Other denominations usually have variations of this type of ceremony. Marriage records are also valuable sources of information. Secular society and religious groups have long recognized the right and obligation to provide structures to the right to marry. Before a marriage is celebrated, it must be evident to the civil and religious authorities that the parties could validly marry. The primary concern was that incestuous marriages not occur, although religious groups erected other impediments to marriage as well.
Death records are most useful to pinpoint a date of death and place of burial.
Generally, they do not contain much additional information, although a cause of death and list of family members is provided. The following is a list of common German and Latin words for church and sacramental records, with the English translation.