Every U.S. state maintains marriage records as public vital records. This directory links directly to our free state-by-state guides, each with official .gov sources, county clerk contacts, and step-by-step instructions for obtaining copies.
How to Use This Directory
- Click your state below to access the full marriage records guide
- Each state page lists the official vital records office, fees, and online search options
- County-level guides are available for states with county-based record systems
All 50 States — Marriage Records Guides
What Marriage Records Include
A standard U.S. marriage record contains: full legal names of both spouses, date and location of the marriage ceremony, names of witnesses, officiant name, and the county or jurisdiction that issued the license. Older records (pre-1900) may include parents’ names, birthplaces, and occupations — critical data for genealogy research.
Free vs. Paid Access
Most state vital records offices charge $5–$25 for certified copies. However, many states offer free online indexes through their official .gov portals or through FamilySearch.org (free, run by the LDS Church). Our state guides identify which records are freely searchable and which require payment.
County Records vs. State Records
Before the early 1900s, most states did not maintain centralized vital records. Marriage licenses were issued and recorded at the county level. If you’re searching for records before your state began centralized registration, you’ll need to contact the county clerk’s office directly. Our state guides include the centralization date for each state.