How to Find West Virginia Marriage Records

Finding West Virginia Marriage Records

 * In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia
 * 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1963
 * 1964 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1963

 * In 1863, West Virginia was created from the state of Virginia
 * Marriages are kept by the county clerk for each county and usually begin at the creation of the county
 * Marriages before 1863 would have been recorded by county clerks in Virginia

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

For marriages that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Found the couple in index but not image of the marriage record? 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 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 microfilms may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1964 to Present

 * 1964 - duplicate copies of the marriages were required to be sent to the state

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index
Some marriages with copies of digital images after 1964 are found in the following databases.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
If you did not find your ancestor in the above database, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage


 * If you know the county of marriage, but not the exact date, you can request a search for a fee from the county clerk.
 * If you don't know the county or date of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the West Virginia Department of Health State office.
 * 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


 * Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the West Virginia Department of Health State office.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * 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 Finder
 * 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