How to Find Michigan Marriage Records
Finding Michigan Marriage Records[edit | edit source]
- 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
| 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? [edit | edit source] |
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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records
Marriages Before 1820[edit | edit source]
- Some early records are available in the following Findmypast collection:
- United States Marriages – Michigan, 1585-1945 ($) index & images
- United States Marriages – Michigan, 1585-1945 ($) index & images
- Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state.
- 1805 to 1820 very few records exist.
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 1820 to 1867[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index[edit | edit source]
| Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
| Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1585-1945 | On Findmypast ($) | ||
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1820-1940 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee. | 371,310 | |
| Ancestry, Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 4,451,095 |
| If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try: | |||
| Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1822-1995 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,908,148 | |
| Ancestry, Michigan, Compiled Marriages, 1817-1850 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 13,881 |
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1875 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 51,913 |
| 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. |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]
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 1868 to Present[edit | edit source]
STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index[edit | edit source]
| Marriage Indexes and Digital Images | |||
| Database Name - Index and Image | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| Ancestry, Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 15,032,934 |
| Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1585-1945 | On Findmypast ($) | ||
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1820-1940 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; 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. | 371,310 | |
| Ancestry, Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 4,451,095 |
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1868-1925 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years; Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee. | 371,310 | |
| If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try: | |||
| Database Name-Index Only | Link or links to access database | # of records | |
| FamilySearch, Marriages, 1822-1995 | On FamilySearch; free; INCOMPLETE for all counties and years | 1,908,148 | |
| Ancestry, Marriages, 1851-1875 | Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 51,913 |
| 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. |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]
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
| To Order Marriage Certificates | |||
| From MI Dept. of Health | |||
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Expedited service available through VitalChek | May be more expensive than ordering from the county | ||
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.