Using birth, marriage and death certificates for historical research
Birth certificates
Birth certificates will provide you with:
- the child's forenames, sex, date and place of birth
- the mother's full name and maiden name
- the father's full name and occupation, if he was married to the mother
- the name, address and relationship to child of the person who registered the birth.
Certificates for births registered in East Sussex can be ordered online.
Form – birth certificates – order copies.
Marriage certificates
Marriage certificates will provide you with:
- the date and place of marriage
- the name, age, occupation, marital status and address of the bride and groom
- names and occupations of the fathers of the bride and groom
- names of witnesses.
Certificates for marriages registered in East Sussex can be ordered online. Form – marriage certificates – order copies.
Death certificates
Death certificates will provide you with:
- the full name of deceased
- the date, place and cause of death
- the age and occupation of the deceased or name and occupation of the husband if the deceased was a married or widowed woman
- the name, address and family relationship (if any) of the person who reported the death.
Certificates for deaths registered in East Sussex can be ordered online.
Form – death certificates – order copies.
Searching for certificates
If you do not know all the details of the certificates you wish to buy, our registration office staff may be able to help you. Call or email East Sussex registration offices.
Alternatively you can search the indexes of our registration offices. You must search the indexes in person. It costs £18 for up to 6 hours and you will need to book in advance. To book an appointment contact the registration office.
If you are unable to visit a registration office in person you can search for details at:
