Marriage records may include bonds, books, certificates, licenses, marriage registers or ministers' returns. Indexes to marriage records may be available. A marriage bond is posted when applying for a marriage license. The bond is a legally binding agreement between the bride and groom that the marriage will occur. The bond may include the following: number, date, the husband and wife's name, name of surety (usually male relatives), terms of bond and county clerk attestation. Beginning in the 1860s to 1900 the bond included the age of the bride and groom, their place of birth, as well as the place of birth of their parents. Marriage certificates signify that the marriage occurred. The certificate was completed by the minister or judge and then given to the marrying couple. Marriage consents by the parent or guardian of the bride or groom were required if either of them was less than twenty-one years old. The consent was usually filed with the bond and a copy of the license.
