Find Genealogy Records in St. Clair County
St. Clair County genealogy records are held at the County Clerk's office in Port Huron and date back to 1821. The county has a distinctive research angle: Port Huron once served as a popular marriage destination for couples from Ontario, Canada, making St. Clair County records important for cross-border family research. This page explains where to find records, what is available, and how to search online.
St. Clair County Overview
St. Clair County Clerk - Vital Records
The County Clerk's office in Port Huron is where you go to get birth, death, and marriage records for St. Clair County. The office is open weekdays during regular business hours. You can visit in person, mail a written request, or call to ask about specific records before you make the trip.
Birth records are held from 1867 forward. Under MCL 333.2882, births within the last 100 years are restricted. Only direct family members and certain authorized individuals can get certified copies of recent birth records. Death and marriage records are public. Marriage records date back to 1821. That long run is useful for researchers tracing families who came to the area in its earliest years.
| Office | St. Clair County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron, MI 48060 |
| Phone | 810-985-2200 |
| Fax | 810-985-2204 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Fees are set by state law under MCL 333.2884. Each copy costs $15. Certified copies cost more and are required for legal and official purposes. A plain copy works for most genealogy research. You can pay by cash or check when you visit in person.
Cross-Border Research - The "Gretna Green" Connection
Port Huron has a notable place in genealogical research because of its role as a "Gretna Green" for Canadian couples. Many residents of Ontario crossed into Port Huron to marry because Michigan's marriage laws were less strict than those in Canada at the time. If you are tracing an Ontario family and cannot find a marriage record in Canada, check St. Clair County records.
This cross-border pattern was common in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Couples who lived in Sarnia or other nearby Ontario communities often crossed the border for a quick ceremony. The marriage record would then be filed with the St. Clair County Clerk. These records are fully public and searchable. The Port Huron Museum and the St. Clair County Historical Society may also have documentation related to this local pattern.
Note: If you are researching Ontario families and find a gap in Canadian marriage records from roughly 1870 to 1920, St. Clair County is worth checking.
Records Available in St. Clair County
The county clerk holds the core genealogical records for the county. Here is a breakdown of what is available and how to access each type.
| Record Type | Dates | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 1867-present | Restricted (100 years) |
| Death | 1867-present | Public |
| Marriage | 1821-present | Public |
Death records are open to the public with no restrictions. Anyone can request a copy. Marriage records stretch back to 1821, giving researchers access to the county's earliest years. Birth records newer than 100 years are restricted by state law. Certified copies of restricted records require ID and proof of relationship under MCL 333.2885.
Beyond vital records, the St. Clair County Circuit Court holds probate and court records that may be useful for genealogy. Land records are held by the Register of Deeds. Both offices are in Port Huron and can be contacted separately.
Online Resources for St. Clair County Genealogy
Online research is a good first step before you contact the clerk's office. Several databases index St. Clair County records and let you search at no cost.
The Michiganology site covers St. Clair County death certificates from 1897 to 1952 and includes other vital record indexes. It is run by the state and is free to use. The Archives of Michigan holds older records and some county-level genealogy files that are accessible in person or by mail. FamilySearch has also digitized many Michigan records, including some from St. Clair County.
The FamilySearch St. Clair County Wiki lists every digitized and microfilmed record set available for the county. It is a useful index of what exists and where to find it. The St. Clair County MIGenWeb page has local data, cemetery readings, and surname files contributed by volunteers.
St. Clair County Historical Society
The St. Clair County Historical Society operates through the Port Huron Museum. The museum holds local archives and genealogical materials that supplement the official records at the county clerk. Old newspapers, local histories, and family files are among the resources available.
The Archives of Michigan at 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, can be reached at 517-373-1408. They may have older St. Clair County records not held locally. The state library in Lansing also supports genealogy research with newspaper and reference collections.
Cities in St. Clair County
Port Huron is the county seat and the largest city in St. Clair County. Other communities include Marine City, St. Clair, Marysville, and several townships. None of these communities currently reach the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All genealogy records for county residents go through the St. Clair County Clerk regardless of which community they lived in.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors often moved between counties. If you cannot find a record in St. Clair County, check the neighboring jurisdictions below.