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Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society has scanned the original returned 1869-1950 marriage licenses which were in long-term storage at the Tazewell County courthouse. We would like to thank the Tazewell County Clerk’s office for allowing us to access these original historical documents.
TCGHS members may search an online index for free. Indexes to the 1898-1938 marriage licenses have also been published in four printed volumes. They can be consulted at our library or can be purchased.
Prior to 1878, marriage licenses contained the names of the groom and bride, date of marriage, and the name of the presiding official.
Starting around 1878, marriage licenses began containing additional information such as the groom’s and bride’s full names, places of residence, ages, birthplaces, father’s name, mother’s maiden name, and number of marriages. Other items included are the groom’s occupation, the location & date of marriage, witnesses, and the presiding official.
Some of the licenses have extra papers dealing with the marriage – usually permission signed by the parents or guardians for underage children to marry. Copies of these additional papers will be included with the license at no additional charge.
We cannot guarantee the name on a marriage license is the person you’re looking for. Please see our research services if you need further research done.
Note: Prior to 1869, marriage records were simply a one-line entry in a records book. Starting in 1869, marriage records began to be transitioned to certificates. Be aware the 1869 marriages still entered in a records book rather than a certificate are not in our collection or the index discussed above.
