Prior to a marriage ceremony, a couple obtains a marriage license in some locations. Marriage licenses are issued by a government authority, such as a county clerk, who instructs the marriage officiant that they can do so. Once the marriage ceremony occurs, the officiant signs the license, and then the license is returned to the authority that issued it. At that point, a certificate may be issued. In some locations, the marriage license and certificate are on the same document/form. Marriage licenses may not always exist in a jurisdiction and may have been proceeded by marriage records such as marriage banns or bonds. Marriage licenses provide more information than a marriage certificate. This information may include:
- Date
- Location
- Groom's full name
- Bride's full name (including maiden name)
- The groom and bride's age
- The groom and bride's residential address
- Groom and bride's occupation
- Groom and bride's parent's names
- Number of times (if any) groom and bride has been married
Marriage licenses can help verify a marital couple's parents. In most cases, the bride or groom or the couple filled out the paperwork together. However, keep in mind that it is possible for a child not to know information about a parent. One of the most important things to remember about marriage licenses is that, unlike a marriage certificate, the existence of a marriage license does not mean the couple is married. Couples may have chosen, after acquiring the license, not to go through with the marriage. Sometimes, this is indicated on the license. However, it may not be indicated and can only be surmised by the lack of a certificate. A researcher should never assume a marriage occurred when finding a marriage license. Always look for a marriage certificate issued by the government. Also, the date of the marriage license is not always the date of the marriage. If the marriage occurred, it may have been days later or more.
Where to find marriage licenses
Marriage licenses are government documents and will be found in the government office where marriages are recorded or where they archive records. There can be restrictions due to privacy. Restrictions may include redacting some information, limiting who can access the record, and when it can be accessed (for example, after 50 years). Consult the government agency's website for marriage records for that location. Some marriage licenses can be found online through government-sponsored or genealogy websites. Genealogy websites may be limited to a marriage index. In that case, you'll want to note the information in the index and order the actual certificate from the government that houses it. Some 20th-century newspapers include columns listing couples who obtained a marriage license. These newspaper columns can include the bride and groom's names, ages, and when they applied for the marriage license. This information may help you find the original marriage license and possible certificate.
Explore more about marriage licenses
- Birth, Marriage & Death collection catalog at MyHeritage, which contains among others, the following searchable collections:
- Marriage Records: Everything You Need to Know on the MyHeritage blog