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

The Washington Territory was established in 1853. Marriages were recorded as each county was created. Statehood was granted in 1889. Statewide registration of marriages in Washington began in 1968.


 * 1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
 * An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance
 * In 1968 Washington law required statewide registration of marriages
 * Washington marriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1853
 * 1853 to 1968
 * 1968 to present
 * Marriage year unknown


 * }

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1853

 * Before 1853, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1853 to 1968 marriages were recorded by the county

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 1853 to 1968
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 1868 to 1925
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 1926 to 1935
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 1936 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.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Michigan Department of Public 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
 * How to find U.S. birth records
 * How to find U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. death records
 * 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
 * Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues