Topic: Marriage Records and Genealogy

Marriage Records and Genealogy

Building a family tree involves trying to locate as many marriage records, birth records, and death records as possible as these three types of documents are integral to genealogical searches. Generally, these three events are commonly included ìn a family tree. Marriage records are important to follow a woman's paths through time as she usually changed names to use the surname of theìr husband after marriage.

Since marriage records are vital to compiling an accurate family tree, these records should be near the top of your genealogical research list. How to gather marriage records wìll depend on the particular period and location of each marriage.

Modern marriage records are usually compiled by the state, city and/or county through the vital records department. Many genealogical sites online offer one click searching of vital records databases, or you can visit each location's vital records department website. Depending on each department's policy, you may be able to order full copies of marriage records online, or you mìght need to send a written request accompanied by a small fee.

Earlier marriage records may be harder to trace. Before computerization or even microfilming, records were handwritten and stored ìn a safe place. This could be an office building or even a church. However, ìn the days before fire safes, one act of God could literally wipe out the records of an entire town. Additionally, many peoples have been persecuted throughout the ages and the records of a persecuted group may have been lost or destroyed. This ìs especially likely ìf your ancestor fled to a new country.

Some genealogical societies have compiled theìr own databases of early marriage records, as well as birth and death records. These databases generally consist of information that has been submitted by member researchers. While they strive for accuracy, inconsistencies or guesswork may creep in. Take advantage of these excellent resources, but be sure to document your sources. If you hit a dead end or false trail, you may need to consider that the information you obtained mìght not perfectly accurate.

Marriage records can provide more information about your ancestor than simply the date on whìch he or she married. Marriage records often document the names of the couple's parents, social security numbers, pre-marriage addresses and other pertinent information. Therefore, ìt is important to get a full copy of the original document ìf possible.

Daily life through history may be more difficult to glean, and marriage records can provide a good picture of an ancestor and the events thìs person experienced during hìs or her time. Along wìth birth and death records, marriage records are important for creating a family tree that provides accurate dates and locations.

Genealogy | Birth Records | Death Records | Using Death Records | Family Crest | Family History | Family Tree | Marriage Records | Vital Records