How to Find Ohio Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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__NOTOC__
''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Ohio Marriage Records''
 
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This page is under construction!
 
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[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] How To Find Ohio Marriage Records  


== Finding Ohio Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Ohio Marriage Records  ==


*18--, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
*In 19-- Ohio law required statewide registration of marriages
*1958 - county clerks began sending copies to the state
*Wisconsin marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period


{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}
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<br>
 
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
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|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" colspan="2" |  
|}
 
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


<br>  
| bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
:<span style="font-size:120%">'''Marriage Records'''</span>
:<span style="font-size:120%">Choose a time period:</span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Marriages_Before_1958|Before 1958]]''' </span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Marriages_1958_to_Present|1958 to Present]]''' </span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Marriage Information|Marriage year unknown]]'''</span>


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


<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  
<br> [[Frequently Asked Questions about United States Marriage Records|'''Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records''']]  
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== '''Marriages Before 18--'''  ==
== '''Marriages Before 1958'''  ==
 
*Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county


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


<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|other records]].
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index'''  ====


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes and Digital Images '''
|-
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''  
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name - Index and Image'''  
| '''2. Then search'''
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
| [[Ohio Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1797-1954
[[Ohio Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Ohio Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1804888|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
 
| align="center" | 184,092
| [[Ohio Census|Census Records]]
[[Ohio Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Ohio Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]
 
|}
 
::
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1852-1914
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1117 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1117 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 230,792
|}
|}


== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ohio Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| colspan="4" | '''If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:'''
|
|
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''  
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
|  
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
|  
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1979
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|------- |Ohio, County Marriages, 18-- -18--}}  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674849|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
| width="65%" |  
| align="center" | 1,532,533
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties:
 
<br>
 
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1795-1850
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3455 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
|  
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3455 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
| align="center" | 7,970
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1802-1850
|
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2089 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2089 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]  
 
| align="center" | 72,640
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|
|}
 
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  
 
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1900
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4428 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4428 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 307,737
|}
|}
== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ohio Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| '''''Can't access Ancestry?'''''  
|  
| Visit your [https://www.familysearch.org/locations local Family History Center] or your local public library.
|
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="30%" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|  
|  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. <br> [[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Search other records]] with marriage information.
|-
 
|
|}
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Ohio Marriages, 18-- -19--}}  
 
| width="65%" |
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
'''Free;''' most counties 18-- -19--: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.


Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:


|-
'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''  
| ''Try 2nd:''
|
|
|-
|
| {{RecordSearch|-------|Ohio, County Marriages, 18-- -19--}}
|
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.


<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties:
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx 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.]]


<br>
'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''


|-
:*Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx county clerk].
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  


[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
''OR''


|
:*View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:
|}


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


::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.  
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>  
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_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"
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|}
|}


== '''Marriages 19-- to 19--'''<br> ==
== '''Marriages 1958 to Present'''  ==


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
Online marriage indexes are incomplete for the years 1958 to the present, but are very good for the years 1973 to 2000.  
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Ohio Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''
|
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|-------|Ohio, County Marriages, 19-- -19--}}
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  


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


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| colspan="4" | '''Marriage Indexes'''
|
|
|-
|-
|  
| width="15%" align="left" | '''Database Name-Index Only '''
| --------County Clerk
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | '''Link or links to access database'''
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the -------- county clerk] where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
| width="15%" align="center" | # of records
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''
| width="30%" | FamilySearch, Marriages, 1785-1979
|  
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | {{RecordSearch|1674849|On FamilySearch}}; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years
|  
| align="center" | 1,532,533
|-
|-
|  
| width="30%" | RootsWeb, Marriages, 1973-2000
| Ohio Department of Health
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://vitals.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ky/marriage/search.cgi\ On RootsWeb]; free
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Ohio Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Ohio Department of Public Health charges $-- more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.  
| align="center" | 1,213,864
<br>
 
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1973-1999
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8787 Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers]
| width="35%" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8787 $, Use your own Ancestry subscription]
| align="center" | 2,342,097
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| width="30%" | Univ. of KY, Marriages, 1973-1993
|
| width="70%" align="left" colspan="2" | [http://ukcc.uky.edu/vitalrec/ On University of Kentucky website]; free; date is given in a code: MM/DD/YY
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
| align="center" | Undisclosed
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
 
|}
|}


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


::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county.
'''PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage'''
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}


== '''Marriages 1907 to Present'''  ==
:*If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx county clerk]&nbsp;or<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;the </span>[http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics]<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">.</span>
:*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.]]


Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
'''PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records'''


'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''
:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx county clerk].


:*Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.
''OR''


:*Copies may be ordered from the Ohio Department of Public Health.
:*A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the [http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics].


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From County where Marriage occurred  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://elect.ky.gov/contactcountyclerks/pages/default.aspx From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | From OH Vital Records office
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/vital/mdcert.htm Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics] <br>
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
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| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| County websites can be more difficult to use  
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| Expedited service on [https://www.vitalchek.com/marriage-records/kentucky/kentucky-office-of-vital-statistics VitalChek]
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}
|}


{{Tip|'''''When ordering Ohio marriage records:'''''}}
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
<center>[[How to Find Ohio Marriage Records#Finding_Ohio_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
== Wiki Articles  ==
== Wiki Articles  ==
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Ohio Ohio ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Ohio_Online_Genealogy_Records Ohio Online Genealogical Records ]
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Ohio_Vital_Records Ohio Vital Records]


:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
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:*[[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]]
:*Ohio Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Ohio Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues


[[Category:Ohio_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Ohio_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]__NOTOC__
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