Marriage bonds (1741-1868) are statements of intent to marry that were attested by the prospective groom before the clerk of court in the bride's county of residence. Typically, one of more bondsmen signed as security for the forfeiture of a sum should the marriage not occur of prove to be illegal. Most marriage bonds give the names of the groom, bride, bondsmen and witnesses, the county in which filed, and the date. They typically do not provide the names of the groom or bride's parents.
Descriptions of original marriage bonds held by the State Archives are summarized in the online catalog.
Marriage bonds or an index to marriage bonds may also be available on third party websites. The State Archives is also in the process of adding the marriage bond index to our online catalog. Currently, only Granville County marriage bonds can be searched by name in the catalog, but more will be coming soon.
