Libraries and leisure

Marriages 1538–1837

This index contains marriage entries for all Hertfordshire Parishes from 1538–1837. Also included are Hertfordshire Marriages reported in the Gentleman’s Magazine. Until civil registration began in 1837, parish registers are the only record of marriages throughout the United Kingdom (except for Jews and Quakers).

Early marriage registers only give the names of the couple. From 1754 onwards the couples names, parish, marital condition, whether they are married by licence or banns, name of officiating minister, signatures and witnesses is recorded. The couples address and occupation is not given until 1837.

In Hertfordshire there were 132 ancient parishes, each keeping separate series of registers. In addition to the ancient churches there are many more of modern origin, formed as chapels of ease or district churches within the larger, more populous parishes, and each being licensed to varying degrees to maintain separate series of registers.

The index was first created by Mr T F Allen in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Mr Allen extracted the information from the original parish registers and where necessary Bishops Transcripts.