Finding A Lost Wedding Date: A Guide To Uncovering The Past

Finding out the date of a past wedding is a rewarding experience when building your family tree. Marriage dates are public records and can be found in various ways. If you are searching for a recent wedding date, you can try typing the couple's names into a search engine, or looking in local newspapers and announcements. For older dates, church records are a good place to start, as well as checking with the local county records office. If you know the state where the marriage took place, you can also check the state's marriage certificate index or repository.

Check online indexes and digital images

When searching for a past wedding date, checking online indexes and digital images can be a helpful strategy. This involves utilising online resources to access marriage records and related information. Here are some steps you can take:

Search Online Databases and Websites:

Start by searching online databases and websites that specialise in providing access to marriage records. These sites may allow you to search by name, location, or other relevant criteria. Some popular sites include FamilySearch, Ancestry, and state-specific websites. These sites often provide digital images of marriage records, including certificates and licenses.

Utilise Genealogy Websites:

Genealogy websites, such as FamilySearch and Ancestry, offer extensive collections of genealogical records, including marriage indexes and images. These sites are particularly useful for researching ancestral marriages. You will need to create a free account to access the records, and may require a paid subscription for certain collections.

Explore State and County Websites:

Many states and counties maintain online marriage indexes and databases. Check the official websites of the relevant state and county where the marriage occurred. These sites often provide searchable databases or digital archives of marriage records.

Verify the Availability of Records:

Before beginning your search, it is important to verify the availability of marriage records for the specific location and time period you are interested in. Marriage record availability can vary by location and date. Some records may be restricted to authorised individuals, while others may be accessible to the public.

Obtain Required Information:

To conduct an effective search, gather as much information as possible about the marriage in question. This includes the full names of the couple, the date and location of the marriage, and any other relevant details. Having this information will make your search more precise and increase your chances of finding the desired record.

Understand Record Limitations:

It is important to note that marriage records may not always be available online, especially for older marriages. In some cases, you may need to visit a physical location, such as a county records office or a church archive, to access the records. Additionally, some records may be restricted due to privacy or legal reasons.

By following these steps and utilising online indexes and digital images, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a past wedding date. Remember to be patient and persistent in your searches, as locating marriage records can sometimes be a time-consuming process.

Check repositories like archives and libraries

Archives and libraries are a great resource for finding past wedding dates. Here are some tips on how to go about it:

County Records

Marriage records are often held by the county where the marriage took place, so checking with the relevant county records office or courthouse is a good place to start. Marriage licenses, which show the date of marriage, are given by the county clerk, and a search can be conducted at the County Recorder's office. You will need to fill out paperwork and may be asked to pay a fee for the search. Knowing the names of the couple and the place and approximate date of the marriage will help narrow down the search.

Church Records

If the marriage you are looking for occurred before the 20th century, church records are a valuable resource. In the US, civil registration of marriages was not required until the 20th century, so for earlier marriages, church records are often the best source of information. These records are usually kept in churches and their archives, at historical and genealogical societies, and in libraries. If the church doesn't hold the archives, try contacting the headquarters of the denomination. Knowing the denomination will make your search easier, especially if the town had multiple churches.

Newspaper Archives

Local newspapers often publish wedding announcements, so checking their archives can be a helpful way to find past wedding dates. Many newspapers have online archives that you can search, although you may need to pay a fee to access them. If the local newspaper doesn't have thorough online records, try visiting the local library to view archive copies of the paper. Public libraries usually provide free access to their archive collections.

Genealogy Websites

There are many genealogy websites that allow users to search for old marriage records. These sites have digitised millions of marriage records, making them easily searchable by name and location. Some sites to try include FamilySearch, Newspapers.com, and Findmypast.com. These sites may require a subscription or fee to access certain records.

Vital Records

Marriage records are classified as vital records, which are kept by the state's vital records office. You can obtain marriage records from the state vital records office, either in person or through their website. However, note that some states, such as Minnesota, do not record marriages. In such cases, you may need to explore other options, such as checking with the local courthouse or utilising genealogy websites.

Request a certificate from the government agency

Requesting a marriage certificate from a government agency is a straightforward process, but it can vary slightly depending on your location and whether the marriage took place in your current country of residence. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to request a marriage certificate from a government agency:

• Identify the Relevant Government Agency: The specific government agency you need to contact will depend on the location of the marriage. If the marriage occurred within your country, you will typically need to contact the vital records office or its equivalent in the state or county where the marriage was solemnized. Some countries may also have a National Center for Health Statistics or a similar agency that maintains marriage records.
• Gather Information: Before making your request, gather as much information as possible about the marriage in question. This includes the full names of the couple, the date and location of the marriage, and your contact information as the requester. If you are unsure about the exact date or location, providing an approximate date or location may suffice.
• Submit Your Request: You can usually submit your request for a marriage certificate online, by mail, or in person. Check the website of the relevant government agency to find out their preferred method of request and any specific requirements or forms that need to be completed. There may be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage certificate, so be prepared to cover any associated costs.
• Provide Payment: The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate can vary depending on your location and the agency you are requesting it from. Some agencies may charge a nominal fee, while others may have higher costs. It is important to review the payment requirements before submitting your request to ensure you provide the correct payment amount and follow the appropriate payment methods.
• Wait for Processing: After submitting your request and payment, allow some time for the agency to process your request. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of requests and the resources available to the agency. In some cases, you may be provided with an estimated processing time or a tracking number to check the status of your request.
• Receive the Certificate: Once your request has been processed, you will receive the marriage certificate. This may be sent to you by mail or made available for pickup, depending on the procedures of the issuing agency. If there are any issues with your request or if additional information is required, the agency will typically contact you using the information you provided during the request process.

It is important to note that marriage records may have different levels of accessibility depending on the laws of your country or state. In some cases, you may need to demonstrate a direct relationship or authorization from the married couple to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate. However, informational copies may be available to the public upon request.

Search through online databases

If you're looking to find a past wedding date, one of the best ways to do so is by searching through online databases. Marriage dates are a matter of public record, and while there is no national index of marriage certificates or licenses, you can find this information at the state or county level. Here are some steps you can follow to search through online databases:

• Visit a specialist website: There are many online agencies that can help you search through marriage records. You can find them by searching for "marriage record checks" or "background checks" on a search engine. Be sure to research the company and look for one with positive feedback and a good reputation.
• Look for a free trial: Many online agencies offer free trials or a free initial search. This can be useful if you only need to look up records for one marriage. Keep in mind that results are not guaranteed, even with a paid search.
• Sign up for an online account: Most agencies will require you to sign up for an account and provide personal details and payment information. Membership is often subscription-based, and you may be able to pay on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Search through the online database: To search for a marriage record, you will generally need the full name of the person and the city and state where the marriage took place. Research the records that the database has before paying to ensure they cover the approximate year of the wedding.
• Check online indexes and digital images: Some states and counties have online marriage indexes or digital images of marriage records that you can search through. These can provide information such as the date and location of the marriage, as well as the names, ages, and birthplaces of the bride and groom.
• Obtain a certificate from a government agency: If you know the specific county where the marriage took place, you may be able to obtain a marriage certificate from the government agency responsible for that county. This may incur a fee.

By following these steps, you can effectively search through online databases to find a past wedding date. Remember to start your search with as much information as possible, including names, locations, and approximate dates, to make your search more efficient.

Check church records

Church records are a valuable source of information for births, marriages, and deaths, especially those that took place before government or civil registration began. In some regions, church records even functioned as government civil registries. Marriage records may also include the birth dates and places of the couple, as well as the names of their parents.

• Identify the Church: Start by collecting background information about the couple whose records you are searching for. This includes their full names, including middle names and maiden names, dates of birth and death, names of all spouses, names and birth dates of children, military service details, and all known places of residence. This information will help you identify the correct church, which is key to locating any surviving records. Look through other records you may already have about the couple, such as obituaries, oral histories, county histories, or tombstones. Do they mention a church affiliation or denomination? If so, this can help narrow down your search.
• Locate the Church Records: Once you have identified the church, it's time to search for congregational records that may document the marriage. The steps for this may vary depending on the denomination, time period, and location. Here are some strategies:

• Contact the Church: Visit or correspond with the actual church to inquire about their records. Some records may still be held in the local churches, so reach out to the current minister or staff to find out what records are available. Ask for small searches, such as a specific marriage record, and offer a donation for their time and effort.
• Denominational Archives: Some denominations gather records from local churches and store them in centralized archives or libraries. These archives may hold records for churches that have closed, merged, or been renamed. Many have digitized catalogs or online records, while others may provide research services for a fee.
• State and University Archives: Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government or university archives. Contact these institutions to inquire about their collections and access their online catalogs.
• Local Libraries: Churches sometimes donate their records to local libraries, especially those in close vicinity to the church. Call or write to these libraries to inquire about their holdings.
• Genealogical or Historical Societies: Some church records have been given to local historical societies. Contact these organizations to find out if they have the records you're looking for or if they can direct you to the appropriate place.
• Published Books and Transcripts: Many early church records, especially from the 1600s and 1700s, have been transcribed and published in books. Check online digital libraries such as the Digital Public Library of America, HathiTrust Digital Library, or the FamilySearch Digital Library for digitized copies.
• Online Records: Some church records have been digitized and posted online, making them easily searchable. Partner websites such as Ancestry.com, Findmypast, MyHeritage, and American Ancestors offer free access to their records at any FamilySearch Center. Remember that online databases may be incomplete, so keep this in mind if you don't immediately find what you're looking for.

• Evaluate the Records: When you do find church records, carefully evaluate the information to ensure that you have located the correct records for your ancestors. Be cautious if one or more details do not align, as there may be discrepancies or near matches.
• Request the Original Record: If you find a record in a marriage index, always follow up and request the original record. The full record will include additional details that are not found in the index.
• Consider Other Sources: If you're unable to locate the church records you're looking for, try searching in other places. For example, check with other churches or synagogues in the area where the couple lived, as they may have religious marriage records. Additionally, look for civil records such as censuses (federal and state) and city directories that can help place your ancestors in a particular location around the time of their marriage.

Remember that the process of locating church records may vary depending on the specific church, denomination, and location. Be prepared to adapt your search strategy as needed and don't give up if you don't find the records immediately. With perseverance, you may be able to uncover valuable information about your family's history.

Frequently asked questions