Whereas it is possible to get birth certificates direct from the local registrar, this is much more difficult in the case of marriages, unless you know the church where the event took place. It is much easier to order the certificate from the GRO as above.

Marriage certificates give the following information for both bride and groom:

• Name
• Age
• Marital status
• Occupation
• Address
• Name and occupation of father (useful if the bride was a widow, as it gives a clue to her maiden name)

The marriage certificate also names the witnesses, who were sometimes family members. Scottish marriage certificates also list the name and maiden name of the mother.