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This dual-state index includes marriage records for approximately 108,500 individuals in Michigan and 52,800 in Wisconsin, covering marriages from 1830 to 1900. It brings together records that were once scattered across towns and counties—giving researchers a practical starting point when tracing ancestors in these two neighboring states.
Both Michigan and Wisconsin have strong traditions of county-level recordkeeping, but not all local records were consistently preserved or centralized in the 19th century. This index simplifies the process of locating early marriage records, many of which may have been difficult to access or required direct contact with multiple local authorities.
The index typically includes:
- Full names of both spouses
- Marriage dates and locations (usually county-level)
- Occasionally, witness names or officiants
Because this collection spans such an early time frame—starting in the 1830s—it also captures many pioneer families, early immigrants, and first-generation American marriages, especially among German, Polish, Scandinavian, and Irish communities that settled throughout the Great Lakes region.
Once you’ve identified a marriage in the index, you can pursue additional information by:
- Contacting the appropriate county clerk’s office
- Visiting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
- Exploring local historical societies and church archives for original records
Also consider newspaper marriage announcements, especially for families in larger towns like Milwaukee, Madison, Detroit, or Grand Rapids. These notices often include rich details like names of family members, occupations, or the social setting of the wedding, helping you place your ancestors in a broader community context.
As always, it’s wise to verify index entries by locating original documents such as marriage certificates, civil registrations, or church records. These not only confirm dates and spellings but may also reveal previously unknown details, like parents’ names or residence at the time of the marriage.
Whether you’re exploring your family’s beginnings in Michigan’s lumber towns or Wisconsin’s farming communities, this index is a helpful tool to begin or expand your search.