I Do -- Marriage Record Research

by Ruby Coleman

Marriage records are inconsistent from one county to another and from one state to another. At various times periods they were recorded in different formats and according to laws that are no longer in existence. During the colonial era many couples were married by circuit riding preachers who did not keep track of their marriages, baptisms and burials. In some cases, couples went ahead and lived together as man and wife until they could be officially married.

Some of the words that you will encounter in research of marriage records are the following:










When you cannot locate a marriage bann, bond, license or record in a courthouse, check out church records in the area. While many couples were married by a justice of the peace, it is always worthwhile to research records of the churches.

On early marriage records, the bondsman or surety may be related to either the groom or bride. Their names provide significant clues when looking at other records, such as probate and land documents. In conjunction with the marriage bond or license, look for a letter or form signed by one or both parents giving permission for the marriage. This is good proof as to the relationship and age.


Always look closely at the names of witnesses. They may be related. If you are uncertain, keep them in mind when searching other records. Question who gave the information to obtain the marriage license or bond. In a marriage I have researched, the groom gave the information. While his information was all factual, the information on the bride was more than "stretched." Her age was much younger than her actual years and he called her a "Miss" whereas she had been married previously and divorced. Family information later revealed that a month later when his wife's young daughter showed up at their residence, he knew the truth.


In conjunction with marriages, two confusing terms are dower and dowry. In earlier times the bride's father gave her husband a dowry to help with expenses. This would be items she brought into the marriage, such as money, personal goods or even land. If you are lucky enough to find this type of record in the courthouse, it will contain good identifying information. Dower is the legal term designating the portion of a deceased husband's real property that is legally allowed to the widow for her lifetime.

If you cannot find a marriage record, keep looking in other counties nearby. I have ancestors who were married in the summer when the river was swollen. Since they had to cross the swollen river to get to the courthouse, they went the opposite direction to another county. Marriage records are more often found in courthouses than are birth and death records ... so keep looking!

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