GuidedResearch:Why Can't I Find the Record - Prince Edward Island Marriages

This page will give you additional guidance and resources to find marriage information for your ancestor. Use this page after first completing the marriage section of the Prince Edward Island Guided Research page.

Additional Databases and Online Resources

 * 1777-1985: Prince Edward Island Church Records, 1777-1985 at FamilySearch (images only)
 * 1780-1983  Prince Edward Island, Canada, Baptisms, Marriages, Burials, 1780-1983  at Ancestry ($)
 * 1832-1888  Prince Edward Island, Canada, Marriage Registers, 1832-1888  at Ancestry ($)

Additional Records with Marriage Information
Substitute records may contain information about more than one event and are used when records for an event are not available. Records that are used to substitute for marriage events may not have been created at the time of the marriage. The accuracy of the record is contingent upon when the information was recorded. Search for information in multiple substitute records to confirm the accuracy of these records.

Marriage in a different place - Gretna Greens
When an eloping Nova Scotia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places called a "Gretna Green". People from Nova Scotia may have married in a different location for similar reasons.
 * Click here to learn more about Gretna Greens

Tips for finding marriages
Successfully finding marriage records in online databases depends on a few key points. Try the following search suggestions:
 * Spelling variations. Your ancestor's name may be misspelled. Search with spelling variations for the first and last name of your ancestor.
 * Search given name. Search by given name by leaving out the last name.
 * Search for bride. Search by the bride’s name rather than the groom’s name.
 * Add information. For common names, add more information to narrow the search such as approximate year of marriage or the county the marriage took place in.
 * Date range. Expand the date range of the search by 5 years.
 * Search state. Search using the state name only instead of by county.

Marriage in a different place - Gretna Greens
When an eloping Nova Scotia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places called a "Gretna Green". People from Nova Scotia may have married in a different location for similar reasons.
 * Click here to learn more about Gretna Greens

Most vital records for Prince Edward Island for years before 1906 are at the Public Archives and Records Office.

Known Record Gaps
Records Start
 * Prince Edward Island marriage records began in 1787.
 * Marriage licenses are missing from 1831-1919.

Marriage in a different place - Gretna Greens
When an eloping Nova Scotia couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places called a "Gretna Green". People from Nova Scotia may have married in a different location for similar reasons.
 * Click here to learn more about Gretna Greens