


== Get Copies ==
From 1853 to 1896, the state required the counties to record births and deaths. Microfilm copies of these are at the Library of Virginia. The Library of Virginia has indexes of the birth records to 1896. A fully searchable index to Virginia city and county [http://ajax.lva.lib.va.us/F/?func=file&file_name=find-b-clas29&local_base=clas29 Death Registers] for 1853-1896&nbsp; are on-line. This is an on-going project sponsored by the Virginia Genealogical Society. Fifteen cities&nbsp;and counties have been indexed to date.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Family History Library has microfilm copies of many of the county birth and death records at the Library of Virginia. The statewide birth record index from 1853 to 1896. <ref>Family History Library films. [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=777933&amp;amp;amp;disp=Birth+records+%28Virginia%29%2C+1853%2D1%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 2026327-52], with birth records from 1853 to 1896 (on films beginning with [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=777933&amp;amp;amp;disp=Birth+records+%28Virginia%29%2C+1853%2D1%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 2046907]). </ref>
''Restrictions:'' <ref>[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/ Office of Vital Records] slide down for vital record restrictions at Virginia Department of Health</ref><br>
*Birth records become public information 100 years after the date of the event.
*Death, marriage, and divorce records become public information 25 years after the event.  


Registration of births and deaths was not required between 1896 and 14 June 1912, but the health departments of some cities kept birth and death records during that period. Delayed birth registrations for the years 1896-1912 are available at the Division of Vital Records (see address below), and an index is on Family History Library films. <ref>Family History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=777933&amp;amp;amp;disp=Birth+records+%28Virginia%29%2C+1853%2D1%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 2026352-3]. </ref>


'''Virginia Department of Health'''<br>
Statewide registration of vital statistics began in 1912. The Division of Vital Records has the records from 14 June 1912 to the present. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records. You can obtain copies by&nbsp;going to [http://vitalrec.com/va.html VitalRecords.com]  
Office of Vital Records<br>
P.O. Box 1000<br>
Richmond, VA 23218<br>
Phone: (804) 662-6200<br>
[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/genealogy/ Website]<br>


*The Office of Vital Records has records of births, deaths, and marriages, 1853-1896 and since June 14, 1912.
=== Adoption Records ===
:*Between 1896 and June 14, 1912, there was no law for the registration of births and deaths.
*Unrestricted records from Virginia Department of Health are [https://www.ancestry.com/collections/search/va/doh Online]
*Restricted vital records are available with valid identification to immediate family members only: mother, father, spouse, child, brother, sister, and grandparents or a legal guardian.
:*[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/vital-records-forms-2/ Order Forms]
:*[https://vr-fhs.vdh.virginia.gov/vvestsapps/f?p=140:1 Online Application]


open / closed / state statues


'''Library of Virginia'''<br>
== Marriage Records ==
800 E. Broad Street<br>
Richmond, VA 23219<br>
Phone: 804-692-3500; Library Reference: 804-692-3777; Archives Reference: 804-692-3888<br>
Fax: 804-692-3556<br>
[https://www.lva.virginia.gov/about/contact/ Contact Us]<br>
[https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/bmd Website]<br>
*The Archives Division, has copies of surviving Virginia birth and death records for the period 1853 to 1896 and marriage records prior to 1936. <ref>[https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/genealogy/ per '''Genealogy'''] at Virginia Department of Health</ref>
:*Available on microfilm for use by the public. Copies of the microfilm may be lent to other libraries from The Library of Virginia - Archives Division, Inter Library Loan Department.
:*Any "Marriage Bonds" prior to 1853 that are still in existence are also in the Virginia State Library and Archives.


Few marriage records prior to 1730 have survived. Those that exist may be found in various places.


'''County Courthouses'''<br>
'''Records before 1853'''. Beginning in 1660, a couple could receive approval to marry by posting a bond with a civil authority or by announcing banns in church.  
Contact the clerk of the court of the county or independent city for copies of the certificates, licenses, and registers kept by the county. <br>
* [https://www.virginia.gov/local-government/ '''Local Government'''] links at Virginia.gov


== Coverage and Compliance ==
A bond was usually posted by a relative of the couple. This individual went to a county court clerk and made a written agreement to forfeit a sum of money (about $150 in the 1800s) as a guarantee that there was no reason to prevent the marriage. Records of marriage bonds sometimes include the parents' consent to the marriage if the bride or groom was a minor. The county clerk then gave the couple a license to be given to the minister who would perform the ceremony.  
''Births and Deaths:''<br>
During the years, Virginia laws changed regarding whether registration of births and deaths was required. After the final change in the 1912 law, general compliance of registration wasn't until about 1917.


''Marriages:''<br>
Marriage banns were announcements or publications of the intended marriage presented at three church meetings. This avoided the need to post a bond or obtain a license. The banns were recorded in the church records and the minister then performed the ceremony.  
There was customarily high compliance with marriages, due to the community's interest and to civil or church authorities recording marriages.


== Information in the Records ==
Beginning in 1660 the colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers. Before 1780 these marriages were seldom reported to the county clerk, but in some cases they are recorded in county court order books. A law passed in 1780 required ministers to report all marriages to the county clerk.
=== Birth Records ===
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Virginia Birth Records May Include*'''
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Child'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Birth Date/Place'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Sex/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Birthplace'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''# of Children Born/Living'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Residence/Occupation'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Midwife/Doctor'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" |* Early records may have less information
|}


Between 1853 and 1896, the information recorded in birth registers changed very little. The registers may also contain enslaved status and name of enslaver (until 1865).
'''Records since 1853'''. An 1853 state law required the clerk of the court in the county or independent city to issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records. Couples applying for a license provided the following information for the bride and groom. (Beginning in 1858, a standard form was used.)
*'''1853-1896:''' counties and cities maintained birth registers. Annually, a copy was sent to the state Auditor of Public Accounts <ref>[https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/bmd Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1853–Present)] at Library of Virginia, Research Guides and Indexes.</ref><ref>Circular from the Auditor's Office, Richmond, Virginia, dated [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/193286/?offset=0#page=2&viewer=picture&o=info&n=0&q= April 5, 1864] "duties relating to births and deaths... are subordinate to listing property for taxation.... "you will therefore abstain from ascertaining the births and deaths... for the present year."</ref>
*'''1898-1911:''' On March 4, 1898, per an Act of Assembly, the state halted the recordings of births and deaths. Some cities did maintain records during this time <ref>[https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/bmd Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1853–Present)] at Library of Virginia, Research Guides and Indexes.</ref>
*'''1912-Current:''' Statewide registration began and has been continuous
<br>
'''Delayed Birth Records'''<br>
[[United_States_Delayed_Birth_Records|Delayed birth records]] were created in the 1940s for adults without birth certificates in order to be eligible for [[United_States_Social_Security_Administration_Records|Social Security]] benefits or for passports.
*These will include some births missed in 1898-1911 when recording was halted
<br>
''See also:''<br>
*[[GuidedResearch:Virginia|Virginia Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Virginia Birth Records|How to Find Virginia Birth Records]]
*[[United States Birth Records|United States Birth Records]]
*[[United_States_Delayed_Birth_Records|United States Delayed Birth Records]]
*[[How to Find Birth Information in the United States|How to Find Birth Information in the United States]]
*[[United States, How to Use Birth Records|United States How to Use Birth Records]]
*[[African_American_Resources_for_Virginia|African_American_Resources_for_Virginia]]


<div style="clear:both"></div>
*Full names
*Ages
*Places of birth and residence
*Proposed marriage date and place
*Whether single or widowed
*Parents' names
*Groom's occupation
*Minister's name&nbsp;&nbsp;


=== Marriage Records ===
After the certificate was completed, the clerk issued a license. When the marriage was performed, the minister returned the information to the clerk, who recorded it in the county or city marriage records or registers. For many counties the certificates no longer exist, but the county marriage record books generally provide the marriage information and the parents' names.
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Virginia Marriage Records May Include:*'''
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Names of Bride/Groom**'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Date/Place of Marriage'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Presiding Official'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''# of Times Married'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Dates/Places of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Residences/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" | x
|-
| width="30%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" |* Early records may have less information<br>** May be previous married name of bride
|-
|}


County marriage records are generally the earliest and most complete vital records for Virginia.
==== '''Copies of Marriage Records'''.  ====
*'''Records before 1853:''' Beginning in 1660, a couple could receive approval to marry by posting a bond <ref> A bond was usually posted by a relative of the couple. This individual went to a county court clerk and made a written agreement to forfeit a sum of money as a guarantee that there was no reason to prevent the marriage. Records of marriage bonds sometimes include the parents' consent to the marriage if the bride or groom was a minor. The county clerk then gave the couple a license to be given to the minister who would perform the ceremony. </ref> with a civil authority or by announcing banns <ref>Marriage banns were announcements or publications of the intended marriage presented at three church meetings. This avoided the need to post a bond or obtain a license. The banns were recorded in the church records and the minister then performed the ceremony. A law passed in 1780 required ministers to report all marriages to the county clerk. </ref> in church. <br>
:*'''1660-1780:''' The colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers
:*'''1780-1853:''' Churches were required to report marriages to the county clerk, loosely enforced
*'''1853 to current:''' Clerk of the court in the county or independent city issued marriage licenses. When the marriage was performed, the minister returned the information to the clerk, who recorded it in the county or city records. Couples or their parents applying for a license provided the following information for the bride and groom (Beginning in 1858, a standard form was used): <br>
:*Full names
:*Ages
:*Places of birth and residence
:*Proposed marriage date and place
:*Whether single or widowed
:*Parents' names
:*Groom's occupation
:*Minister's name  
:*For many counties the certificates no longer exist, but the county marriage record books generally provide the marriage information and the parents' names.
*'''1866-1870's''' [[Virginia Cohabitation Records]] are a record of free African American families living in Virginia immediately after the end of the Civil War.


Copies of Virginia marriage records are available at several places. You can contact [http://vitalrec.com/va.html VitalRecords.com].


''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].'' When eloping, couples would get married in alternate places instead of the county they lived in.<br> For those from Virginia, these locations include:<ref>Arlene H. Eakle,"Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" in ''Genealogy Blog'' at http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ (accessed 8 January 2011).</ref><br>
The clerk of the court of the county or independent city for copies of the certificates, licenses, and registers kept by the county.  
*[[Prince William County, Virginia|Manassas, Prince William, Virginia]]
*[[Howard County, Maryland]]
*[[Surry County, North Carolina|Mount Airy, Surry, North Carolina]]
*[[Pike County, Kentucky]].


The Library of Virginia for copies of extant county marriage records and indexes from 1853 to 1935, microfilmed marriage bonds, and published marriage records for many counties. Vogt's book (see below) describes the holdings of the Library of Virginia.


''See also:''
The Library of Virginia has compiled a database entitled "[http://www.lva.virginia.gov/whatwehave/vital/marriage-records/index.htm Marriage Records Collection]" of&nbsp; various card index files to marriages, formerly available to researchers in their reading room, that were created over the years by different individuals.&nbsp; It indexes selected information found in a variety of collections and sources at the Library.
*[[GuidedResearch:Virginia|Virginia Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records|How to Find Virginia Marriage Records]]
*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States How to Use Marriage Records]]
*[[Virginia_Cohabitation_Records|Virginia Cohabitation Records]]
*[[African_American_Resources_for_Virginia|African_American_Resources_for_Virginia]]
*[[Virginia Divorce Records|Virginia Divorce Records]]


<div style="clear:both"></div>
Freedmen's Bureau Virginia Marriages ca. 1815-1866--Names of thousands of former slaves are included in these records.&nbsp; A free index can be viewed at [http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails;t=searchable;c=1414908 FamilySearch Record Search].&nbsp; Records may include the name of the bride &amp; groom, date of marriage registration, residence, previous marriages, names and ages of children.


=== Death Records ===
The Family History Library has microfilm copies of marriage bonds and marriage registers for most counties to about 1935 (and some to the 1960s). They can be found in the Family History Library Catalog Locality Search under:  
{| class="wikitable" width="30%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="right"
|-
| colspan="2" valign="middle" height="50" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="center" | '''Virginia Death Records May Include:*'''
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Decedent'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Date/Place of Death'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Sex/Race'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Occupation'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Age/Date of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''State/Country of Birth'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Length of Residence'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Name of Spouse'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Parents' Names'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Birth Places of Parents'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Physician'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Cause of Death'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Informant'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| width="22%" valign="middle" height="25" bgcolor="#99ccff" align="left" | '''Cemetery'''
| width="8%" valign="middle" height="25" align="center" |  x
|-
| colspan = "2" | * Early records may have less information
|}


From 1853 through 1896, the information recorded in death registers changed very little. They may contain name of enslaver, if enslaved (before 1865)
::VIRGINIA - VITAL RECORDS,  
*'''1853-1896''' counties recorded births and deaths.
::VIRGINIA, [COUNTY] - VITAL RECORDS.
*'''1898-1911''' On March 4, 1898, per an Act of Assembly, the state halted the recordings of births and deaths. <ref>[https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/bmd Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1853–Present)] per Library of Virginia site</ref>
:*Some metropolitan areas did maintain records during this time.
*'''1912-present''' Statewide registration began and has been continuous
<br>
''See also:''
*[[GuidedResearch:Virginia|Virginia Guided Research]]
*[[How to Find Virginia Death Records|How to Find Virginia Death Records]]
*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records]]
*[[United States, How to Find Death Records|United States How to Find Death Records]]
* [[United States, How to Use Death Records|United States How to Use Death Records]]
*[[African_American_Resources_for_Virginia|African_American_Resources_for_Virginia]]
<br>
'''Cause of Death'''<br>
*[[Historical Causes of Death|Causes of Death]] - use this resource when trying to interpret a disease or medical condition listed on a death record or certificate.


<div style="clear:both"></div>
The Family History Library does not have copies of the marriage indexes at the Library of Virginia but has the Marriage Registers, 1853-1935. <ref>53 Family History Library films beginning with [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=775529&amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+registers%2C+1853%2D1935+%28Vir%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 2056971 item 4]</ref>  


== Additional Information ==
The many published marriage records that are available include:  
''See also:''<br>
*[[Virginia Guided Research|Virginia Guided Research]]
*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
*''Virginia Genealogical Resources,'' by Robert Young Clay. Detroit, Mich.: Detroit Society of Genealogical Research, 1980. {{FSC|330258|item|FS Catalog book 975.5 D27c}}; Explains Virginia geography and the usefulness and availability of civil, church, and personal record types in Virginia, especially at the Library of Virginia.
*''Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. 3rd ed,'' by Alice Eichholz, ed. Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004. {{FSC|1185723|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 D27rb 2004}}; {{WorldCat|55947869|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; Contains bibliographies and background information on history and ethnic groups. Also contains maps and tables showing when each county was created.
*''Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources,'' by Carol McGinnis. Baltimore: Genealogical Publ., 1993. {{FSC|638715|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.5 A3m}}.
*''Virginia Genealogical Research'', by George K. Schweitzer. Knoxville, Tenn.: G. Schweitzer, 1984. {{FSC|435227|item|disp=FS Catalog book 975.5 D27s}}; Includes geography, bibliographies, repositories, and county-by-county inventories.
*[http://librarycatalog.virginiahistory.org/final/portal.aspx?_gl=1*8u84ct*_ga*MTI4MDI4NjUzNi4xNzM2MDE4NzY2*_ga_KMSS2K2Q0Z*MTczNjAxODc2NS4xLjEuMTczNjAxODg5OS4wLjAuMA..&lang=en-US Library Catalog] at Virginia Museum of History and Culture (formerly Virginia Historical Society)
*[https://www.vgs.org/ Virginia Genealogical Society]
*[https://www.usgenwebsites.org/vagenweb/index2.html Virginia GenWeb Project] part of USGenWeb


==Strategy==
''Marriage Records: Early to 1850'', ''Southern States.'' <ref>[Novato, California]: Brøderbund Software, 1995. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=609208&amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+records+early%2D1850%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 compact disc #9 part 229] [does not circulate to Family History Centers].)</ref> Indexes tens of thousands of Virginia county marriage records from 1735 to 1850 on microfilms at the Family History Library
'''Tips for Using Vital Records'''<br>
*Certificate or record is not found:
#Couples often married in the county where bride lived or they may have eloped
#Search the towns and cities where the event took place. Also search surrounding counties to locate the document.
#The record may not exist because of record loss at the the county courthouse. See [[Virginia Vital Records#Burned, Lost, or Missing Records|Burned, Lost, or Missing Records]].
#The event may not have been recorded by the government at that time. [[Virginia Vital Records#Substitute Records|Substitute Records]].
*Examine the record to determine accuracy:
#Person providing information may not remember events accurately
#Informant may not have been present at the time of the event
#Informant may give false information to hide age, race, religion, or illegitimacy
#Grieving relatives may not have remembered correctly
*Review the informant on the document:
#Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record
#See if records about the informant may have clues about the family
#Verify vital information with other sources <br>
<br>
:''See also:''<br>
:* [[Virginia Research Tips and Strategies]]
:* [[United States Basic Search Strategies]]
:* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


''Marriage Records'' ''[Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina].'' <ref>[Novato, California]: Brøderbund Software, 1994. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=963986&amp;amp;amp;disp=Maryland%2C+North+Carolina%2C+and+Virgin%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 compact disc #9 part 4] [does not circulate to Family History Centers].) </ref>Also called “Hunting for Bears” collection Indexes tens of thousands of original county marriage records from the late 1700s to 1880.


===Burned, Lost, or Missing Records===
''Virginia Marriage Records from the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, the William and Mary Quarterly, and Tyler's Quarterly''. <ref>Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing, 1982. (Family History Library&amp;amp;lt;span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1218642986372_536" /&amp;amp;gt; book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=149032&amp;amp;amp;disp=Virginia+marriage+records%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 975.5 V2v].) </ref>This is especially useful for finding marriage information from the 1700s. It is based on various sources for 41 counties.
The following counties had record loss.  Click on the county for more information.<br>
{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;"
|-
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[Albemarle County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Albemarle]]
*[[Appomattox County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Appomattox]]
*[[Bland County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Bland]]
*[[Brunswick County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Brunswick]]
*[[Buchanan County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Buchanan]]
*[[Buckingham County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Buckingham]]
*[[Caroline County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Caroline]]
*[[Charles City County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Charles City]]
*[[Chesterfield County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Chesterfield]]
*[[Clarke County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Clarke]]
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[Craig County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Craig]]
*[[Dinwiddie County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Dinwiddie]]
*[[Elizabeth City County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Elizabeth City]]
*[[Fairfax County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Fairfax]]
*[[Gloucester County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Gloucester]]
*[[Greene County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Greene]]
*[[Hanover County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Hanover]]
*[[Henrico County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Henrico]]
*[[James City County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|James City]]
*[[King and Queen County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|King and Queen]]
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[King George County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|King George]]
*[[King William County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|King William]]
*[[Lee County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Lee]]
*[[Louisa County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Louisa]]
*[[Mathews County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Mathews]]
*[[Northumberland County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Northumberland]]
*[[Nottoway County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Nottoway ]]
*[[Nansemond County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Nansemond]]
*[[New Kent County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|New Kent]]
*[[Prince William County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Prince William]]
|style="width:16%; vertical-align:top;"|
*[[Prince George County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Prince George]]
*[[Richmond County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Richmond]]
*[[Rockingham County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Rockingham]]
*[[Russell County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Russell]]
*[[Stafford County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Stafford]]
*[[Surry County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Surry]]
*[[Warwick, Virginia#Record Loss|Warwick]]
*[[Washington County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Washington]]
*[[Westmoreland County, Virginia Genealogy#Record Loss|Westmoreland]]
|}


:''See also:''<br>
A guide to [[Portal:Virginia|Virginia]] marriage records is ''Marriage Records in the Virginia State Library: A Researcher's Guide''. <ref>Vogt, John, and T., William Kethley. ''Marriage Records in the Virginia State Library: A Researcher's Guide''. Athens, Georgia: Iberian Pub. Co. 1988. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=624073&amp;amp;amp;disp=Marriage+records+in+the+Virginia+State+L%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 975.5 V23v 1988].) </ref>Describes the available microfilmed and published records and has helpful background information.  
:*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research]] for strategies to find ancestors in spite of record loss.


More published marriage records can be found in the Family History Library Catalog Locality Search under:


===Substitute Records===
::VIRGINIA - VITAL RECORDS
For other records that may give birth, marriage, or death information, see:
::VIRGINIA, [COUNTY] - VITAL RECORDS.
*[[Virginia Substitute Records|Virginia Substitute Records]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Birth_Information|Substitute Records for United States Birth Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_for_United_States_Marriage_Information|Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information]]
*[[Substitute_Records_For_United_States_Death_Information|Substitute Records for United States Death Information]]


== References ==
=== '''Divorce Records'''  ===
{{reflist}}


Divorce records are usually kept by the county court. The records for 1853 to the present can be obtained by going to [http://vitalrec.com/va.html VitalRecords.com] . The library has not obtained copies of divorce records.


[[Category:Virginia Vital Records]]
== Lost and Missing Records  ==
 
Amelia, Appomattox 1892, Buchanan 1885, 1977, Buckingham 1869, Caroline, Charles City, Cumberland, Dinwiddie 1864, Elizabeth City, Glouscester 1821, 1865, Greene C.W., Greenville, Hanover 1865, Henrico,Highland 1947, Islae of Wight, James City 1865, King and Queen 1825, 1865,King George, King William 1855 1885, Mathews 1865, New Kent 1787, 1865,Northumberland 1710, Rockingham 1864, Russell 1853,
 
== Substitute Records  ==
 
[[Virginia Church Records|Virginia Church Records]]
 
[[Virginia Cemeteries|Virginia Cemetery Records]]
 
[[Virginia Census|Virginia Census]]
 
[[Virginia Newspapers|Virginia Newspapers]]
 
[[Virginia Periodicals|Virginia Periodicals]]
 
[[Virginia Military Records|Virginia Military Records]]
 
== Tips  ==
 
== Archive, Libraries and Societies  ==
 
[[Virginia Archives and Libraries|Virginia Archives and Libraries]]
 
[[Virginia Societies|Virginia Societies]]<br>
 
=== Further Reading  ===
 
*''Virginia Genealogical Resources'' <ref>Clay, Robert Young. ''Virginia Genealogical Resources''. Detroit, Michigan: Detroit Society of Genealogical Research, 1980. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=330258&amp;amp;amp;disp=Virginia+genealogical+resources%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 975.5 D27c].) </ref>Explains Virginia geography and the usefulness and availability of civil, church, and personal record types in Virginia, especially at the Library of Virginia.
 
*''Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources''. <ref>Eichholtz, Alice, ed. ''Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources''. Revised edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1992. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;callno=973+D27rb 973 D27rb 1992].) </ref>Contains bibliographies and background information on history and ethnic groups. Also contains maps and tables showing when each county was created.
 
*''Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources.'' <ref>McGinnis, Carol. ''Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources.'' Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publication Company, 1993. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=638715&amp;amp;amp;disp=Virginia+genealogy+%3A+sources+%26+resou%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 975.5 A3m].) </ref>
 
*''Virginia Genealogical Research''. <ref>Schweitzer, George K. ''Virginia Genealogical Research''. Knoxville, Tennessee: G. Schweitzer, 1984. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=435227&amp;amp;amp;disp=Virginia+genealogical+research%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 975.5 D27s].) </ref>Includes geography, bibliographies, repositories, and county-by-county inventories.
 
== References  ==
 
<references />
 
[[Category:Virginia]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]]

Revision as of 08:04, 15 September 2009

United States > United States Vital Records > Virginia > Virginia Vital Records

Virginia Birth, Marriage and Death Records[edit | edit source]

Virginia Vital Records Online Links[edit | edit source]

Introduction to Vital Records[edit | edit source]

Birth and Death Records[edit | edit source]

Few births were recorded by civil authorities before 1853. You may find some information on pre-1853 births and deaths in genealogies, histories, church and Bible records, and collections of personal papers.

From 1853 to 1896, the state required the counties to record births and deaths. Microfilm copies of these are at the Library of Virginia. The Library of Virginia has indexes of the birth records to 1896. A fully searchable index to Virginia city and county Death Registers for 1853-1896  are on-line. This is an on-going project sponsored by the Virginia Genealogical Society. Fifteen cities and counties have been indexed to date.   The Family History Library has microfilm copies of many of the county birth and death records at the Library of Virginia. The statewide birth record index from 1853 to 1896. [1]

Registration of births and deaths was not required between 1896 and 14 June 1912, but the health departments of some cities kept birth and death records during that period. Delayed birth registrations for the years 1896-1912 are available at the Division of Vital Records (see address below), and an index is on Family History Library films. [2]

Statewide registration of vital statistics began in 1912. The Division of Vital Records has the records from 14 June 1912 to the present. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records. You can obtain copies by going to VitalRecords.com

Adoption Records[edit | edit source]

open / closed / state statues

Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

Few marriage records prior to 1730 have survived. Those that exist may be found in various places.

Records before 1853. Beginning in 1660, a couple could receive approval to marry by posting a bond with a civil authority or by announcing banns in church.

A bond was usually posted by a relative of the couple. This individual went to a county court clerk and made a written agreement to forfeit a sum of money (about $150 in the 1800s) as a guarantee that there was no reason to prevent the marriage. Records of marriage bonds sometimes include the parents' consent to the marriage if the bride or groom was a minor. The county clerk then gave the couple a license to be given to the minister who would perform the ceremony.

Marriage banns were announcements or publications of the intended marriage presented at three church meetings. This avoided the need to post a bond or obtain a license. The banns were recorded in the church records and the minister then performed the ceremony.

Beginning in 1660 the colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers. Before 1780 these marriages were seldom reported to the county clerk, but in some cases they are recorded in county court order books. A law passed in 1780 required ministers to report all marriages to the county clerk.

Records since 1853. An 1853 state law required the clerk of the court in the county or independent city to issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records. Couples applying for a license provided the following information for the bride and groom. (Beginning in 1858, a standard form was used.)

  • Full names
  • Ages
  • Places of birth and residence
  • Proposed marriage date and place
  • Whether single or widowed
  • Parents' names
  • Groom's occupation
  • Minister's name  

After the certificate was completed, the clerk issued a license. When the marriage was performed, the minister returned the information to the clerk, who recorded it in the county or city marriage records or registers. For many counties the certificates no longer exist, but the county marriage record books generally provide the marriage information and the parents' names.

Copies of Marriage Records.[edit | edit source]

Copies of Virginia marriage records are available at several places. You can contact VitalRecords.com.

The clerk of the court of the county or independent city for copies of the certificates, licenses, and registers kept by the county.

The Library of Virginia for copies of extant county marriage records and indexes from 1853 to 1935, microfilmed marriage bonds, and published marriage records for many counties. Vogt's book (see below) describes the holdings of the Library of Virginia.

The Library of Virginia has compiled a database entitled "Marriage Records Collection" of  various card index files to marriages, formerly available to researchers in their reading room, that were created over the years by different individuals.  It indexes selected information found in a variety of collections and sources at the Library.

Freedmen's Bureau Virginia Marriages ca. 1815-1866--Names of thousands of former slaves are included in these records.  A free index can be viewed at FamilySearch Record Search.  Records may include the name of the bride & groom, date of marriage registration, residence, previous marriages, names and ages of children.

The Family History Library has microfilm copies of marriage bonds and marriage registers for most counties to about 1935 (and some to the 1960s). They can be found in the Family History Library Catalog Locality Search under:

VIRGINIA - VITAL RECORDS,
VIRGINIA, [COUNTY] - VITAL RECORDS.

The Family History Library does not have copies of the marriage indexes at the Library of Virginia but has the Marriage Registers, 1853-1935. [3]

The many published marriage records that are available include:

Marriage Records: Early to 1850, Southern States. [4] Indexes tens of thousands of Virginia county marriage records from 1735 to 1850 on microfilms at the Family History Library

Marriage Records [Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina]. [5]Also called “Hunting for Bears” collection Indexes tens of thousands of original county marriage records from the late 1700s to 1880.

Virginia Marriage Records from the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, the William and Mary Quarterly, and Tyler's Quarterly. [6]This is especially useful for finding marriage information from the 1700s. It is based on various sources for 41 counties.

A guide to Virginia marriage records is Marriage Records in the Virginia State Library: A Researcher's Guide. [7]Describes the available microfilmed and published records and has helpful background information.

More published marriage records can be found in the Family History Library Catalog Locality Search under:

VIRGINIA - VITAL RECORDS
VIRGINIA, [COUNTY] - VITAL RECORDS.

Divorce Records[edit | edit source]

Divorce records are usually kept by the county court. The records for 1853 to the present can be obtained by going to VitalRecords.com . The library has not obtained copies of divorce records.

Lost and Missing Records[edit | edit source]

Amelia, Appomattox 1892, Buchanan 1885, 1977, Buckingham 1869, Caroline, Charles City, Cumberland, Dinwiddie 1864, Elizabeth City, Glouscester 1821, 1865, Greene C.W., Greenville, Hanover 1865, Henrico,Highland 1947, Islae of Wight, James City 1865, King and Queen 1825, 1865,King George, King William 1855 1885, Mathews 1865, New Kent 1787, 1865,Northumberland 1710, Rockingham 1864, Russell 1853,

Substitute Records[edit | edit source]

Virginia Church Records

Virginia Cemetery Records

Virginia Census

Virginia Newspapers

Virginia Periodicals

Virginia Military Records

Tips[edit | edit source]

Archive, Libraries and Societies[edit | edit source]

Virginia Archives and Libraries

Virginia Societies

Further Reading[edit | edit source]

  • Virginia Genealogical Resources [8]Explains Virginia geography and the usefulness and availability of civil, church, and personal record types in Virginia, especially at the Library of Virginia.
  • Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. [9]Contains bibliographies and background information on history and ethnic groups. Also contains maps and tables showing when each county was created.
  • Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources. [10]
  • Virginia Genealogical Research. [11]Includes geography, bibliographies, repositories, and county-by-county inventories.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Family History Library films. 2026327-52, with birth records from 1853 to 1896 (on films beginning with 2046907).
  2. ↑ Family History Library films 2026352-3.
  3. ↑ 53 Family History Library films beginning with 2056971 item 4
  4. ↑ [Novato, California]: Brøderbund Software, 1995. (Family History Library compact disc #9 part 229 [does not circulate to Family History Centers].)
  5. ↑ [Novato, California]: Brøderbund Software, 1994. (Family History Library compact disc #9 part 4 [does not circulate to Family History Centers].)
  6. ↑ Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing, 1982. (Family History Library&amp;lt;span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1218642986372_536" /&amp;gt; book 975.5 V2v.)
  7. ↑ Vogt, John, and T., William Kethley. Marriage Records in the Virginia State Library: A Researcher's Guide. Athens, Georgia: Iberian Pub. Co. 1988. (Family History Library book 975.5 V23v 1988.)
  8. ↑ Clay, Robert Young. Virginia Genealogical Resources. Detroit, Michigan: Detroit Society of Genealogical Research, 1980. (Family History Library book 975.5 D27c.)
  9. ↑ Eichholtz, Alice, ed. Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. Revised edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1992. (Family History Library book 973 D27rb 1992.)
  10. ↑ McGinnis, Carol. Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publication Company, 1993. (Family History Library book 975.5 A3m.)
  11. ↑ Schweitzer, George K. Virginia Genealogical Research. Knoxville, Tennessee: G. Schweitzer, 1984. (Family History Library book 975.5 D27s.)
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