How do you get marriage records if you know only one name?

Question:I hear my father married before he died. How do I find out the wife's name.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I hear my father married before he died. How do I find out the wife's name.

the wording of your question indicates you were not in touch with him, prior to the death. You should be able to pick up the date from the social security death index (see www.rootsweb.com, searches). Having a date and place of death, will hopefully lead to the funeral home, and you may be able to contact them regarding obituary or next of kin.
Another option is www.zabasearch.com, IF this is a somewhat recent death, he may still be in there. after the first screen, a 2nd one normally comes up with the 'search' option again. With success, the 3rd screen (free) can have a list of names, along with possible relatives.
If you have problem with getting that working.. send me a note through my profile with his name and approx age/ place.

Contact the Records Dept. in the county he was married. They should have his name, and his wife's name will be on that record.

In California THEY MAINTAIN A FILE FOR GROOMS AND A FILE FOR Brides.

Not knowing the state or county your Groom resided. Advising you is difficult.

should be on his death certificate. may be able to check for his obit in the newspaper