Germany Marriage Records Index

In Germany, marriage records are invaluable for genealogical research, offering crucial insights into family histories and regional customs. Church marriage registers, which date back to the 16th century, are the primary source of marriage documentation, providing information about the couple, their parents, birthplaces, and sometimes witnesses. After the introduction of civil registration in 1875, marriage certificates from local registry offices (Standesämter) became the official record, adding a secular layer to genealogical research. These civil records include more detailed personal information, such as occupations and addresses. Marriage contracts, which were common in earlier centuries, may also be found in archives and offer information on property and financial arrangements. For genealogists, German marriage records are essential tools for constructing family trees and understanding the country’s rich history.

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Collections available in Germany


Germany, Marriages, 1558-1929 28,419,733 records available Germany, Hesse Marriage Index, 1849-1931 4,770,560 records available Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia - Münster, Detmold, and Arnsberg Marriages, 1874-1899 3,963,707 records available See the entire collection catalog of marriage records in Germany

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