How to Find Oregon Marriage Records
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How To Find U.S. Marriage Records 
How To Find Oregon Records
Finding Oregon Marriage Records
- In 1859 Oregon became a state
- Counties began to record marriages soon after they were organized (some as early as 1849)
- Beginning in 1906 each county sent copies of the records to the Oregon Sate Health Division
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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? |
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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1906
- Counties began to record marriages soon after they were organized (some as early as 1849)
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 |
Census Records |
Marriages 1906 to Present
| Oregon Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925 |
Free; most counties 1868-1925: 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. | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925 |
Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.
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| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |||
| 1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; list of database county coverage (right side of the screen) on WV website; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image | |||
| If you can't find the death record in the above databases, try the following: | ||||
| Oregon Marriage Databases - Index Only | ||||
| Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following: | ||||
| 1906-1924, 1946-2008 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |||
| 1906-1924, 1946-2008 - use your Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through 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. |
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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 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 FamilySearch Center.
Marriages 1926 to 1935
| Michigan Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935 |
Free; most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee. | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| County Clerk | 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. | |||
| Try 3rd: | ||||
| Michigan Department of Health | If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact the Michigan Department of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Michigan Department of Public Health charges $12 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.
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| 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. | |||
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.
Marriages 1936 to Present
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.
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