Brazil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records

Brazil

What is in This Collection?
This Collection will include records from 1730 to 1955 for the country of Brazil. In 1860's the civil government also began keeping vital records. A law was passed in 1850 requiring registration of births and deaths, however some areas of the country they did not begin keeping records until the 1920's.

This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The records contain the following information:
 * The names of the bride and groom
 * Date and place of marriage

The records may also include:
 * Bride and groom
 * Birth years
 * Birth places
 * Ages
 * The names of the parents

Collection Content
The earliest vital records in Brazil were made by the churches. Since 1827 the government has accepted marriages performed in the Catholic Church as official marriages. In the 1880's due to the influx of non-Catholics, civil marriage records become extremely important.

Coverage Table
The Coverage Table shows the places and time periods of the original records in this collection. The table indicates how many records the collection has from each place. Most of the records in the collection are from the time periods listed in the table; however, the collection may have a few records from before or after the time period.

How Do I Search This Collection?
As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your relative's first name, or some identifying information such as residence, age, and family relationships.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Look at an image of the original record, if possible. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index
 * Use the information to find other records such as birth, death, or census records
 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname, unless the surname is a common surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives that can be verified by records
 * Witnesses or bondsmen listed on the marriage were usually relatives

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try viewing any original indexes to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames, middles name, or an abbreviation of their given name

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Brazil.
 * Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.