Parish Records

[Just Kia]

Am I right in thinking that these will only contain records of people who actually attended the church in that parish?
Meaning that if their children were not baptised, then they aren't going to be found in any parish registers?
What about marriages? Would there be any other records, than the parish church records, where these events might be recorded?

[celia]

Am I right in thinking that these will only contain records of people who actually attended the church in that parish?
Meaning that if their children were not baptized, then they aren't going to be found in any parish registers?

That is correct All marriage are recorded where they married.

Celia

[aghadowey]

Am I right in thinking that these will only contain records of people who actually attended the church in that parish?
Meaning that if their children were not baptised, then they aren't going to be found in any parish registers?
What about marriages? Would there be any other records, than the parish church records, where these events might be recorded?

Depends on what country and what date. Civil marriage records, for example, started at different dates in different countries.

[Just Kia]

Sorry I should have said, I'm looking at England pre 1837

[Fiona Mary Phillips]

I would contact the local parish priest or have your own do it for you and make a few enquiries,while they couldnt be personally aware of someone from that time you might be surprised at what the local priest knows, or knows who knows what, etc.

[osprey]

From 1754 to 1837 most marriages took place in parish churches. This was under Hardwicke's Act of 1753, and the only groups exempt from it were Jews & Quakers. So, non-conformists had to marry in a parish church if they wanted their marriage to be legal.

[aghadowey]

The Church of England was the Established Church and think that's what meant by Parish records here. Roman Catholic churches also have their own parishes.

[Just Kia]

Thank you,
so would it be similar with baptisms or would people have been likely to choose to not baptise their children, even though they had to be married in the parish church for legal reasons, or would it have just been the "done thing" to have the children baptised?

[Fiona Mary Phillips]

i think most people would baptise a child, whatever the religion or status of relationship, the parish priest or equivalent can check records so you will know at least whether the person was or not or at least not in that area, etc. helps to narrow things down