How to Find Oklahoma Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Oklahoma Marriage Records

Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Prior to statehood it was Indian Territory from the 1830's to 1890. In 1890 Oklahoma was divided into two Territories (Twin Territories) Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory.

In 1890 three Judicial Districts were established where marriages could be performed and recorded:


 * First District: at Muskogee included Cherokee and Creek Nations
 * Second District: at South McAlester included Choctaw Nation,
 * Third District: at Ardmore included Seminole and Chickasaw Nations

Prior to statehood non-Indians traveled to another state, went back home to marry or were married by a minister or ranking officer at nearby fort.

Marriages performed in Oklahoma Territory were recorded in County Clerk's office.

Finding Oklahoma Marriage Records

 * 1908 Oklahoma laws required counties to record marriages
 * Marriage records kept by the county clerk

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1890
 * 1890 to 1907
 * 1907 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


 * }

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1890

 * Before 1890, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1830's to 1889 very few records exist, some recorded in district courts

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1890 to 1907
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1907 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk of court in county were license was issued.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Oklahoma Department of Health.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * Learn more about U.S. marriage records
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 * United States Record Selection Table
 * United States, How to Use Marriage Records
 * United States Marriage Records
 * United States Vital Records
 * U.S. Vital Records Overview
 * Locating United States Vital Records

American Indian Marriage Records
Prior to 1907, when Oklahoma became a state, if either the bride or groom were citizens of an American India tribe the marriage records may be included in the Five Civilized Tribe records or the Agency records of their respective tribe.