How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find West Virginia Marriage Records

Finding West Virginia Marriage Records

 * In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia
 * 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1863
 * 1964 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1963

 * In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia

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

For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Found the index but not the image of the marriage? Some images of 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 1964 to Present

 * 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Some marriages after 1964 are found in the following databases.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
 * If you don't know the county or date of marriage but you believe it is after June 1958, you can request a search for a fee from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
 * If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records


 * A copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the county clerk.

OR


 * For marriages AFTER JUNE 1958 - a copy of a marriage record may be ordered for a fee from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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