Massachusetts marriage records can answer many of the questions you have. These records can provide answers to your questions about older ancestors as well as information regarding the overall history of your family. If you know the names of family members and just want to learn about their histories, this is one way to do just that. However, the information contained in these records can be very limited. You will find a wide range of information available to you if you can find the records. To do that, you will need to know some of the steps to take to locate information in the state.
 

What many people may not realize is that the state did not begin the collection of this information until this century. However, information is available that can help you to track down this information more fully. For those who are gathering information regarding the vital records of those in the state from 1906 until the present, the best access to this information will come from the Registry of Vital Records, or through the Statistics in the Department of Public Health. This will contain information regarding the births, deaths and marriages in the state. Marriage records are not maintained here long term, though. Records are often transferred to the State Archives after about 100 years.
 

For those who are looking for information from prior to 100 years ago, this can be obtained by a search of those archives. However, these are only available from 1841 onwards (up to 100 years prior to the current year.) To access marriage records dating from 1841 through 2011, do so through the following address:
 

Massachusetts State Archives

220 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, Massachusetts 02125
 

You may be able to gather additional information by calling the agency at 617-727-4319.

For those marriage records that are less than 100 years old, the most accurate information may be available through the following address:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Registry of Vital Records

470 Atlantic Avenue, 2^nd Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02210
 

Gathering this information can be difficult at a state level. However, the state only keeps records of the marriage. Actual marriage certificates are available through more local sources, including local churches and religious facilities. You may also find information through the counties or town clerk's in the area where the marriage took place. This information can be available if you know where the person got married or may have lived.
 

Keep in mind that the amount of information on Massachusetts marriage records does differ from one location to another. In some cases, you will find information regarding the name of the parents, maiden names and previous addresses of both individuals. You should learn the marriage date, location and presiding official from the marriage record.

Some situations will provide nothing more than a notation of the marriage occurring. The more information you obtain, the more likely you are to continue that family genealogy tree. Gathering not only marriage records but also birth and death records can be very helpful to you.

• Massachusetts Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

• Massachusetts Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

• Massachusetts Marriage Certificates & Records

• Massachusetts Marriage License Laws