Indiana marriage records can provide a wealth of information to those who are in search of it. These records provide documentation of when a marriage occurred. However, many of these records can be useful in other situations, too. For example, they provide information about the location people lived and they can provide aid in creating a family tree or genealogy report for some. Though not all records in the state are widely available, there are several opportunities for individuals to find the information they need.
 

To find Indiana marriage records, it is important to look for vital records in the state. However, the state did not begin taking these records until 1882. Prior to this, the counties held such information. In many situations, the birth and death records available prior to 1800 are sporadic. In some situations, this data was not collected at all. In other cases, the data was only recorded through third party sources, such as churches, mortuaries, local court offices and by doctors. If you need records from this point, it pays to invest in some research through those organizations if they are still available. Archived information can be hard to obtain.
 

For those who are looking for birth records dating from 1907 or death records from prior to 1900 or for most marriage records, it is best to contact the local county clerk's office. For very old records, prior to 1800, this information may be available through a town clerk's office. In the case of records dating from 1907 and onward, you may be able to find some information through the Indiana State Department of Health. However, the State does not keep actual marriage records.
 
It only keeps an index of the marriages that occur in the state. You can write to the location at the following address:
 

Indiana State Department of Health

Vital Records

2 North Meridian Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
 

The best access to marriage records in Indiana, though, is by far through the local clerk's office. Contact the Clerks of the Circuit Court in the county where the marriage took place. If you do not know this information,
you may be able to search for it through other establishments. The fees for such records can vary from one county to another. You can also gather such information from local religious organizations or local courts in which the person may have been married.
 

Indiana marriage records may or may not be available. When they are, they can provide a wealth of information to those who require it. For example, many records provide information about the individual's name, age and address at the time of their marriage. It may also provide the names of each parent involved. Maiden names are often included in these documents as well. You can use this information to help extend your family search or to verify where a person lived. However, privacy laws may protect these records for the last fifty years. Older records may not have these restrictions.

 

 

• Indiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

• Indiana Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

• Indiana Marriage Certificates & Records

• Indiana Marriage License Laws