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.
More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate. |
Next Step: When did the marriage occur? |
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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:
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 |
Census Records |
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 | $, Use your own Ancestry subscription | 9,240 |
Can't access Ancestry? | Visit your local family history center or your local public library. |
No marriage record for your ancestor? |
Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive. |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
If you did not find your ancestor in the databases above, follow the instructions below:
PART A: You don't know the exact date or place of marriage
- If you know the county of marriage, you can request a search for a fee from the District of Columbia Superior Court.
- If you don't know the date or county of marriage, you can also try searching for marriage information in other records.
PART B: You know the exact date and place of marriage from your records
- Order a copy of a marriage record for a fee from the District of Columbia Superior Court.
OR
- View a copy of a marriage record on microfilm at a Family Search Center:
Some images of county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.
- Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
- Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
- Some microfilm may be available to view at a local FamilySearch Center.
Marriages after 1964
Order a copy of the original marriage record | ||||
Try | ||||
Order a copy of the license from the District of Columbia Superior Court ($) |
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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.
Wiki Articles
- Learn more about U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. birth records
- How to find U.S. marriage records
- How to find U.S. death records
- United States Record Finder
- United States, How to Use Marriage Records
- United States Marriage Records
- United States Vital Records
- U.S. Vital Records Overview
- Locating United States Vital Records
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