The term “Marriage Record” covers a wide range of documents. These records can be based on the requirements of one or both of the two parties intending to marry, a local government, or a religious institution.
Either party in the upcoming marriage could require a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement or a marriage contract if they were concerned about property rights. Local governments usually require a license that proves eligibility to marry, including parental consent if either party is under age. A religious institution may require church membership or an intention to marry time period. To understand the different types of marriage records, definitions follow:
- AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT – a document with parental or guardian consent for marriage when either party was not of the required age
- APPLICATION – a document completed by the two parties intending to marry. It contains their full name, residence, date/place of birth, and possibly the names of their parents. Data about previous marriages is sometimes listed. In more recent times, there was a requirement for a blood test to be completed before a license to marry could be issued.
- BANNS – an announcement of an intention to marry. This was a religious custom that gave local residents the opportunity to object to an upcoming marriage. Banns could be read in a church meeting, posted, or published.
- BOND – a guarantee of a certain amount of monies posted by the groom alone or with another male person. These funds would ensure that the marriage would take place and was legal.
- CERTIFICATE – a record issued by a civil or religious jurisdiction that certifies a marriage took place on a certain date. It includes the name of the two parties, and the name of whoever performed the marriage.
- CONTRACT – a document to protect property or personal rights
- INTENTION – an announcement of an upcoming marriage that was filed with the town or county clerk. The intention was usually posted in a public place and gave local residents an opportunity to voice objections to the marriage.
- LICENSE – a document that indicates a marriage can take place. Typical civil requirements were age, a single marital status, and a relationship no closer than first cousins. If all of the requirements were met, then a license would be issued.
- POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT – a document to protect property or personal rights that is signed after a marriage has taken place
- PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT – a document to protect property or personal rights that is signed before a marriage has taken place
- REGISTER – a list of marriages performed in a town, county or religious institution. The register can be an alphabetical index, chronological list, or a personal, annual list belonging to a minister or other person who has performed marriages.
- RETURN – a written report filed by a minister or justice of the peace that performed a marriage. The report contains the name of the couple, the date of the marriage, and the signature of the person who performed the marriage. The Return is sent to the town or county clerk so that the information can be placed in the official Register.
It is possible to find one or more of these types of marriage records, depending on where the marriage took place. The next BLOG will discuss who has authority to perform marriages, and the jurisdictions in the United States.
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©2014 Sharon D Monson