Marriage records in Tennessee are primarily a county level record. Some Tennessee counties recorded and kept information on marriages in the early years of statehood, but not all. Beginning in 1838, counties were required to record marriages in bound record books. Information typically includes the date, the names of the bride and groom, the minister or justice of the peace, and, sometimes, the bondsman.
Many county historical societies have published books with extracts of local marriage records. Another invaluable resource is 35,000 Tennessee Marriage Records and Bonds: 1783 – 1870. This three volume reference, edited by the Rev. Silar Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs. Ella Lee Sheffield, was published in 1991. And, of course, newspapers are another great source.
The Tennessee Vital Records Office holds marriage records for 50 years. Marriage records from 1969 to the present can be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Restrictions and fees apply, so be sure to check the web site. For a fee, TSLA can lookup many marriage records. See the page Ordering Marriage Records for more information on this service.
Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville marriage records will be discussed in later blogs.
Many county historical societies have published books with extracts of local marriage records. Another invaluable resource is 35,000 Tennessee Marriage Records and Bonds: 1783 – 1870. This three volume reference, edited by the Rev. Silar Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs. Ella Lee Sheffield, was published in 1991. And, of course, newspapers are another great source.
The Tennessee Vital Records Office holds marriage records for 50 years. Marriage records from 1969 to the present can be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Restrictions and fees apply, so be sure to check the web site. For a fee, TSLA can lookup many marriage records. See the page Ordering Marriage Records for more information on this service.
Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville marriage records will be discussed in later blogs.
