English marriage certificates

[Rae36]

Hi all
For the first time ever I'm trying to find an English marriage certificate from 1879. I've done this a hundred times in Scotland, but this is my first attempt over the border.
So I found what I think is the correct record on freebmd website but I can't see anydetails there, just an index list. Then I looked on findmypast.com and found the same record but again I can't find details. Is that right? In Scotland everything is instantly available on ScotlandsPeople (for a fee) but is it just different in England?
Sorry for asking such a basic question, my family are so dull, they have been in the same small corner of Scotland for years and years apart from this one odd marriage in England so I've never needed to know how this works before.

Yes, thats right. What you have seen is the register. You need to note the details and there will be a link in FMP where you can send off for the certificate. If it's eligible for a pdf you will get that e mailed to you in a few days, otherwise they will send you an "original copy".

It's a lot more expensive than the Scottish ones, as well as slower and is frustrating for those of used used to doing Scottish research.

There is a tab on the transcription page so you can order.

Ah, how annoying. I've been spoiled by being able to do it quickly and easily. I just wondered if I was missing something.

Oh and you won't get as much info either. Eg only the fathers of the bride and groom not both parents.

Always best to order direct via GRO website

It IS annoying and costs about £11 for a certificate in the post. I think £7 for a pdf. Scotland people is much better IMO.

butterflymum the link on FMP just takes you straight into the GRO website.

Yes all you are seeing on Ancestry/Findmypast/Free BMD is the index. You have to note down the reference number and request a certificate in the post.

On Scotland's People you can click through and see the original certificate.

Scottish wedding certificates are far better than English/Welsh ones as they give both parents names and not just the father, and the place and date of the parents' marriage too, if they were married.

Sorry - the date of the parents' marriage is on birth certfiicates not marriage certificates.

It's been a long day.

You may find a copy under parish records on fmp. Either Banns or the register entry.

@LIZS

You may find a copy under parish records on fmp. Either Banns or the register entry.

I've found quite a few of my relatives through parish records

@StarbucksSmarterSister are English marriage certs available as PDFs?
Did the GRO trial that ? I've recently ordered one and didn't see that option .Annoying as I've had to have it posted elsewhere because the postal delivery system where I live is broken .

peridito I can't remember. Some certs are, some are not. It may only be death certs but I can't check as am not at home. If a pdf is available there is an option to choose that.