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Family researchers use church records to document births, christenings, marriages, deaths and burials, especially when an ancestor was born prior to the advent of vital records in the United States. |
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After a marriage took place, the officiating clergyman would issue a certificate to the bride and groom documenting the event. The same or more information would be entered in a register book for the church's records. |
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The type and amount of information recorded on a certificate varies from one denomination to another. The example gives only the essential facts about the marriage. Others may list the couple's ages, names of their parents, places of residence, occupation, and the date banns were posted. |
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Most denominations issue marriage certificates. |
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Ask immediate family and other relatives for a copy of
any religious certificates issued to your ancestors.
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