How to Find Virginia Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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{{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]] [[Virginia Genealogy|Virginia]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Virginia Vital Records|Vital Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Virginia Marriages'''
| 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=[[Virginia Vital Records|Virginia Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records|How to Find Virginia Marriage Records]]
}}


==Finding Virginia Marriage Records==
== Finding Virginia Marriage Records ==


*1660 - Colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers (few colonial records survive)
*1660 - Colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers (few colonial records survive)  
*1780 - Law required ministers report all marriages to county clerk
*1780 - Law required ministers report all marriages to county clerk  
*1853 - State law required clerk of the court in the county or independent city to issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records
*1853 - State law required clerk of the court in the county or independent city to issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records  
*'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When an '''eloping''' Virginia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places like [[Prince William County, Virginia#Vital_Records|Manassas, Prince William, Virginia]], or [[Howard County, Maryland#Vital_Records|Howard County, Maryland]], or [[Surry County, North Carolina#Vital_Records|Mount Airy, Surry, North Carolina]], or [[Pike County, Kentucky#Vital_Records|Pike County, Kentucky]].<ref name="Eakle1">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>
*'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When an '''eloping''' Virginia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places like [[Prince William County, Virginia#Vital_Records|Manassas, Prince William, Virginia]], or [[Howard County, Maryland#Vital_Records|Howard County, Maryland]], or [[Surry County, North Carolina#Vital_Records|Mount Airy, Surry, North Carolina]], or [[Pike County, Kentucky#Vital_Records|Pike County, Kentucky]].<ref name="Eakle1">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>  
*Marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the time the event occurred. Only family members may obtain these records.
*Marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the time the event occurred. Only family members may obtain these records.


 
*[https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE113561&vid=FHD&vid=FHD Early Virginia Marriages, 1953], e-book
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48647 Virginia Vital Records] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6286 Virginia County Records, Volume VII] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3001 Virginia Marriages Before 1824] Abstracts ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5063 Virginia, Marriages of the Northern Neck of Virginia, 1649-1800] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 Virginia, Marriages, 1660-1800] Abstracts ($)
*[https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE113575&vid=FHD&vid=FHD Some Virginia marriages, 1700-1799, Vol. 1], e-book
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 Virginia, Marriages, 1740-1850] Abstracts ($)
*{{RecordSearch|1708698|Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940}} Index only. Incomplete. Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60214 Ancestry.com] ($), Also at [http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/virginia-marriages-1785-1940 FindMyPast], ($), index, also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30207/virginia-marriages-1785-1940?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*[https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE219923&vid=FHD&vid=FHD Some Virginia Marriages 1800-1825], e-book
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2521 U.S., Hochheimer Marriage Records for Virginia, 1850-1900]($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Virginia Marriages, 1851-1929] Abstracts Incomplete ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 Virginia, Marriage Records, 1936-2014] ($) Index/Images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7832 Virginia Land, Marriage, and Probate Records, 1639-1850], ($) index/images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6280 Virginia County Records, Volume VI], ($) index/images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6293 Virginia County Records, Volume IX], ($) index/images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6325 Virginia County Records, Volume X], ($) index/images


<br> {{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
<br> {{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
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{| width="90%" border="1" align="left" style="margin: 1em auto"
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! rowspan="2" width="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" |
! width="35%" valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" rowspan="2" |  
=='''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? ''' ==


| width="55%" bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
| width="55%" bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |  
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:'''</span><br>|
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:'''</span><br>&#124;


:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period: </span>  
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period: </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1853|Before 1853]]''' </span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1853|Before 1853]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_from_1853_to_Present|1853 to Present]]''' </span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Marriages_from_1853_to_Present|1853 to Present]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>


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'''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records]]'''  
'''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records]]'''  


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=='''Marriages Before 1853'''==
== '''Marriages Before 1853''' ==


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]].  
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].  


====='''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''=====
===== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information''' =====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" width="100%" align="center" |'''Try these databases. <br>Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.'''
| width="100%" align="center" colspan="4" | '''Try these databases. <br>Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.'''
|-
| width="20%" align="left" |'''Database Name'''
| colspan="2" width="65%" align="left" |'''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" |# of records
|-
| width="20%" align="left" |Various Counties, Marriage Bonds, 1706-1901
|colspan="2" width="65%" align="left" | on {{RecordSearch|4016437|FamilySearch}} - index & images
|
|-
| width="20%" align="left" |Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1660-1959
| colspan="2" width="65%" align="left" |[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=virginia On Findmypast] ($) index
| width="15%" align="center" |
|-
|Ancestry, Marriages, 1660-1800
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" |88,130
|-
| width="30%" |Ancestry, Marriages, 1700-1850
| width="35%" |[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" |[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" |33,706
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Marriage bonds, 1700s-1824
| width="20%" align="left" | '''Database Name'''
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=30011 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="65%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3001 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records&nbsp;
| align="center" |4,496
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Marriages, 1740-1850
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1660-1800
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3002 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" |337,520
| align="center" | 88,130
|-
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Marriages, 1771-1943
| width="30%" | Ancestry, Marriages, 1700-1850
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |{{RecordSearch|2134304|Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1943}}, index & images.
| width="35%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| align="center" |37,040
| width="35%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3143 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 33,706
|-
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940
| Ancestry, Marriage bonds, 1700s-1824
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |{{RecordSearch|1708698|On FamilySearch}}, free, incomplete. Also at [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30207/virginia-marriages-1785-1940?s=275764761 MyHeritage.com] ($). [[Virginia Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Coverage_Table|view coverage table]]
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=30011 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3001 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 4,496
|-
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Marriages, 1853-1935
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1740-1850
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |{{RecordSearch|3477666|Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935}}, index.
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| align="center" |
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3723 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 337,520
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929
| align="left" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1708698|On FamilySearch}}, free, incomplete, [[Virginia Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Coverage_Table|view coverage table]]  
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 1,219,044
| align="center" |29,984
|-
|-
| align="left" |Library of Virginia, Marriages, 1719-1898
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |[http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/search.asp On Library of Virginia], free, incomplete, [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/ county coverage]
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
| align="center" |Undisclosed
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 29,984
|-
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Select Marriages, 1700-1799
| align="left" | Library of Virginia, Marriages  
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/230804-some-virginia-marriages-1700-1799-vol-1?offset=1 On FamilySearch], free, incomplete index
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/search.asp On Library of Virginia], free, incomplete, [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/ county coverage]
| align="center" |Undisclosed
| align="center" | Undisclosed
|}
|}


{| 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/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|-
|-
| 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. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  


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{| 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'''
|-
|-
|[[Virginia Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
| [[Virginia Church Records|Church Records]]<br>  
[[Virginia Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Virginia Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  
[[Virginia Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Virginia Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]  


|[[Virginia Census|Census Records]]  
| [[Virginia Census|Census Records]]  
[[Virginia Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Virginia Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Virginia Bible Records|Bible Records]]  
[[Virginia Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Virginia Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[Virginia Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


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! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
|}


=='''Marriages from 1853 to Present'''==
== '''Marriages from 1853 to Present''' ==


====='''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''=====
===== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information''' =====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" width="100%" align="center" |'''Try these databases. <br>Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.'''
| width="100%" align="center" colspan="4" | '''Try these databases. <br>Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.'''
|-
| width="20%" align="left" |'''Database Name'''
| colspan="2" width="65%" align="left" |'''Link or links to access database'''
| width="15%" align="center" |# of records
|-
| width="20%" align="left" |Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1660-1959
| colspan="2" width="65%" align="left" |[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=virginia On Findmypast] ($) index
| width="15%" align="center" |
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |{{RecordSearch|1708698|On FamilySearch}}, free, incomplete, [[Virginia Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Coverage_Table|view coverage table]]
| align="center" |1,219,044
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929
| width="20%" align="left" | '''Database Name'''
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="65%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
| align="center" |29,984
|-
|-
| align="left" |FamilySearch, Marriages, 1853-1935
| align="left" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |{{RecordSearch|3477666|Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935}}, index.
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1708698|On FamilySearch}}, free, incomplete, [[Virginia Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Coverage_Table|view coverage table]]
| align="center" |
| align="center" | 1,219,044
|-
|-
| align="left" |Ancestry, Marriages, 1853-1935
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |*'''1853-1935''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62154/ $, Use your own Ancestry subscription], Index and images
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| align="center" |
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4498 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 29,984
|-
|-
|Ancestry, Virginia, Marriage Records, 1936-2014
| Ancestry, Virginia, Marriage Records, 1936-2014  
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
|[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9279 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" |9,445,507
| align="center" | 9,445,507
|-
|-
| align="left" |Library of Virginia, Marriages, 1719-1898
| align="left" | Library of Virginia, Marriages  
| colspan="2" width="70%" align="left" |[http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/search.asp On Library of Virginia], free, incomplete, [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/ county coverage]
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/search.asp On Library of Virginia], free, incomplete, [http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/ county coverage]  
| align="center" |Undisclosed
| align="center" | Undisclosed
|}
|}


{| 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/centers/locations/ local FamilySearch center] or your local public library.
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|-
|-
| 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. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.  


|}
|}


If you did not find your ancestor in the above indexes, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
If you did not find your ancestor in the above indexes, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].  


====='''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record'''=====
===== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' =====


<br> {{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }} <br> '''PART A: You know the approximate or exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes'''  
<br> {{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }} <br> '''PART A: You know the approximate or exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes'''  
Line 207: Line 187:
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| colspan="3" width="100%" align="center" |'''With date and place of marriage, <br>order a copy of the marriage from one of the following:'''
| width="100%" align="center" colspan="3" | '''With date and place of marriage, <br>order a copy of the marriage from one of the following:'''
|-
|-
| width="15%" |'''Option A:'''
| width="15%" | '''Option A:'''  
| width="15%" |Marriage Records on '''Microfilm'''
| width="15%" | Marriage Records on '''Microfilm'''  
|Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/?c= Family Search Center]. If you '''know the county and approximate date''' where the marriage took place, use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  
| 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 county and approximate date''' where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog ] to see what is available.  
 
:*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog] by county.  
:*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog 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.
:*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
:*Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.


|-
|-
| width="15%" |'''Option B:''' <br>
| width="15%" | '''Option B:''' <br>  
| width="15%" |Order from the '''County or City'''
| width="15%" | Order from the '''County or City'''  
|
|  
Order the marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html county court clerk] in the county the marriage took place.  
Order the marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html county court clerk] in the county the marriage took place.  


|-
|-
| width="15%" |'''Option C:''' <br>
| width="15%" | '''Option C:''' <br>  
| width="15%" |Order from the '''State of Virginia'''
| width="15%" | Order from the '''State of Virginia'''  
|
|  
Order the marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Vital_Records/index.htm Virginia Office of Vital Records].  
Order the marriage record for a fee from the [http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Vital_Records/index.htm Virginia Office of Vital Records].  


Line 233: Line 212:
<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 '''do know the county or independent city of marriage,''' you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html county clerk].
:*If you '''do know the county or independent city of marriage,''' you can request a search for a fee from the [http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html county clerk].  
:*If you '''don't know the date or county''' of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]
:*If you '''don't know the date or county''' of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records.]]
<center>[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_Virginia_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Virginia Marriage Records#Finding_Virginia_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 Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder]]
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]  
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]


==References==
== References ==


{{reflist}}__NOTOC__  
{{reflist}}__NOTOC__  


{{Virginia|Virginia}}
{{Virginia|Virginia}}
[[Category:Virginia_Vital_Records]]  
 
[[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:Virginia_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 13:31, 16 April 2016

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

Finding Virginia Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • 1660 - Colonial government required church officials to record all marriages in church registers (few colonial records survive)
  • 1780 - Law required ministers report all marriages to county clerk
  • 1853 - State law required clerk of the court in the county or independent city to issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records
  • Gretna Greens. When an eloping Virginia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places like Manassas, Prince William, Virginia, or Howard County, Maryland, or Mount Airy, Surry, North Carolina, or Pike County, Kentucky.[1]
  • Marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the time the event occurred. Only family members may obtain these records.


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]
Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:
|
Marriage Records
Choose a time period:

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1853[edit | edit source]

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

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
Try these databases.
Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.
Database Name Link or links to access database # of records 
Ancestry, Marriages, 1660-1800 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 88,130
Ancestry, Marriages, 1700-1850 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 33,706
Ancestry, Marriage bonds, 1700s-1824 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 4,496
Ancestry, Marriages, 1740-1850 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 337,520
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940 On FamilySearch, free, incomplete, view coverage table 1,219,044
Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 29,984
Library of Virginia, Marriages On Library of Virginia, free, incomplete, county coverage Undisclosed
Can't access Ancestry? Visit your local Family History Center or your local public library.
No marriage record for your ancestor?

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

If you did not find your ancestor in the above indexes, 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 from 1853 to Present[edit | edit source]

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
Try these databases.
Marriage information is taken from substitute records such as church records.
Database Name Link or links to access database # of records
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1940 On FamilySearch, free, incomplete, view coverage table 1,219,044
Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1929 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 29,984
Ancestry, Virginia, Marriage Records, 1936-2014 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers $, Use your own Ancestry subscription 9,445,507
Library of Virginia, Marriages On Library of Virginia, free, incomplete, county coverage Undisclosed
Can't access Ancestry? Visit your local Family History Center or your local public library.
No marriage record for your ancestor?

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

If you did not find your ancestor in the above indexes, try searching for marriage information in other records.

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


Tip: More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.


PART A: You know the approximate or exact date and place of marriage from your records or the above indexes

With date and place of marriage,
order a copy of the marriage from one of the following:
Option A: Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the county and approximate date 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 Family Search Center.
Option B:
Order from the County or City

Order the marriage record for a fee from the county court clerk in the county the marriage took place.

Option C:
Order from the State of Virginia

Order the marriage record for a fee from the Virginia Office of Vital Records.


PART B: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage

  • If you do know the county or independent city of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
  • If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 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).
v • d• e
Links to Virginia-related articles (see also West Virginia-related articles)
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Major
Repositories
Bristol Public Library · Germanna Foundation Library · Handley Regional Library · Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) · Historical Society of Washington, D.C. · John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at Colonial Williamsburg · Jones Memorial Library · Library of Congress (Washington, DC) · Library of Virginia · Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library · Maryland State Archives (Annapolis, MD) · National Archives I (Washington, DC) · National Archives II (College Park, MD) · National Archives at Philadelphia (PA) · National Genealogical Society · New York Public Library (New York City, NY) · Pennsylvania State Archives (Harrisburg, PA) · Portsmouth Public Library · Roanoke County Public Library · Salisbury University Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture (Salisbury, MD) · Santa Cruz Public Library Downtown (Santa Cruz, CA) · University of Virginia Library · Virginia Department of Health · Virginia Historical Society · Virginia Theological Seminary · Washington National Records Center (Suitland, MD) · William and Mary College Swem Library
Migration
Routes
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