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Researching On Oklahoma Marriage Records

By Claire Dowell


For those who are doing research on their family background, vital records pose a great source of facts as these contain information such as the married parties' background, social status, parents, place of residence as well as occupation during the time. Vital records such as births and deaths are usually available from the States' Health Department whereas marriage and divorce records are available from the county clerk where it was issued or granted. Oklahoma marriage records are available from the clerk of the county and historical records are available from the Oklahoma Historical Society. Requests can also be made to the State's Office and will be forwarded to the county.

Marriage records in the US usually date back to the time where the county was first established although complete compilation was only done in 1940's. Marriage records that are available from the Clerk County include certificates, affidavits, bonds and licenses. Copies of the record(s) maybe requested via phone, in person and through fax. Fee schedule may vary per county.

For those who live in Oklahoma County, marriage records are available from the County Courthouse. The Office contains 175 volumes of marriage records available to the public. The records date back to 1800s up to 1951. Marriage license, affidavit of marriage applications and marriage certificates are the records that are available from the Clerk's Office. Oklahoma residents are charged $20 and on-residents $30 for "research request and copy fees". Other charges depend on the format that the researcher wants for the records. Microfilmed and faxed copies cost $1 and mailing cost about $.25. Some records, such as the Choctaw-Chicksaw records are available for express delivery and cost about $10.

For other counties such as Pittsburg and Washington County, marriage records are available from the McAlester and Bartlesville County Clerk Office, respectively. Each marriage record costs about $15 each and requests can be made through online, walk-in or via standard mail.

Marriage records in Jefferson County are also available from the Waurika Court Clerk. The records are unrestricted and each copy costs about $15 each. Requests can be made either through mail or in person as well as applying online. For historical records, one can check the Oklahoma Historical Society or the Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society in Lawton. Jackson County marriage records are available from the Altus Court Clerk and can be requested either through mail or in person. For those in Cherokee County, marriage records are available from the Tahlequah clerk of court whereas historical records are kept in the Oklahoma Historical society. Copies of the records are available for $15 and can be ordered by in person, mail and online.

Processing time for the records is usually available the same day for in person requests. For standard mail and online ordering, processing can take some time depending on the volume of requests received by the County Offices. For those who need the records immediately, they can use online vital record search sites. Birth, death, divorce and marriage records are free although for those who require batch or bulk searches, availing of search packages is ideal as one can perform the searches in a shorter time frame.




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