Prenzlau, Germany, Marriages, 1874-1923

About this collection

This collection contains marriage records from Prenzlau covering the years 1874 up to and including 1923. Prenzlau is the administrative center of the district of Uckermark in the German state of Brandenburg. The city is situated about 62 miles north of Munich and approximatly 31 miles west of the Polish city of Stettin. The first documentary mention of Prenzlau was in 1187 and at that time it was already an important hub of long-distance trade. Numerous churches, abbeys and steeples characterize its skyline. During the time period of this collection, Prenzlau belonged to the Prussian Province of Brandenburg. In addition to Prenzlau, this collection includes records from Dedelow, Klinkow and Seelübbe. Records from Dedelow begin in 1875.

Beginning on October 1, 1874, local registry offices were made responsible for creating birth, marriage, and death records in the former Prussian provinces. The collected records are arranged chronologically and usually in bound yearbook form which are collectively referred to as "civil registers." Complementary alphabetical directories of names may also have been created for Prenzlau. While churches continued to keep traditional records, the State also mandated that the personal or marital status of the entire population be recorded.

What you can find in the records

Marriage records were created using preprinted forms that were filled in by hand by the registrar. Depending on the individual form or on the formulations used by the registrar, you may find:

• Sequential or Certificate Number
• Marriage Date
• Groom: Occupation, Last name, Given names, Denomination, Age or Birthdate and Birthplace, Residence as well as details about his Parents and their Place of Residence
• Bride: Occupation, Last name, Given names, Maiden Name, Denomination, Age or Birthdate and Birthplace, Residence as well as details about her Parents and their Place of Residence
• Witnesses
• Signatures

More about using this collection

Each document has a front and back. These are displayed one ofter the other. Additional events from the life of the couple were sometimes recorded later on in the margins. These notes, sometimes referred to as "narration," can contain very useful information but they have not been indexed. As a result, information from the notes will not be found via the search form. Under "Browse this collection,” select the Civil Registration Office and Year Range of the register desired. Name directories for Prenzlau proper can be found at the beginning of each year range or volume.