Legal Definitions - marriage records

Definition: Marriage records are official documents kept by the government or church that contain information about couples who are getting married. These records include details about the bride and groom, such as their names, addresses, and sometimes their ages and occupations. They also include information about the wedding ceremony itself, such as the date and location of the wedding and the name of the person who performed the ceremony.

Examples:

• A couple goes to the county courthouse to apply for a marriage license. As part of the application process, they provide information about themselves, such as their names, addresses, and dates of birth. This information is recorded in the marriage records.
• A church keeps a record of all the weddings that take place in their building. These records include the names of the bride and groom, the date of the wedding, and the name of the minister who performed the ceremony.

These examples illustrate how marriage records are used to keep track of important information about couples who are getting married. They are used by government agencies and churches to ensure that marriages are legal and valid, and they can also be used by individuals who are researching their family history.