P.J.R. van Munster: trouwboekje

Profile manager: Peter van Munster [send private message]

In The Netherlands the "trouwboekje" ("marriage booklet") is an official document issued to a couple by the civil authorities when they get married.

It is used initially to record (obviously) the names of both spouses, the date and place of the marriage and the names of the parents of the parties involved. The couple may use this document as "proof" of their lawful marriage whenever this is required.

Next the birth of children from this marriage will be recorded. Parents will use this a "proof" of their parenthood when required.

Finally the dates and places of the death of both spouses will be recorded (when the booklet is available to the surviving relatives). In this particular case (the booklet is about my paternal grandparents) the death of my grandmother may well have been entered by a civil servant. Judging by the handwriting the death of my grandfather may well have been entered by my father (who handed the booklet down to me).

Sometimes the booklet will be used for other (official!) purposes. Page 11 shows some entries that may well have to do with the distribution of rationing vouchers for food, textile and the such at the end of WW1.

Note: "Google" will translate "trouwboekje" as "marriage certificate". This NOT correct! A deed recording the marriage (a "marriage certificate", if you will), will be drawn up and signed by the spouses and witnesses, but this will remain with the civil authorities, as opposed to the "trouwboekje" which is handed out to the couple.