Search our records of births, deaths and marriages

We keep a record of the names held in each birth, death and marriage register in the Dorset Council area.

You can search our records if you need more information before you apply for a copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate.

If you're not sure whether a name in the record is the one you're searching for, a member of our staff will check the actual entry in the register for you.

Book an appointment

Contact us to make an appointment to search our records.

We only hold records of births, deaths and marriages that took place within the Dorset Council area. The boundaries of the registration districts and the county have changed over time so please check with us that we hold the records that you're interested in before booking an appointment. 

Cost

Searches cost £18 for up to 6 hours and includes the cost of a member of staff checking up to 8 records in the registers for you.

Where to find us

The records are all held at the Dorset History Centre and can be accessed during our opening hours.