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Gen 102 Marriage

Marriage Records are the best records for proving a married relationship between a couple. There are other records which we will address later. The date of the marriage can be confusing. A brief overview of the marriage process is in order. The process varied dramatically based upon time in history and by state. Here are some of the records you might find. Each may carry a different date. So you need to know which record is being abstracted.

1.         Publication of banns of marriage - this is a formal declaration of intent to marry

2.         Marriage bond - this is a written guarantee or promise of payment made by the groom or another individual to ensure that a forthcoming marriage would be legal.

3.         Marriage license application - in early days, this was very simple, usually recorded directly in a minute book. In more modern days, it is a separate document and has more detailed information about the couple and their parents. Never forget when poking around in a courthouse to ask about marriage license applications.

4.         Marriage license - this is a separate document issued by the court, carried to the marriage official (minister or justice of the peace), signed by the marriage official, and returned to the court for recording.

5.         Minister’s return -

6.         Marriage record book

Remember

7.         Just because a license was issued does not mean the marriage took place

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