Marriage Records in the UK

Viewing Marriage Records: 1837 - 2004

After 1837, marriage records are easily searchable and the best way to view them is online through services like BMDindex.co.uk and TheGenealogist. These online services provide searchable records with a user-friendly interface, and prices start from as little as £5.

As you can see, the records are available in image format for records from 1837 to 1983, and database format for records 1984 - 2004.

There is also the option of creating a surname map, which is a new feature at BMDindex.co.uk - you simply type in a surname and year, and it will give you the places where people with a particular surname lived at that time.

More information: BMDindex.co.uk.

Viewing Marriage Records: 1538 - 1837

Marriage Records before 1837 are only available in Parish Registers. This is because BMD records have only been kept by law since 1837. Parish Records give you baptism, marriage and burial information.

Parish Records were started in 1538 - a law was passed that ordered each clergyman to record baptisms, marriages and burials in the prescence of a Churchwarden. These records were kept in a book in the church - today, they are kept in a County Record Office.

However, since archivists are reluctant to allow handling of these old and unique books, it is advised you view the records on CD-ROM - this will not only save you time, but the records on CD are searchable so you can find the person you are looking for in seconds rather than going through an old book which could take hours.

To see which records are available, go to Genealogy Supplies. The records are also currently being added online to TheGenealogist.co.uk, so you could also view them there.