Request a Free Lookup
If your ancestors lived in North Carolina during the second half of the 1800s, this marriage index can be a great place to begin your search. Spanning approximately fifty years, the index enables you to determine whether a marriage record exists for a specific couple. Instead of combing through individual county records or reels of microfilm, you can use the index as a shortcut to locate names, dates, and possibly locations of marriage.
Once you’ve found an entry in the index, the next step is to obtain the original marriage certificate. These documents often include important details—full names, ages, occupations, birthplaces, and sometimes the names of parents or witnesses. By narrowing down the location and date with the help of an index, you can save time and focus your efforts.
In addition to official records, consider looking for marriage announcements in local newspapers. These announcements can include:
- Names of the bride and groom
- Ages, occupations, and hometowns
- Descriptions of the wedding ceremony
- Names of guests, officiants, and family members
- Photographs or social commentary (especially later in the 19th century)
These newspaper items are not only useful for confirming marriages but also for adding personality and context to your family history. They can reveal your ancestor’s social circle, community status, or even migration patterns—especially when weddings took place across county or state lines.
As always, it’s wise to verify the information you find. Names might be misspelled or misreported in indexes or newspapers, and sometimes important facts are left out. Once you’ve used an index or newspaper notice to locate a potential marriage, back it up with a primary source—whether a marriage license, church record, or census entry.
For North Carolina, many marriage records were kept at the county level. If you’re following up on an index lead, contact the county Register of Deeds office where the marriage occurred. The North Carolina State Archives and State Library of North Carolina are also excellent places to search for microfilmed records or to request copies by mail.
In summary, the North Carolina marriage index from 1851 to 1900 is a powerful tool that can speed up your research. When combined with newspaper announcements and verified with original documents, it provides a deeper view into your ancestors’ lives and the world they lived in.