Dear Judy,
I agree that the civil records are lackluster but information that names the presiding official and place of the marriage very helpful if the marriage was a religious ceremony. Then one can usually locate the sacramental records kept by the Priest, Pastor etc... which often include the names of both bride and groom's parents.... and the possibility of finding other family members belonging to the same Church.
Often along with the official record is an application for the marriage certificate which often include the address of the bride and groom. I find this helpful in that even if the parents of the bride and groom are not listed in the civil records...often they resided with their parents prior to marriage and the Surname and address provided might be found in the local City Directory...leading to name of parent or other family member. And helpful when the Surname is common name to determine if one has indeed found the correct census info...etc.
Barbie
St. Louis