Missouri, Civil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. The Missouri, Civil Marriages, 1820-1874 collection is index only due to these restrictions.

Record Description
This collection is an index to selected marriage transcripts from the counties of Greene, Jackson, Nodaway, and Pike, and includes records from 1820-1874.

Coverage Map
To see a coverage map of FamilySearch's holdings of Missouri marriages, click here.

Record Content
The information found in the records varies by individual record. You may find any of the following:


 * Full names
 * Ages
 * Birth date and place
 * Parents’ names and titles
 * Date and place of marriage
 * Marital status
 * Previous spouse
 * Page/Volume/Entry/Certificate number
 * Image number

How to Use the Record

 * Your Ancestor’s name
 * Other identifying information such as their residence, age, names of other family members and relationships.

Search the Collection
To search by index: Fill in the requested information on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:


 * Use the certificate number to obtain the original marriage certificate at the County office of record.
 * Use marriage location and date to find family in census, church, and land records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify siblings and other relatives who may have married in the same State.
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community.
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities.
 * Try alternative search methods such as filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box), leaving the other box empty, and then do the search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You can then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.
 * A boundary change could have occurred and the record of your ancestor is now in a neighboring locality.

Related Websites

 * US GenWeb Missouri Marriage Project
 * Missouri Local Records Inventory Database
 * Missouri Marriage Records
 * Missouri Marriages, 1851-1900; Ancestry ($)
 * Missouri Vital Records Application

Related Wiki Articles

 * Missouri Genealogy
 * Missouri Vital Records
 * Missouri Online Genealogy Records
 * Missouri Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):