He married 23 May 1695 in the Chapel of the Manor House at Streatham, Surrey, when he was still under age, Elizabeth Howland, only daughter and heir of John Howland, of Streatham, and his wife Elizabeth Child. She was also under age, and had a dowry of about £100,000.
They had at least 7 children;
William Russell, born 13 August 1703, held courtesy title of Marquess of Tavistock, died young and was buried 27 December 1703 at Chenies;
Lady Rachel Russell, married (1) 4 August 1722, as his second wife, Scroop Egerton, 1st Duke of Bridgwater (died 11 January 1745) and had issue; (2) 14 December 1745 at St James's, Westminster, Sir Richard Lyttelton, KB (died 1 October 1770, and died 22 May 1777;
William Russell, born presumably after December 1703, held courtesy title of Marquess of Tavistock, also died young and was buried 17 March 1707 at Chenies;
Wriothesley Russell, born 25 May 1708 and baptised 15 June 1708 at Streatham, succeeded his father as 3rd Duke of Bedford;
John Russell, born 30 September 1710 and baptised 20 October 1710 at Streatham, succeeded his brother as 4th Duke of Bedford;
Lady Elizabeth Russell, married 3 February 1726, as his second wife, William Capell, 3rd Earl of Essex, (died 8 January 1743), she died 8 June 1784 at Charles St., Berkeley Square, London;