Idaho, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
The county records cover the years 1864 to 1950. Also included are records from the towns of Ashton, Marysville, and Weiser.

Record History
The first laws in Idaho Territory concerning marriages were enacted in 1864. The first Territorial Legislative Assembly made provisions for books in which to record certificates issued by the person performing the marriage ceremony, as well as contracts made by individuals. Although some early Idaho Territorial marriage contracts were recorded, most were not. Pre-1895 records located in the county courthouses of Idaho are certificates issued by the person performing the marriage ceremony.

County recorders have records of marriages since the date each county was organized. In addition to the register, most counties will also have the original marriage applications. These are especially valuable if one or both marriage parties are under legal age as permission from the parent or guardian is included. No licenses were required before 11 March 1895.

Why This Record Was Created
Civil marriage records were created to legalize marital relationships and to safeguard the interests of the wife and other heirs.

Record Reliability
The date and place of marriage and the name of the presiding official are quite reliable. Other information depends upon the knowledge and reliability of the informants, usually the bride and groom.

Record Description
About half the records are single page records or registers and another half are packet style with packet cover and related documents. Included in this collection are marriage licenses, certificates, applications, docket books, and affidavits. The collection may also include some loose documents.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in most Idaho marriage records are:

• Name of bride/groom • Date of marriage • Location of marriage • Presiding official • Date of birth • Place of birth • Residence at time of marriage

How to Use the Record
Marriage records are the best source for validating the date and place of marriage. Use the marriage as the basis for compiling a family group. Use the birth date or age and birth place of each partner to find a couple’s birth records and parents’ names. Use the place of residence to search for other records that may have information on parents and siblings. The name of the presiding official is a clue to their religion or area of residence in the county. However, ministers may have reported marriages performed in other counties.

Related Web Sites
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Related Wiki Articles
Idaho Vital Records

Sources of This Collection
"Idaho County Marriage Records, 1864-1950," database, FamilySearch Record Search, 2010. Digital copies of originals housed in County Archives in various counties throughout Idaho.

How to Cite Your Sources
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