How to Find Arkansas Marriage Records
Finding Arkansas Marriage Records
- Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
- 1917 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
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? |
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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1917
- Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually 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.
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1957 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,001,777 |
Can't access Ancestry? | Visit your local FamilySearch 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. |
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
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
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records
OR
Some images of 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.
Marriages Before 1917
- Ancestry, United States Marriages – Arkansas, 1779-1966 ($) index & images
Marriages 1917 to Present
- 1917 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state
- Arkansas Marriages, 1779-1992 Index only ($)
- United States Marriages – Arkansas, 1779-1966 ($) index & images
- Arkansas Marriages, 1820-1949 Index only ($)
- Arkansas, County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 Index only ($)
- Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957 Index and images.
- Arkansas, Marriages, 1837-1944 Index only.
- Arkansas Marriages to 1850 Index only ($)
- Arkansas Marriages, 1851-1900 Index only ($)
- Arkansas, Marriage Index, 1933-1939 Index only.
- Arkansas Marriage Index, 1933-1939 Index only ($)
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1957 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,001,777 | |
Findmypast, United States Marriages – Arkansas, 1779-1966 | On Findmypast ($) index & images |
If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try: | |||
Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
Ancestry, Marriages, 1837-1957 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 3,554,066 |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1837-1944 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,001,777 | |
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1933-1939 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 421,079 | |
Ancestry, Marriages, 1933-1939 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 421,079 |
RootsWeb, Marriages, 1934-1939 | On RootsWeb; free; arranged by bride. | Undisclosed | |
Ancestry, Marriages, 1779-1992 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 202,790 |
Ancestry, Marriages, 1820-1949 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 39,640 |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
1. Look first in | 2. Then search |
Church Records |
Census Records |
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records
OR
To Order Marriage Certificates | |||
From County of Marriage | From AR Dept. of Health | ||
Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state | County websites can be more difficult to use | May be more expensive than ordering from the county |