Marriage Certificates
"Here's to forever!" How Wedding Records help with your Family Tree research
When climbing your family tree, the first thing you think is - how do I find my ancestor, or what records are available for the area you are researching? Both questions are vital and important to working on your family history and your ancestral pedigree.
If you’ve been researching your family history for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard, “CHECK VITAL RECORDS!”
Birth.
Marriage.
Death.
Today, let’s look at Marriage Certificates and why they are important to our genealogy research.
Marriage certificates often prove invaluable resources that can unlock a wealth of information about our ancestors. provide crucial links needed when constructing family trees. and offer leads to other information.
Let's explore Marriage Certificates! What they have to offer your family history research and why they are so important for genealogists and family history enthusiasts alike.
1. A Wealth of Vital Information
Marriage certificates typically contain essential details such as the full names of the bride and groom, their ages, and the date and location of the marriage. This information forms the backbone of any family history research, providing concrete facts to build upon.
2. Revealing Family Connections
Many certificates list the names and occupations of the couple's parents, instantly adding another generation to your family tree. Additionally, witnesses named on the certificate may be family members, offering clues to siblings or close relatives.
3. Historical Context
Marriage certificates often provide a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Details such as occupations, residences, and even literacy levels (indicated by signatures or marks) can illustrate ancestor’s daily lives and social status.
4. Tracing Lineage and Verifying Relationships
Marriage certificates provide documented proof of unions, helping to confirm or refute family legends and fill in gaps in family histories.
5. Uncovering Name Changes
Marriage certificates can be particularly helpful in tracing female ancestors, as they often reveal maiden names or even names gained by past marriages. They can also uncover name (both surname and forename) spelling variations or changes that might have occurred over time, aiding in further research.
6. Primary Sources for Genealogical Proof
There are Primary Sources (direct sources) and Secondary Sources (indirect sources). Marriage certificates are considered a Primary Source, also known as “an original document created at the time of the event.” Marriage certificates are highly reliable pieces of evidence in constructing accurate family histories.
(Image from Library of Congress public domain images.)
NOTE: Access to marriage records sometimes varies depending on jurisdiction and the record type. While many marriage records are considered public records, sometimes, ancestors married privately, choosing to keep their union confidential.
Also understand, sometimes, a civil marriage was not an option for our ancestors.
REMEMBER! While marriage certificates are considered a valuable source for any genealogy research, it's also important to remember they're just one source! Combining information with other sources such as birth certificates, census records, and personal accounts can help create a more complete and accurate picture of your family's history.
Summary:
1. Provide vital information: Names, dates, locations
2. Reveal family connections: Parents' names, witnesses
3. Offer historical context: Occupations, residences
4. Aid in tracing lineage and verifying relationships
5. Help uncover name changes or variations
6. Serve as primary sources for genealogical proof
Potential Places to Locate Records:
1. FamilySearch.org
2. City and County Civil Registries
3. Local historical societies and state archives
4. Church Records
Sources:
Marriage Records for Genealogy - Memorial Hall Library https://mhl.org/marriage-records-genealogy
Marriage Records for Genealogy: Everything You Need to Know https://genealogystories.co.uk/marriage-records-for-genealogy-everything-you-need-to-know/
What every genealogist needs to know about American marriage ... https://www.findmypast.com/blog/family-records/what-every-genealogist-needs-to-know-about-american-marriage-records
Marriage Records: Everything You Need to Know - MyHeritage Blog https://blog.myheritage.com/2022/02/marriage-records-everything-you-need-to-know/
Marriage Records: What They Are and 7 Resources to Help You ... https://www.thefamilyheart.com/marriage-records/