What Are New York Marriage Records?

New York marriage records are official documents that provide a comprehensive record of marriages maintained and provided by different authorities across the state. New York started registering marriage records in 1880, with two of the most common types being marriage licenses and certificates.

A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to marry. It is typically obtained before the wedding ceremony and must be signed by the officiant after the marriage.

On the other hand, according to the New York Domestic Relations (DOM) Chapter 14 Section 20-b, a marriage certificate is issued after the marriage ceremony. It includes details such as the couple's names, the marriage date, and the event's location.

Obtaining marriage records is essential for legal verification and invaluable for those researching their family history. These documents are also necessary for name changes after marriage and can facilitate access to various benefits or rights.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage certificates in New York are considered public records. However, the state also contains provisions to protect personal privacy, which allow for the redaction of certain sensitive information, such as Social Security or Personal Identification numbers.

According to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), marriage records, including marriage certificates, do not fall under Article 6 of the New York State Public Officers Law or the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to protect the individual privacy of persons involved.

The public can request copies of marriage records, but full details are usually undisclosed. Only those whose names appear on the marriage certificate or their legal representatives can obtain a certified copy without any restrictions.

When accessing marriage records, the following information is typically available:

• Names of both parties
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Age at marriage
• Parents' names

How To Look Up Marriage Records in New York?

Searching for marriage records in New York involves tapping government agencies across the state, such as the NYS DOH, the New York State Archives, and various other local town and city clerk offices.

To search for a marriage record dating from 1880 onwards, one must know the specific information required, such as the full names of the involved parties, the marriage date, and the location where the marriage occurred.

Records can be requested whether in person, via mail, or online, depending on the relevant agency. Fees may apply for each request, and the amount can vary depending on the method of request and the agency handling the search.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Individuals interested in looking up marriage certificates in the state must first understand the difference between the types of copies and the available methods to obtain them.

In New York, a certified copy of a marriage certificate is primarily obtainable at the relevant government agency certified by an attorney per the Civil Practice Law and Rule Chapter 8 Article 21. This official document includes a raised seal and is typically required for legal purposes, such as name changes or when applying for benefits.

On the other hand, an informational copy of a marriage certificate is often used for personal records or genealogical research in New York and has certain information redacted.

The following are the various ways how one can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

In-Person

One can search for marriage certificates by visiting the local town and city clerk offices in New York during regular business hours.

First, identify the correct local clerk's office that holds the needed marriage documentation. Once identified, interested individuals can schedule an appointment by calling their dedicated hotline, or, for the New York City (NYC) Clerk's Office, visit the NYC Cupid website to set an appointment before visiting.

Requesting parties generally need to fill out a request form for a marriage certificate, present valid IDs, and pay the applicable $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.

Online

Interested parties can utilize several online platforms to search for marriage certificates in New York. One popular option is the VitalChek website, an authorized vendor endorsed by the NYS DOH for providing marriage record copies.

Individuals must visit the platform, complete the online form, and pay the processing fee, usually around $45, plus an additional vendor fee. After making the payment, follow the submission process as instructed on the website.

For marriage records registered within the New York City jurisdiction, including Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, individuals can use the NYC Municipal Archives. This website features a dedicated search page for digitized marriage records dating before 1949.

If copies are needed, complete the online Vital Records Order Form on the website and pay the $18 fee for a certified copy. Additional fees may apply for research if the certificate number is unknown, for letters of exemplification, and for various delivery methods.

Via Mail

To request a marriage certificate by mail from the NYS DOH, mail in the request to:

Mail orders typically cost $30 per copy. Payment can be made via money order, personal check, or certified check, payable to the NYS DOH. For orders from foreign countries, payment must be made by a check drawn from a U.S. bank or by international money order.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

The NYS DOH holds marriage licenses dating back to 1880. However, it does not have records for marriages that occurred within New York City and its five boroughs.

Each local town or city clerk is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining their records across the state. The city clerk's office is responsible for keeping records of marriages that took place in New York City.

To obtain a copy of a marriage license in the state, follow these steps:

• Determine the location where the license was issued.
• Complete the request form available in the relevant offices.
• Gather the necessary information, including the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and the marriage location.
• Pay $30 per copy from NYS DOH; for copies from New York City, pay $15 for the first page and $10 for each extra copy.
• Present valid identification.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the online services offered by the NYS DOH and local town and city clerks, the following are several other options for searching New York marriage records online:

FamilySearch

FamilySearch offers a vast collection of marriage records, including indexes and images of civil county marriage records for many counties in New York. Users can search for marriage records from 1847 to 1848 and 1908 to 1936 for free.

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com provides access to a comprehensive index of marriage records, including the New York State Marriage Index from 1881 to 1967. This subscription-based service allows users to search the index and view original documents on the website.

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is another commercial record retrieval service that allows users to search for various public records, including marriage records across New York State. Users can find information about marriages, but certified copies must be obtained through official channels.

While these resources typically do not offer certified copies of marriage records, they provide valuable information about whether a marriage occurred. For certified copies, individuals must follow the official request process through local town or city clerks or the NYS DOH.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage that allows couples to keep their marriage details private. Couples can choose this option for privacy, to avoid public scrutiny, or to protect themselves from harassment.

In New York, confidential marriages are not recognized in the same way as in some other states. While there are provisions for privacy in certain aspects per the NYS DOH, the records themselves remain accessible under specific conditions.

To access records considered confidential, a court order is typically required, and individuals must demonstrate a valid reason for requesting access to these records.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in New York State, couples must meet specific requirements and follow certain procedures generally outlined in the "Information on Getting Married in New York State" section of the NYS DOH website.

Below is a detailed overview of the state's requirements and eligibility criteria:

Identification Required

Both parties are required to present valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, government-issued ID). If either party lacks a photo ID, they must provide alternative forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, along with a notarized affidavit.

Age Requirements

The minimum age to apply for a New York marriage license is 18. However, individuals aged 16 or 17 may obtain a marriage license with parental consent and court approval.

Residency Requirement

There is no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in New York. Couples from out of state can apply for a marriage license in any county within the state.

License Validity

A New York marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples must marry within this period or reapply for a new license.

Waiting Periods

There is no waiting period in New York. Couples can marry immediately after obtaining their marriage license.

Officiants and Witnesses

Marriages in New York can be officiated by various individuals, including judges, clergy members, and certain public officials. At least one witness is required to sign the marriage license at the ceremony, and there is no maximum number of witnesses allowed.

Blood Test Requirement

The state does not require blood tests for couples applying for a marriage license.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages are not permitted in New York. Both parties must be present when applying for the marriage license and during the ceremony.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Correcting mistakes found on a New York marriage license or certificate is possible. Errors can occur due to clerical mistakes or incorrect information provided during the application process. The most common ones are:

• Spelling mistakes in names
• Incorrect dates of birth
• Wrong date or place of marriage
• Incorrect gender designation
• Errors in parents' names

According to NYS DOH's "Overview of the Certificate of Marriage Corrections/Amendments"" document, one must follow these steps to correct a mistake in a marriage certificate:

Complete the Affidavit for Correction

Fill out the Affidavit for Correction of Marriage (DOH-1827). This form must be signed by both parties unless one party is deceased.

Gather Supporting Documentation

Depending on the type of correction needed, the following original supporting documents must be provided:

• Birth Information (e.g., name, date of birth, age)
  • A certified copy of the birth certificate for the person in question must be submitted.
• Current Name
  • A valid government-issued photo ID is needed.
• Surname After Marriage
  • A letter from the office that issued the marriage certificate, stating that the error was made by their office, must be obtained.
• Date or Place of Marriage
  • A notarized letter from the officiant must be provided.
• Residence
  • A utility bill, tax bill, or letter from a government agency dated one month before the marriage date must be submitted.
• Employment
  • An employment record or letter from the employer issued one month before the marriage date must be provided.
• Numeric Sequence of Marriages and Divorce Details
  • A death certificate, divorce decree, or certificate of marriage dissolution must be submitted.

Submit the Application

Applicants should submit the completed affidavit and supporting documents by mailing them to the appropriate town or city clerk's office in New York.

Pay the Fees

While corrections are generally free, obtaining a certified copy of the corrected record incurs a fee, typically $10 for the first copy and $30 for each additional copy.

Processing Time

Applicants should allow time for processing. Original documents will be returned after the review is completed.

Court Order

If an individual is unable to provide the required documentation, they must obtain a New York State court order to make corrections.

Are Marriage Records Under the New York Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) in New York provides a substitute address for individuals who are survivors of stalking, domestic violence, sexual offenses, or similar threats.

Participants in the ACP can use this substitute address when applying for a marriage license. This makes sure that their actual residential address remains confidential and that the marriage records reflect the substitute address instead of the real one.

Marriage records created under the ACP are not accessible to the public. Only authorized individuals or entities, such as law enforcement or certain governmental agencies, may access these records under specific circumstances.

New York Marriage Statistics Trends

Recent statistics indicate that 53% of adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older are currently married, which marks a decline from 58% in 1995. Concurrently, the rate of cohabitation has increased, with 7% of Americans now living with a partner, up from just 3% nearly three decades ago.

Marriage trends in New York present a different picture than national averages. The following table shows the key marriage statistics for the state:

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