Ordering Archival Vital Statistics Records
Due to the high volume of requests, the Public Archives and Records Office cannot provide a timeline for when orders will be completed.
Requests are filled in the order in which they are received. Staff will contact you when your order is ready. Please do not re-submit requests.
We appreciate your understanding and patience.
The Public Archives and Records Office has a large collection of archival vital statistics records, including baptism, marriage, and death records.
The Archives does not have any birth certificates. Since there was no civil registry before 1906, researchers looking for early birth information rely largely on existing church records using baptismal records as proof of birth.
The following vital statistics records are searchable through the PARO Collections Database (we recommend using the "Advanced Search" for vital records searches):
- Baptisms (including the former PEI Baptismal Index), 1777-1923
- Marriage licenses, 1827-1919 (includes digitized originals, 1827-1888)
- Marriage bonds, 1849-1902
- Marriage registrations, 1920-1936
- Deaths, pre-1906
- Death registrations, 1906-1968
Please note that not all vital statistics records have survived and copies of originals may not be available in all cases.
If you are requesting multiple record types (eg. a baptism and a marriage), please email your complete request to archives@gov.pe.ca.
How to locate archival vital statistics records
Baptismal records
Our baptism records range from 1777 to 1923. Records are indexed by the name of the child baptized. The information was taken from available church records and usually includes the child's name, date of birth and baptism, parents’ names, and reference to the church record, many of which are available at the Archives. Baptisms can be searched online through the PARO Collections Database or in person at the Archives.
Marriage records
Marriage licenses (1827-1919, including digitized originals, 1827-1888), marriage bonds (1849-1902), and marriage registrations (1920-1936) can be searched through the PARO Collections Database or in person at the Archives. Marriages are indexed by both bride and groom. When searching, be sure to search with the groom listed as the "Primary" (under Relationship Type) and the bride as the "Spouse" (under Relationship Type). Marriage bonds do not include the date of the ceremony. Parents' names are not included in marriage records before the 1920s.
Not all marriage records are currently available online. If you are unable to locate a pre-1945 marriage using the PARO Collections Database, you can still submit a marriage record request. Please fill out as much information as possible and our staff will follow up with you regarding your inquiry.
Death records
The pre-1906 Death Index includes death or burial information from church records, newspapers, and unidentified sources. Information given is limited and references may be impossible to trace. Starting in 1906, deaths were registered with the province. Cause of death is not given. Death records are indexed by name and are searchable through the PARO Collections Database or in person at the Archives.
How to order an archival vital statistics record
To order a baptism, marriage, or death record, please find the record in the PARO Collections Database and fill out the appropriate online form:
- Request Archival Baptismal Records online form
- Request Archival Marriage Records online form
- Request Archival Death Records online form
To complete the online request, you must complete all the required fields.
Once you have completed the form PARO staff will process the order. Staff will contact you regarding payment when the order is ready.
Completing the form does not guarantee PARO has the record you are looking for. Staff will search to confirm we have the record and will reach out if there are any issues locating it.
If you are requesting multiple record types (eg. a baptism and a marriage), please email your complete request to archives@gov.pe.ca.
What are the fees associated with ordering a baptismal record?
Baptism, marriage, or death records can be provided as paper or electronic (PDF) copies. A minimum fee of $5.00 is required, which includes up to 10 copies. Additional copies are $0.50 per copy.
All fees are subject to applicable taxes. Payments can be made by cash, debit, credit card, or cheque (please make cheques payable to Minister of Finance). Payment is required before copies are provided.
Do you need a certified copy for official use?
Certified copies may be needed for some official purposes or legal processes. Certified copies of baptisms, marriages, or death records can be ordered through the online form and are signed by the Provincial Archivist. There’s no additional charge for certification.