If the certificate is for Co. Durham and you have a bit of information you can try http://www.durham.gov.uk/gro/search.nsf/search?openform I believe all the marriages are on here and some of the birth certificates and none of the deaths. It can be hit or miss if you are looking at a common name but if you have an uncommon name or you have a definite date and place this is pretty good. From your order to your doorstep across the pond is about a week. Janis