Marriage records can be searched for many different reasons. Often times, people will request marriage records for ancestors, past relatives and even people they are dating to know who they were once married to. One of the main reasons to perform a marriage record search is for genealogical purposes as it will add lines to family trees and help to get a feel of who married whom. Though most North Dakota marriage records research can be a little tricky, there are a few websites online as well as archives to aid in getting the information you need.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Vital Records has many vital records including marriage certificates throughout the state. However, since the department of health does not issue marriage license records from their office, they recommend that any records you need should be issued by the county where the licenses were originally filed and took place.
Through the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the archives contain marriage records that existed before 1925. Several North Dakota counties including Adams, Barnes and Morton, also have archives of marriage records. The archives also have some church records that are cataloged that will contain marriages that took place in that specific place. There is also a database to search through North Dakota marriage records that might provide you with marriage information by searching the ODIN database.
Through the historical society, the Great Rivers Network collaborates with cultural heritage institutes in both North and South Dakota and Minnesota to give access to digital content. Their indexes provide many marriage records before 1925. Other links provide, in conjunction with the Great Rivers Network, access to online indexes to specific counties in North Dakota. For example, the Stutsman County has an online index to search through wives and husband surnames alphabetically and the dates of the marriage are provided. The dates in this county include 1884 to 1925. Through the North Dakota State University, specific counties such as Cass County, have marriage license indices to search by groom or bride, by first or last name. It is free to conduct a search, but to order to actual record you will need to pay $5 dollars per record.
The North Dakota Public Records Search will let you search through the North Dakota public records by first and last name. In addition, by searching through North Dakota marriage records on this site, you can also find vital records like birth and death certificates. Marriage certificates will cost around $5 per copy and earlier records prior to 1925 can be requested. The Public Records search web site will forward the request to the appropriate office. Any additional copies of marriage records will cost $2 each.
Through the Family Search page, you can select North Dakota as the main state to search through and enter in the names of the couple on the marriage record, or if you only know one name. The results are surprisingly quick and you will be able to see information right away. Though you do not have to order the marriage records, you can do so through the system.
To obtain a North Dakota marriage certificate, please follow these directions:
Step 1.
First, you must determine which county the marriage took place. All requests for certified marriage records must be directed to the proper county authority.
Step 2.
Contact the proper county authority to determine their procedure and requirements for a certified marriage copy. You may utilize this list of county authorities in North Dakota .
Step 3.
Follow the directions given by the county authority that maintains the marriage record. Be prepared to provide a reason for the request and a legible copy of your photo ID.
To find out more about North Dakota marriage records, go to:
About North Dakota Vital Records
The North Dakota Division of Vital Records was originally charged with registering and certifying all vital events in the state, including marriage records. However, as of January 1, 2008, the Vital Records office no longer issues certified copies of marriage records.
Where Are North Dakota Certified Marriage Records Issued?
Starting January 1, 2008, all certified marriage records must be requested from the county where the marriage took place. Depending on the county, a request may go to a county recorder, county clerk, clerk of court, county treasurer, or county auditor.
Identification Necessary for Obtaining a Marriage Certificate
In North Dakota, it is necessary to present a legible copy of a government issued photo ID. Identification must be verified before a request for marriage certificate can be processed.
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