How to Find Kentucky Marriage Records
How To Find U.S. Marriage Records 
How To Find Kentucky Marriage Records
Finding Kentucky Marriage Records[edit | edit source]
- Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
- 1958 - duplicate copies of the marriages are required to be sent to the state
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source] |
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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1954[edit | edit source]
- Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and begin at the creation of the county
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.
| Kentucky Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try: | ||||
| 1797-1954 – At FamilySearch.org |
Free; index and images; incomplete for all years and counties; not all African-American marriages were included in the collection | |||
| 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. |
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Marriages 1954 to 1972[edit | edit source]
Marriages 1973 to Present[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information[edit | edit source]
| Kentucky Marriage Database - Indexes Only | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1973-2000 at Rootsweb |
Free; index only | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1973-1993 at University of Kentucky website | Free, index only, date is given in a code: MM/DD/YY | |||
| Next try: | ||||
| Ancestry database: Includes Index Only | ||||
| Choose one of the following: | ||||
| 1973-1999 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |||
| 1973-1999 - use your own Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library | |||
| Can't access Ancestry? | Go to Step Two: Part B listed below. You may be able to order the marriage record for your ancestor from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. | |||
| 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. |
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Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.
- Search the FHLC by county.
- Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
- For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]
PART A: You know the exact date of marriage
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
- Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.
- Copies may be ordered from the Michigan Department of Public Health.
| To Order Marriage Certificates | |||
| From County where Marriage occurred | From MI Dept. of Health State office | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |
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When ordering Michigan marriage records: |
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.
Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]
- Learn more about U.S. marriage records
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- How to find U.S. marriage records
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- United States, How to Use Marriage Records
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