Marriage and Divorce Records

What Information Can Be Found in Marriage and Divorce Records?

Marriage and divorce information can be helpful in finding lost relatives, looking for proof of citizenship, documenting your family tree or for conducting genealogy research for medical or other reasons. Such official documentation can clear up the uncertainty of relationships or establish others. Like birth and death records, these vital records were not routinely maintained in the United States until the early 1900's. However, subsequent to this period, marriage and divorce records were maintained at the state level.
The type of information that you can find in marriage and divorce records includes:

Marriage Licenses

• Addresses at time of marriage application
• Maiden name
• Birth dates, birth places & occupations
• Blood types
• Place of marriage
• Witness names

Divorce, Annulment and Separation Certificates

• Names of both parties
• Wife's maiden name
• Date and place of marriage
• Addresses at time of record
• Property settlements and child custody decisions

How to Conduct a Marriage or Divorce Records Search?

To conduct a search or obtain copies of marriage licenses or divorce, separation or annulment certificates, you should contact:

• The vital records office in the state where the marriage or marital separation occurred. The location of this office varies from state to state, but in many cases this office or these records are maintained through the state's department of health.
• The family court clerk's office in the county in which the couple lives or divorced.

National Marriage, Divorce, Annulment and Separation Records Resource Links

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Records Resources - Marriage, divorce, annulment, and separation records are handled at the state level, but the CDC does offer a composite list of links to each state's vital records office.