Birth, marriage and death (BMD) certificates are among the most important documents in family history research. They provide official evidence of key life events and can help confirm relationships, dates and places that may not be available elsewhere.
However, ordering a certificate should not always be your first step.
What Information Can a Certificate Provide?
Depending on the type of certificate, you may find:
Birth Certificates
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s occupation
- Informant’s name and address
Marriage Certificates
- Date and place of marriage
- Names of the bride and groom
- Ages
- Marital status
- Occupations
- Fathers’ names and occupations
- Witnesses
Death Certificates
- Date and place of death
- Age at death
- Occupation
- Cause of death
- Informant’s details
These records can provide valuable clues that help you move your research forward.
Research Before You Buy
Many genealogists order certificates too early, only to discover that the information they needed was already available elsewhere.
Before spending money, check:
- Census records
- Parish registers
- Baptism, marriage and burial records
- Electoral registers
- Probate records
- Newspaper archives
- Military records
- Local history collections
Subscription websites such as Ancestry and Findmypast contain millions of records, while many archives and family history societies provide free access to parish registers and local resources.
In many cases, particularly for marriages, you may find a parish register entry or transcript that contains much of the same information as the official certificate.
Ask for Help
If you’re struggling to identify the correct person or record, ask for help before ordering.
Genealogy forums, Facebook groups and family history societies are full of experienced researchers who are often happy to offer advice. Someone may suggest a record you’ve overlooked, explain confusing handwriting, or spot an alternative spelling that leads to the right family.
A second opinion can save both time and money.
Order from the Official Source
Once you’ve confirmed that you need an official certificate, it’s usually best to order directly from the General Register Office (GRO) for England and Wales. Ordering from the official source helps ensure you receive an authentic copy of the record.
Choosing the Right Certificate
Before placing your order, make sure you’ve identified the correct individual. Compare names, dates, locations and family members using available indexes and other records. Spending a little extra time checking your research can prevent ordering the wrong certificate.
Final Thoughts
Birth, marriage and death certificates remain some of the most valuable documents available to family historians. They can answer important questions, confirm family relationships and provide evidence that simply isn’t available elsewhere.
But they’re also an investment. By researching thoroughly, checking online records and asking the genealogy community for help first, you’ll be far more confident that you’re ordering the right certificate—and only when you genuinely need it.
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