How to Find Tennessee Marriage Records

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How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Tennessee Marriage Records

Finding Tennessee Marriage Records

1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance
In 1911 Michigan law required statewide registration of marriages
Michigan marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?		Marriage Records Choose a time period: Before 1820 1820 to 1867 1868 to 1925 1926 to 1935 1936 to Present Marriage year unknown

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1780

Marriage records were recorded when the county was created
Before that time, you may find 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 1780 to 2002

Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name	Link or links to access database		# of records
Ancestry, Marriages, 1780-2002	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription	6,844,294
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1790-1950	On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years		1,566,937

If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:
Indexes Only
FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1780-2002	On FamilySearch; free;		3,331,399
FamilySearch, Marriage Index, 1796-1950	On FamilySearch; free;		1,674,368
Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1900	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription	292,425

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

For marriages after 1865, ask for the marriage license or the marriage register not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

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 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.
Option B:	Order from the County or City	Order the marriage record for a fee from the county probate judge's offices 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

Marriages 2002 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

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

How to Find Tennessee Marriage Records

Finding Tennessee Marriage Records

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

Marriages Before 1780

Marriages 1780 to 2002

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record

Marriages 2002 to Present

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