English Marriage Dates

Choose one of the following time periods and follow the link.

1538-June 1837
Since marriages were recorded in the area where they occurred, it's best to know a location and approximate date before you search. The Church of England began recording marriages as early as 1538. Read more about marriage records...

For a search strategy for this time period, see England Research Guidance: Marriage, 1538-1837.

July 1837-present
The government recorded marriage records during this time. A couple could choose to marry in their religious denomination. The distict registrar, or a person he appointed, attended the wedding to insure that the marriage was properly recorded. The couple could choose to be married in the record office. Read more about civil registration marriages...

For a search strategy for this time period, see England Research Guidance: Marriage, 1837-Present.