The existing church of St Michael in Farnley is comparatively new, though built on the site of older chapels. Baptisms and burials were carried out here from an early period; some memorial stones in the church yard date back to the 17th century. Known records date back to 1624.

Marriages for Farnley were carried out at Leeds parish church until 1839, though not strictly so. Some marriages were made at the Farnley chapel and then recorded at Leeds Parish church. Some events may not have been recorded. In 1633, the incumbent at Leeds Parish Church complained, "There were certain persons married at Farnley this last year, whose names were not exhibited; therefore if they not bee registred, blame them that are worthy."

The marriage index here consists of all the marriages that can be found in Leeds Parish Registers before 1838, then the 1,670 marriages that took place in the 110 year period between 1839 and 1950. They are in date order. The reference is the registration number at Leeds Register Office. 'x' signifies that a party signed with a mark.