United States, GenealogyBank Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of an index of marriage notices found in thousands of newspapers, for the years 1815-2011, throughout the United States. Records are being published as they become available. This collection is created in partnership with www.GenealogyBank.com.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Marriage records found in newspapers may contain the following information:
 * Names of the bride and groom
 * Date of marriage
 * Place of marriage
 * Parents' names
 * Name of person who performed the marriage
 * Names of people in the bridal party
 * Description of the wedding details

Collection Content

 * Newspapers are generally easy to read due to the typescript
 * Preservation of newspapers is ongoing through various agencies
 * Information on weddings or marriages is oftentimes sent to the newspaper by the individuals being married and tends to be reliable

How Do I Search This Collection?
To begin your search it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor.
 * The year of marriage.
 * The place where the marriage occurred.
 * The age or birth date of your ancestor.
 * The names of other family members and their relationships.

Search the Index
Keep in mind:
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * The date of event may not appear in the newspaper on the same day, so check newspapers on and around the date of the marriage.
 * If one newspaper does not include the marriage record, check other newspapers in the area.
 * Be sure to search for variants on the surname.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s marriage record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the marriage year to locate the actual marriage record or certificate.
 * Use the information provided in the newspaper article to identify other relatives.
 * Use the locality of the marriage to locate additional records such as church, land, and other vital records.
 * Continue to search the newspaper index and records to identify other relatives.
 * If your ancestor used multiple names throughout their life, look for all their names.

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Look for another index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.
 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.