How to Find Wisconsin Marriage Records

Finding Wisconsin Marriage Records
Wisconsin, except for the Door County Peninsula, became part of Illinois Territory in 1809 and part of the Michigan Territory in 1818. Wisconsin became a territory in 1836 and a state in 1848. Some counties issued marriage applications as early as the 1820s, but most began recording marriages at the time the county was formed. Statewide registration began in 1907.

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1907
 * 1907 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1907
Some Wisconsin counties began recording marriages in the 1820s, but most began when the county was formed. Statewide recording of marriages began in 1907.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some microfilm may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1907 to Present
Counties began recording marriages when the county was formed; statewide recording of marriages began in 1907.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases above, try searching for marriage information in other records.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some microfilm may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.

If you are unable to find your ancestor in one of the above indexes, you may request a search at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Any person may request an uncertified copy of a marriage record at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred or from the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services. The record must be ordered by mail and must include picture identification of the person requesting the record. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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