How to Find Oklahoma Marriage Records

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Oklahoma Marriage Records


 * 1907 Oklahoma laws required counties to record marriages
 * In Oklahoma, copies of marriage records are not sent to the state

Finding Oklahoma Marriage Records
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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1890
 * 1890 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1890

 * Before 1890, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1830's to 1889 very few records exist, some recorded in district courts

Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Prior to statehood it was Indian Territory from the 1830's to 1890. In 1890 Oklahoma was divided into two Territories (Twin Territories) Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory.

In 1890 three Judicial Districts were established where marriages could be performed and recorded:


 * First District: at Muskogee included Cherokee and Creek Nations
 * Second District: at South McAlester included Choctaw Nation,
 * Third District: at Ardmore included Seminole and Chickasaw Nations

Prior to statehood non-Indians traveled to another state, went back home to marry or were married by a minister or ranking officer at nearby fort.

Marriages performed in Oklahoma Territory were recorded in County Clerk's office.

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



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1890 to Present

 * Marriage licenses are kept in the county records where the marriage occurred

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index

 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk of court in county were license was issued.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, 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 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


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the county clerk.

OR


 * View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

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 FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

American Indian Marriage Records
Prior to 1907, when Oklahoma became a state, if either the bride or groom were citizens of an American India tribe the marriage records may be included in the Five Civilized Tribe records or the Agency records of their respective tribe.

Marriages for Tahlequah, Sequoyah and Illinois Districts, 1839-1910

Marriages for Going Snake District, 1880-1898

Marriages for Flint District, 1874-1896

Marriage records for Tahlelquah District 1892-1897

Marriage records for Saline District 1868-1894

Marriage records for Illinois District, 1868-1898

Marriage records for Cooweescoowee District, 1867-1998

Wiki Articles

 * Oklahoma
 * Oklahoma Online Genealogical Records
 * Oklahoma Vital Records
 * Oklahoma Vital Records Index
 * Oklahoma Vital Records Historical
 * Learn more about U.S. marriage records
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 * How to find U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. death records
 * 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