Marriage records are an important part in finding out about our past. They allow us to prove that our ancestors were married legally, and that they had children that were legitimate. Marriage records may also contain the maiden name of the bride, so this allows you to find out even more information about your past history. You can use the internet to help you find marriage records, and you can access indexes and records that are online. If you want to find Kentucky marriage records, but you don't know where to start, the internet would be a very good place to set your plan in motion.
It wasn't until 1852 that statewide registration of vital records was enacted. Also, between the years of 1872 and 1910, there weren't as many records that were collected as there were during other time periods. Kentucky marriage records on the other hand, have been kept since the formation of each county. However, state registration was later required in 1958. In order to find these marriage records, you can look at the Office of Vital Statistics, which is located in Frankfort.
Kentucky marriage records are primary source records. This is good because that means that there is a very small chance that the records will give inaccurate information. With the information that we are given on marriage records, we are able to find out about our past. Usually, there are three types of civil marriage records. On type of marriage record is a marriage license. Another type is a marriage register. The final type is a marriage certificate. A marriage license is a document obtained by the bride and groom. They have to have this in order to be married by the appropriate civil authorities. Generally, a marriage license contains the most information that can be utilized by people for genealogical research. This is because it includes information such as the names of both members of the couple, their ages, their place of residence, their ethnicity, their date of births, and their occupation. It may also inform us of the names and/or place of birth of their parents. After a marriage ceremony is completed, the marriage license, which is signed, is recorded in a register, or book. The information that is given by this document includes the names of the bride and the groom, the location and date of the marriage, and the name of whoever performed the ceremony. Finally, the marriage certificate is a document that may be given to a couple after they have been married. You will be able to get information such as the names of bride and groom, the date that the marriage took place, and the location at which the ceremony occurred. The marriage certificate is usually hard to locate, so if you think that the information given is insufficient, then don't waste your time searching. However, the other records, especially marriage licenses, contain a lot of useful information that you can access in order to answer questions about your past.
To request a Kentucky marriage record follow these instructions:
Step 1.
Download the Certified Copy of Kentucky Marriage Certificate application from the Vital Statistics website.
Step 2.
Carefully read all instructions. Complete the form with the full name of husband, maiden name of wife, and the date and county of divorce.
Step 3.
Send your completed application to the address below with a check or money order for $6. Or you may visit the office below in person during business hours. Credit card payments are accepted by phone or walk-in orders only.
For more details and assistance, contact the department whose contact details are listed below:
Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics
275 E. Main Street, 1E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4212
Where to Find Kentucky Marriage Records
Marriage records have been kept in the Vital Statistics office of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services since June 1958. Records are available to the general public. Any request for marriage record prior to June 1958 would need to go directly to the County Clerk where the marriage took place
Kentucky Marriage Record Search Fees
State law requires that a fee of $6 must be received by the Vital Statistics office in order to conduct a search for a marriage record. Each additional copy is also $6. If no record is found, no refunds are given.
Information Required for a Kentucky Marriage Record,
Any person may make a request for a marriage record as long as they have the following information to provide: Full name of Groom; full maiden name of bride; date of marriage; and county marriage took place.