Family history
We hold records of births, marriages and deaths that have occurred within our registration area since 1 July 1837.
These records can help you in your research by providing invaluable information that can help you piece together your family history.
Ordering certificates
Online
If your relatives records are held with us and you would like to order a copy of a certificate we will require a BMD (Birth, Death or Marriage) reference. You can get this from Cheshire BMD. The site includes most birth, marriage and death indexes from 1837 to 1950.
We will accept email orders for copy certificates, but these will be dealt with as lower priority and would encourage all customers to order online if they can. Email chesterregisteroffice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Prices
Standard certificates cost £12.50 each.
How long will it take?
Standard certificates will normally be available for collection or posting after 48 hours (Monday to Friday).
What information can be found on a certificate?
As well as the full names of the individuals, you will also find the following information:
Birth certificate
Includes date and place of birth, the name and residence of the mother (and sometimes the mother’s maiden name). The name and occupation of the father may also be shown on the certificate.
Marriage certificate
Includes the full names of the bride and groom and the date and place of marriage. It will normally include their occupations, residences and also the names and occupations of the fathers of both bride and groom. Names of witnesses can also be seen.
Death certificate
Includes the date and place of death, age, occupation, cause of death, as well as the name and relationship of the person who registered.
Resources to help you build your family tree
Family
Try to gather all the information you can from members of your own family. Ask your oldest relatives for details of people’s names, where they were born or died or married, how many children they had, etc.
Collect family memories and documents and ask relatives to identify family members in photographs.
Even if some of this information proves not to be accurate, it can often provide useful clues or pointers in the right direction.
Local resources
You can access many materials to help with family history research by visiting our: