How to Find District of Columbia Marriage Records

United States

U.S. Vital Records

How to Find U.S. Marriage Records

District of Columbia Vital Records

How to Find District of Columbia Marriage Records

Finding District of Columbia Marriage Records

• In 1801, the District of Columbia was created from the states of Virginia and Maryland. Registration of marriages began in 1811.

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?		Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's marriage record: Marriages before 1811 Marriages between 1811 and 1950 Marriages after 1950 Marriage year unknown

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages before 1810

Before 1810, no marriages were recorded by the District. Some records are available at the following Findmypast collection:

• United States Marriages – District of Columbia, 1802-1964 ($) index

For records before 1801, search Virginia and Maryland records also.

Search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s marriage date and place:

1. Look first in	2. Then search
Church Records Newspapers Military Records Obituaries	Census Records Cemetery Records Death Records Bible Records

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages between 1810 and 1953

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information in Index

Marriage Indexes and Digital Images
Database Name - Index and Image	Link or links to access database		# of records
Ancestry, District of Columbia, Marriage Records, 1810-1953	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription	863,462
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1811-1950	On FamilySearch; free		659,487

If you do not locate the marriage in the above, try:
Database Name-Index Only	Link or links to access database		# of records
FamilySearch, Marriages, 1830-1921	On FamilySearch; free		239,999
Findmypast, United States Marriages, 1802-1964	On Findmypast; ($)
Ancestry, Marriages, 1801-1825	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription	9,661
Ancestry, Marriages, 1826-1850	Free using Ancestryinstitution at FamilySearch Centers	$, Use your own Ancestry subscription	9,240

Can't access Ancestry?	Visit your local family history center or your local public library.
No marriage record for your ancestor?	Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. Search other records with marriage information.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record

If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:

PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage

• If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the District of Columbia Superior Court.
• If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.

PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records

• Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the District of Columbia Superior Court.

OR

• View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:

Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

• Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
• Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
• Some microfilm may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages after 1964

Order a copy of the original marriage record
Try
	Order a copy of the license from the District of Columbia Superior Court ($)	You must provide full names, maiden names, and date of the marriage. Plain copies are less expensive than certified copies. Indexes and copies are available on microfilm thru 1986. See Marriage Records on Microfilm below.  You may order a copy in person or by mail. Clerk of the Superior Court of Washington D.C. 500 Indiana Ave NW, Room 2500 Washington, D.C. 20001
No marriage record for your ancestor?		Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. Also try other records with marriage information.

Marriage Records on Microfilm
District marriage records are available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. Use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

• District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950; Index 1811-1986
• Some microfilm may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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Uni

• U.S., Hochheimer Marriage Records, 1850-1900($)
• Historical court records of Washington, District of Columbia (has marriages)($)