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Finding U.S. Marriage Records Finding Michigan Marriage Records

Finding Michigan Marriage Records
Since 1805 Michigan marriages were required by law to be recorded in the county where the marriage occurred. After 1 April 1867, the county clerk forwarded marriage records to the secretary of state. The law was not completely enforced until an additional 1905 law which resulted greater statewide compliance.

More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record:
 * Marriages before 1820
 * Marriages between 1805 to 1867
 * Marriages between 1867 to 1925
 * Marriages between 1926 to 1935
 * Marriages 1936 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1820
Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state. From 1805 to 1820 very few records exist. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place. Substitutes for marriage record information:

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1820 to 1867
Search the index, then view the image of your ancestor's marriage record in the following database:

INDEX WITH IMAGES


 * 1820-1935 Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.

If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index, look for a substitute record which may give you marriage information. Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925
INDEX WITH IMAGES

First Check:


 * 1868-1925 Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.

Then Try:

Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year
 * 1820-1935 Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.

Marriages 1926 to 1935
First Try: Searching the index

INDEX WITH IMAGES


 * 1820-1935 Free name index with images online at FamilySearch. Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.

Then Try: Contacting the county clerk or the Michigan Department of Health

If your ancestor's marriage took place in one of the counties currently not included in the marriage index or if you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may contact the county clerk where you think the marriage took place. Request a marriage record search and a copy of the marriage record. Or, contact the Michigan Department of Public Health. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.

You May Also Try: Locating a substitute record

If you are unable to locate a marriage record, substitute record may give you marriage information, also. Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present
Marriage registrations may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


 * Copies of certificates may be ordered from the Michigan Department of Public Health.

When ordering MIchigan marriage records, ask for the marriage license application or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk. Locate county clerk information by selecting your county on the Michigan State Wiki page. Go Back to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * 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