Did you know there are two main ways to do a marriage records search? It's true, and in this article, I'm going to compare the two so you can be an informed consumer when it comes to completing the marriage records search you're on.

The first way to do a marriage records search is to contact the state where the marriage took place and request the records. Since state law governs vital records like marriage records, the rules vary from state to state.

Even so, in the case of most states, you'll find that you can request records in person, by mail, or even using the Internet. You can easily find out where to start by doing an Internet search for the state name followed by the words, "marriage records" (without the quotes).

So to search for a wedding that was held in New York, you would search for:

New York marriage records

At or near the top of the search results, you'll find the official state web site that handles this. So far so good, but this is where things get crazy.

When you go to the site, you'll find that the state won't just give you the information you're after. You'll need to satisfy them that you have what they consider a legitimate need for the information.

Once you do that, you'll be able to request the information. And then wait for it. You will usually receive your information by mail or a carrier like FedEx, within a week or so of your request being processed.

And processing can be a real problem. Depending on the state, it can take anywhere from a few days to California's six months or more before your request is processed. With state budgets so bad, you can bet that the processing times are only going to keep getting longer.

Ok, so you may have to jump through some hoops to be allowed to see the records. And it may take a long time to receive the information you need. But at least it will be a free marriage records search, right?

Actually, it will cost you a good bit to get the information from the state. You'll surely have to pay a fee for the state to process your information request. You'll also have to pay for them to send the information to you. Again, the details vary from state to state, but expect to pay $20 or more before you see your information from the state. You're not going to get a free marriage records search out of the deal.

The other way to get the records is through commercial search firms. These companies pay the states to get access to copies of all their marriage records (and other vital records as well). They then computerize the information, and make it available through a simple web site.

Enter whatever information you may have about the marriage, and within seconds, the web site generates a report that contains the information you need. No special requirements. No six-month waits. It is so much more efficient to get the information a records search firm.

As I'm sure you already figured out, you do have to pay for this service. However, the fee is usually comparable to that charged by the relevant state, and you get the benefits of speed and simplicity. The best choice seems pretty clear.