How to Find Utah Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
(Migrated FSC links to FSC Template.)
m (e)
(28 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{breadcrumb
''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[United States Vital Records|US Vital Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find United States Marriages]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Utah Genealogy|Utah]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Utah Vital Records|Vital Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Utah Marriages'''__NOTOC__  
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
| link4=[[Utah Vital Records|Utah Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records|How to Find Utah Marriage Records]]
}} __NOTOC__  


==Finding Utah Marriage Records==
== Finding Utah Marriage Records ==


*Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887.
*Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887.
*[http://archives.utah.gov/research/indexes/ UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION OF ARCHIVES & RECORDS SERVICE Name Indexes]
*[http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/utah-marriages-1845-1935 Utah Marriages 1845-1935], ($), index
*{{RecordSearch|1675546|Utah, Marriages, 1887-1966}} Index only.
*{{RecordSearch|1803977|Utah, County Marriages, 1887-1937}} Index only.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1971 Utah, Marriage Records, 1887-1914]] Index and images ($)
*[http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Index Utah]<br>
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60198 Utah, Select County Marriages, 1887-1937]] ($) index. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30242/utah-county-marriages-1887-1937?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60201 Utah, Select Marriages, 1887-1966]] ($), index. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30198/utah-marriages-1887-1966?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10214/utah-marriages-1887-1999?s=218489221 Utah, Marriages, 1887 - 1999], ($), index


{{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'''. }}  
Line 17: Line 21:
{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" colspan="2" scope="col" |  
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


=='''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''==
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
 
:'''Marriage Records'''  
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
:'''Marriage Records'''
:Choose a time period:  
:Choose a time period:  
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1887|Before 1887]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1887|Before 1887]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_1888_to_1966|1888 to 1966]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_1888_to_1966|1888 to 1966]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_1967_to_Present|1967 to Present]]'''
:*'''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Marriages_1967_to_Present|1967 to Present]]'''  
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''
:*'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''


Line 35: Line 38:
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}


=='''Marriages Before 1887'''==
== '''Marriages Before 1887''' ==


*Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887; however, some records of marriages before 1887 are in the justice of the peace or probate court records. These early marriage records were usually interfiled with other court matters.
*Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887; however, some records of marriages before 1887 are in the justice of the peace or probate court records. These early marriage records were usually interfiled with other court matters.  
*Some early records are also available in the following Findmypast collection:
*Use&nbsp;[http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/utahPre1887Sources.cfm Pre-1887 Sources] listed by Utah Counties in&nbsp;Western States Marriage Records Index  
**[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=utah '''United States Marriages – Utah, 1805-1992'''] ($) index & images
*Most of these court records are currently at either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives (see [http://archives.utah.gov/research/guides/marriage.htm Marriage Records Research Guide]). Some are also in the personal journals of individual judges. The Family History Library has pre-1887 court records for a number of Utah counties.  
*Use [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/utahPre1887Sources.cfm Pre-1887 Sources] listed by Utah Counties in Western States Marriage Records Index
*Many early marriages were performed in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before the government recorded marriages, marriages or sealings were only recorded in temple records. Other marriages may have been recorded in Church records or journals of the bishops.  
*Most of these court records are currently at either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives (see [http://archives.utah.gov/research/guides/marriage.htm Marriage Records Research Guide]). Some are also in the personal journals of individual judges. The FamilySearch Library has pre-1887 court records for a number of Utah counties.
*For vital records of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see the [[Tracing LDS Ancestors|Tracing LDS Ancestors]].
*Many early marriages were performed in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before the government recorded marriages, marriages or sealings were only recorded in temple records. Other marriages may have been recorded in Church records or journals of the bishops.
*For vital records of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see the [[Tracing Latter-day Saint Ancestors|Tracing Latter-day Saint Ancestors]].


<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]].  
<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]].  
Line 52: Line 53:
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
|-
|'''1. Look first in'''
| '''1. Look first in'''  
|'''2. Then search'''
| '''2. Then search'''
|-
|-
|[[Utah Church Records| Church Records]]<br>  
| [[Utah Church Records|&nbsp;Church Records]]<br>  
[[Utah Newspapers| Newspapers]]<br> [[Utah Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Utah Newspapers|&nbsp;Newspapers]]<br> &nbsp;[[Utah Military Records|Military Records]]<br> &nbsp;[[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  


| [[Utah Census|Census Records]]  
| &nbsp;[[Utah Census|Census Records]]  
[[Utah Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Utah Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Utah Bible Records|Bible Records]]  
&nbsp;[[Utah Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> &nbsp;[[Utah Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> &nbsp;[[Utah Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|}
|}
Line 69: Line 70:
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}


=='''Marriages 1888 to 1966'''==
== '''Marriages 1888 to 1966''' ==


*In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act required that marriage records be kept in the office of the probate court. Beginning in the late 1890s they were kept by the county clerks. County marriage records from 1887 to the present are currently found in either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives. The FamilySearch Library has film copies of these records to about 1960 for most counties. Check the county for marriage records and which records are being digitized.
*In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act required that marriage records be kept in the office of the probate court. Beginning in the late 1890s they were kept by the county clerks. County marriage records from 1887 to the present are currently found in either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives. The Family History Library has film copies of these records to about 1960 for most counties. Check the county for marriage records and which records are being digitized.  
*Most marriage records show names of bride and groom, residences, and ages. Names of witnesses can help identify relatives or neighbors. Later records may include birth information and parents' names.<br>
*Most marriage records show names of bride and groom, residences, and ages. Names of witnesses can help identify relatives or neighbors. Later records may include birth information and parents' names.<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| colspan="3" align="left" |'''Utah Marriage Database - Includes Index'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Utah Marriage Database - Includes Index'''  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" |''Try 1st:''
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
|
|  
| width="25%" |{{RecordSearch|1675546|Utah Marriages, 1887-1935}}
| width="25%" | [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1675546 Utah Marriages, 1887-1966]
| width="65%" |'''Free online at FamilySearch.org:'''<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> 308,854 name</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> index online at FamilySearch</span> See [[Utah Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|Utah Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records]] for coverage table. Also on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60201 Ancestry.com] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60201 free at FamilySearch centers] and on [http://www.findmypast.com/fridays/utah-marriages-1845-1935 Findmypast.com]<br>
| width="65%" |  
'''Free online at FamilySearch.org:'''<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;308,854 name</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;index online at FamilySearch</span>  
 
See [[Utah Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Utah Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)]] for coverage table.<br>  
 
|-
|-
| align="left" |
| align="left" |  
|
|  
|
|  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
| align="left" |''Try 2nd:''
| align="left" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|<br>
| <br>  
|<br>
| <br>  
|
|  
|-
|-
|
| align="left" |  
| width="25%" |{{RecordSearch|1803977|Utah, County Marriages, 1887-1940}}
| [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Search]  
| width="65%" |'''Free online at FamilySearch.org:'''<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> index online at FamilySearch</span> See [[Utah, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|Utah, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records]] for coverage table. Also on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60198 Ancestry.com] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60198 free at FamilySearch centers]<br>
|  
|-
'''Free online at BYU-Idaho:''' search by groom or bride  
| align="left" |''Try 3rd:''
 
|<br>
|<br>
|
|-
| align="left" |
|[http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Search, 1809-present]
|'''Free online at BYU-Idaho:''' search by groom or bride
Each entry in the index may contain the following:  
Each entry in the index may contain the following:  


*names of the bride and groom
*names of the bride and groom  
*marriage date and place
*marriage date and place  
*county and state in which the marriage is recorded
*county and state in which the marriage is recorded  
*residency of the bride and/or groom
*residency of the bride and/or groom  
*miscellaneous comments
*miscellaneous comments
|
|-
|-
| align="left" |''Try 4th:''
| align="left" colspan="2" |  
|<br>
|  
|<br>
|  
|
|-
|
| width="25%" |[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=utah Findmypast, United States Marriages 1805-1992]
| width="65%" |'''($)''' at Findmypast
|-
|-
|-
| align="left" |''Try 5th:''
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
|<br>
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|<br>
|  
|
|-
|-
| align="left" |
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|[https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10214/utah-marriages-1887-1999?s=218489221 Utah, Marriages, 1887 - 1999]
|  
|'''($):''' Index only, search for bride or groom
|
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |
|
|
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |'''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
|[[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |'''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]]  
[[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 [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= FamilySearch 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 Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search 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 FamilySearch Catalog] 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 FamilySearch Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Finding_Utah_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Finding_Utah_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}


=='''Marriages 1967 to Present'''==
== '''Marriages 1967 to Present''' ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| colspan="3" align="left" |'''Utah Marriage Indexes'''
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Utah Marriage Indexes'''  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" |''Try 1st:''
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
|
|  
|[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60965/ Ancestry, Utah, Select Marriage Index, 1887-1985] ($)
| width="25%" | [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/648760 Marriage License Information System]
|Index. Mainly covers Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties. <br>
| width="65%" |  
|-
'''Index available at the Family History Library.''' It covers the years 1800s through 1992. These can be searched by groom's name, bride's name, or date of marriage. The index provides the marriage license number and the county.<br>  
|''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" |[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=utah Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1805-1992]]
| width="65%" |
($) index & images<br>
|-
| width="10%" |''Try 3rd:''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" |{{FSC|282764|item|disp=Marriage License Information System}}
| width="65%" |
'''Index available at the FamilySearch Library.''' It covers the years 1800s through 1992. These can be searched by groom's name, bride's name, or date of marriage. The index provides the marriage license number and the county.<br>  


|-
|-
|''Try 4th: ''
| ''Try 2nd:''  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
|
|  
|{{FSC|282764|item|disp=Miscellaneous Marriage Records Index}}
| [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/282764 Miscellaneous Marriage Records Index]
|
|  
'''Microfilm available through the FamilySearch Catalog.''' Compiled by the Genealogical Society of Utah in Salt Lake City, 1972. This source is an incomplete index for Utah counties for the 1860 to 1940 period.  
'''Microfilm available through the FamilySearch Catalog.''' Compiled by the Genealogical Society of Utah in Salt Lake City, 1972. This source is an incomplete index for Utah counties for the 1860 to 1940 period.  


Line 219: Line 182:


|-
|-
| align="left" |''Try 5th: ''
| align="left" colspan="2" |  
|
|  
|
|  
|
|-
|-
| align="left" |
| align="left" | ''Try 3rd:&nbsp;''
|[http://archives.utah.gov/research/links/county.htm County Offices]
| [http://archives.utah.gov/research/links/county.htm County Offices]  
|If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage indexes 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.
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage indexes 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.  
|
|  
|-
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |
| align="left" colspan="2" |  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
| align="left" |''Try 6th: ''
| align="left" | ''Try 4th:&nbsp;''  
|[https://silver.health.utah.gov/marriagedivorceinfo.html Utah Department of Health]
| [https://silver.health.utah.gov/marriagedivorceinfo.html Utah Department of Health]  
|Utah State Vital Records can only verify marriages which took place in Utah between 1978 and present. You can use this [https://silver.health.utah.gov/applications/MarriageDivorce.pdf form] to order the marriage record.
| Utah State Vital Records can only verify marriages which took place in Utah between 1978 and present. You can use this [https://silver.health.utah.gov/applications/MarriageDivorce.pdf form] to order the marriage record.  
|
|  
|-
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |
| align="left" colspan="2" |  
|
|  
|
|  
|-
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |'''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]]  
|
|  
|-
|-
| colspan="2" align="left" |'''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]]  
[[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 [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= FamilySearch 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 Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= FamilySearch Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search 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 FamilySearch Catalog] 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 microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Finding_Utah_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records#Finding_Utah_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}


==Wiki Articles==
== Wiki Articles ==
 
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage 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, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States 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 Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]
:*[[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 Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Utah Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Utah_Marriages_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)/Known_Issues]]


{{Utah|Utah}}
{{Utah|Utah}}


[[Category:Utah_Vital_Records]]  
[[Category:Utah_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 10:27, 16 April 2016

United States Gotoarrow.png US Vital Records Gotoarrow.png How to Find United States Marriages Gotoarrow.png Utah Gotoarrow.png Vital Records Gotoarrow.png Utah Marriages

Finding Utah Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887.
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 1887[edit | edit source]

  • Civil registration of marriages was not required in Utah until 1887; however, some records of marriages before 1887 are in the justice of the peace or probate court records. These early marriage records were usually interfiled with other court matters.
  • Use Pre-1887 Sources listed by Utah Counties in Western States Marriage Records Index
  • Most of these court records are currently at either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives (see Marriage Records Research Guide). Some are also in the personal journals of individual judges. The Family History Library has pre-1887 court records for a number of Utah counties.
  • Many early marriages were performed in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before the government recorded marriages, marriages or sealings were only recorded in temple records. Other marriages may have been recorded in Church records or journals of the bishops.
  • For vital records of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see the Tracing LDS Ancestors.


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 1888 to 1966[edit | edit source]

  • In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act required that marriage records be kept in the office of the probate court. Beginning in the late 1890s they were kept by the county clerks. County marriage records from 1887 to the present are currently found in either the county clerk's office or the Utah State Archives. The Family History Library has film copies of these records to about 1960 for most counties. Check the county for marriage records and which records are being digitized.
  • Most marriage records show names of bride and groom, residences, and ages. Names of witnesses can help identify relatives or neighbors. Later records may include birth information and parents' names.
Utah Marriage Database - Includes Index
Try 1st:
Utah Marriages, 1887-1966

Free online at FamilySearch.org: 308,854 name index online at FamilySearch

See Utah Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records) for coverage table.

Try 2nd:

Western States Marriage Search

Free online at BYU-Idaho: search by groom or bride

Each entry in the index may contain the following:

  • names of the bride and groom
  • marriage date and place
  • county and state in which the marriage is recorded
  • residency of the bride and/or groom
  • miscellaneous comments
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 FamilySearch Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

  • Search the FamilySearch Catalog 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 FamilySearch Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1967 to Present[edit | edit source]

Utah Marriage Indexes
Try 1st:
Marriage License Information System

Index available at the Family History Library. It covers the years 1800s through 1992. These can be searched by groom's name, bride's name, or date of marriage. The index provides the marriage license number and the county.

Try 2nd:
Miscellaneous Marriage Records Index

Microfilm available through the FamilySearch Catalog. Compiled by the Genealogical Society of Utah in Salt Lake City, 1972. This source is an incomplete index for Utah counties for the 1860 to 1940 period.

The index cards list marriage information for individuals from ten counties: Box Elder, Millard, Morgan, Salt Lake, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Utah, Wayne, and Weber. A few counties from Idaho and Wyoming are also included.

The original cards have been interfiled with the Early Church Information File.

Try 3rd:  County Offices If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage indexes 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 4th:  Utah Department of Health Utah State Vital Records can only verify marriages which took place in Utah between 1978 and present. You can use this form to order the marriage record.
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 FamilySearch Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

  • Search the FamilySearch Catalog 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 FamilySearch Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

v • d• e
Links to Utah-related articles
Topics
Counties
Extinct Co.
Major
 Repositories
Migration
 Routes

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

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Find_Utah_Marriage_Records&oldid=2531441"