Massachusetts Marriages, 1841-1915 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
The years covered by this collection range from 1841-1915.

Record History
Beginning in 1841 in accordance with a new law, municipal clerks sent in the registrations they had collected to the state once a year. As a result, after that date, records were available at the town and state levels. Boston did not comply with the law until about 1848. Population coverage is near 100% for later years. Coverage is not as complete for some earlier years.

Why This Record Was Created
Marriage records were recorded to document marriages and property ownership.

Record Reliability
The marriage date, place, residence of bride and groom, occupation are fairly reliable. Other information such as age or birth place is dependent on the memory of the informant.

Record Description
Marriage records were handwritten or later typed on pre-printed forms with multiple entries on each page.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in all are:


 * Name of bride and groom, Place and date of marriage, marital status, and number of marriage (in later records)
 * Age, and place of birth (in later records)
 * Residence and occupation
 * Names of parents
 * Name, residence, and official status of person by whom married

How to Use This Record
Marriage records are the best source for validating the date and place of marriage. The age and place of birth can be used to obtain further birth information of the bride and groom and possibly information on other siblings. The marriage number can be useful in identifying previous marriages.

Related Websites
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Related Wiki Articles
Massachusetts Vital Records

Sources of This Collection

 * Massachusetts State Archives. “Marriage Records”. Digital images of originals housed at the Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts.
 * Massachusetts. Secretary of State.“Marriage register, 1901-1905”. Digital images of originals housed at the Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts.
 * Massachusetts. Secretary of the Commonwealth. “Marriages, 1841-1895”. Digital images of originals housed at the Massachusetts Division of Vital Statistics, Boston, Massachusetts.
 * Massachusetts. Various Town Clerks. “Marriage Records”. Digital images of originals housed at the Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts.

How to Cite Your Sources
For instructions about citing specific records or images within this collection