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How to Research Marriage Records in Maryland
Maryland marriage records from 1655 to 1850 offer a wide window into early American family history. With around 258,000 individuals listed in this index, it’s a solid starting point for locating ancestors who married during this long stretch of time.
Keep in mind that some gaps exist. Calvert County’s records were lost in an 1882 courthouse fire, and counties like Garrett, Howard, and Wicomico aren’t included because they were formed after 1850. Even for the included counties, the records may not be fully complete.
Still, the index is incredibly useful. It can help confirm the names of a couple and narrow down the time and place of a marriage. Once you have that, you can look for church records, newspaper notices, or even land transfers that might have happened shortly after the wedding.
Use this index as a tool to open doors to earlier generations, especially in colonial Maryland. It’s a helpful guidepost for deeper research.