Marriage Records
The government has long needed to track couples' marriages, to ensure that: children inheriting their parents’ property have a right to do so; people didn’t marry close relatives; nobody was married to more than one person at the same time; and both parties were above the age of consent. (And, if they weren't, that they had the consent of their parents or legal guardian.)
Because of that utility, marriage records can provide important genealogical details and point to new avenues for research. This guide will help you determine where to look for marriage records and record substitutes, as well as what information you may find in them.
CLUES IN MARRIAGE RECORDS
Although marriage laws and customs varied greatly by county and state, the general process unfolded this way: After the bride and groom agreed to marry, they had to obtain a license or post banns.
A marriage license gave permission for a justice of the peace, rabbi or minister to marry a couple. In the 20th century, couples had to fill out an application for a license before one could be issued. If the bride or groom were under the age of consent, a letter of consent might have been submitted when the license application was filed.
Some states allowed a announced a couple’s intention to marry and gave the community time to object to the union.
