Contracted date= marriage date or recorded date Thank you for your replies Pat and Bill. But now I am still confused! Haha. I think I have found that the later date should be the wedding date on this type of cert, since there are only 2 dates, but I am not certain. I have seen some with 3 dates, application date, marriage date, and the return and recorded date. It appears to me that the marriage date is the actual contract date, but any additional input would be appreciated. Maybe Kathy from Sauk Co Hist Society ? It would seem to me that the marriage Time might be important but not the time of when it is returned.? Thank you for your help. Murray in AZ