User:Mindistevens sandbox

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

Finding Iowa Marriage Records
Settlements in Iowa began in 1832 and were included in the Michigan Territory (1834), Wisconsin Territory (1836), and finally the Illinois Territory in 1838. Illinois became a state in 1846. Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.

{| width="75%" border="1" align="center" style="margin: 1em auto" ! valign="middle" bgcolor="C0 C0 C0" align="center" scope="col" colspan="2" |

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

 * bgcolor="DC DC DC" style="width: 300px;" |
 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1880
 * 1880 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


 * }

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1880
Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1880.

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

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriage Records on Microfilm Some 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 1926 to 1935
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some 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 1936 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


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

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

Wiki Articles

 * Learn more about U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. birth records
 * 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
 * Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues