Learn How to Obtain Phoenix Marriage Certificates

Are you about to request a Phoenix marriage certificate? Do keep in mind that all Arizona marriage records are still maintained at the county Superior Court clerk's office where the marriage was registered.

You can find vital records, which started to be recorded in Arizona statewide (for births and deaths) in July 1909 if you write to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Vital Records Section, 2727 W. Glendale Avenue, P.O. Box 3887, Phoenix, AZ 85030-3887, or call 602-255-3260. For marriages, you need to contact the particular county concerned.

Why You May Need a Copy of a Marriage Record in Phoenix

There are actually many reasons for requesting a marriage record in Phoenix. The most popular is for genealogy research. Perhaps you are trying to find out more about your ancestors and know what were they like and how they lived. Or, perhaps you are trying to map your family tree and know for a fact that your great-grandfather came to the city and stayed there to be married.

It may be that you are getting married and just want to ensure that the person you are engaged to is not already married. Requesting a copy of a marriage record will help you in this quest.

First, Get Your Application Right

•    Keep your letters brief and to the point. Avoid making more than two requests in one letter.
•    When you make your initial request, always remember to enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.
•    Do your best to provide the fullest information you can.
•    If a person was known by more than one name, write down all of them, including nicknames. If that name takes alternate spellings, include them.
•    Be as accurate as you can about the date of marriage. If you are not sure of the precise date, provide a span of years that must be searched. Remember that you have to pay extra for searches that cover many years.
•    Be prepared to wait. If you do not already know how many pages there are in a deed, you will not know exactly what fees to pay. Avoid shooting in the dark and sending a specific sum.
•    Instead, send a blank check, but duly signed. Write, under the "$____" line of the check, ideally in red ink, "Not to exceed $X.00", that is, the sum you expect to pay.
•    Unless you already know what charges you must pay, take the trouble to write twice. The first letter should state your need, along with all the information you can provide, and a request to be sent an inventory of charges. The second will include your check for the specified amount.
•    A word of advice: state and county offices may be quite often short-staffed. Genealogical research is not part of their job. They do it as a service. They appreciate your keeping this in mind, so do show some patience and courtesy if they are not responding as quickly as you would like!

Some Pointers on Requests for a Marriage Certificate Copy

When requesting a copy of the marriage certificate, make sure to include the following:
 
•    Husband’s full name (last name in caps)
•    Wife’s full maiden name (last name in caps)
•    Date of marriage
•    Place of marriage
•    Relationship to you/the applicant
•    Why the record is needed
•    Your name & address
•    Your driver's license number & state (some counties require it)
•    Your signature