The term marriage records is very broad. It could be referring to three types of records, each of which provides different information. If you would like to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate for someone who received a marriage license in New York City, then visit the New York City Marriage Bureau's web page. Who has the right to obtain these New York marriage records? If you are the bride, groom, or someone who has a legally documented purpose, you can access these records. There is a fee for getting this type of marriage record. It costs $30 and $15 for an additional copy. Requests over the phone or via the internet are processed within five and seven business days. Mail requests can take anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks.
New York marriage records from all states, with a few exceptions, are available. However, for certificates before that date, you have to get a hold of the city clerk in the town where the marriage ceremony took place. When you are in the process of applying for these New York marriage records you have to have the right information in order to proceed. You must have the groom's full name and date of birth, the bride's full maiden name and her date of birth, the location where both the bride and groom reside, the date and location of their marriage, the reason you are looking for the purpose, some type of proof of identification, and proof of your relationship with the bride or groom. This may seem like a lot, but for a document with a meaning that significant, all of the prerequisites are accounted for.
If you would like to acquire genealogical copies of New York marriage certificates, then you don't have to have as many requirements. However, you can only obtain these uncertified copies if they are 50 years of age or older, and both the bride and groom have passed away. If these conditions are true, then you don't have to provide a documented judicial purpose. The fee for these marriage certificates is $22 in order to perform a three year search. The information that you will need includes the full name of the groom, the bride's full name, including her maiden name, the date that the marriage took place, and the location that the marriage took place.
There are various reasons why people may want to acquire marriage records. Everyone is different; therefore the factors that motivate them may also be different. But, everyone can use a little help when it comes to research of any type. It is a good idea to try and use other people for resources in finding the records that you are searching for.
To obtain a New York marriage certificate, follow these directions:
Step 1.
Download the mail-in application for a Marriage Certificate.
Step 2.
Read the general instructions. Complete the form in full as directed with bride and groom information.
Step 3.
Make a copy of your valid ID to include with the application. Sign and date the form.
Step 4.
Send the form to the address below with a check or money order for $30, or $45 for priority handling.
Mail the completed form to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section/ Certification Unit
PO Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Where to Obtain New York Marriage Certificates
The New York State Department of Health maintains all vital records, including marriage records, for all vital events that occur outside of the greater New York City area. If you wish to obtain a certified wedding certificate from any of the five main boroughs of New York City, you must visit the Office of the City Clerk, Marriage Bureau to request a copy.
Restrictions for New York Marriage
Marriage records in New York are considered private and not public information. Thus, only the bride or groom, or persons who have a documented judicial or proper purpose, may make a request for a certified copy of a marriage certificate. Valid photo ID is required.
Fees for New York Marriage Certificates
The fee for requesting a certified marriage certificate from the State of New York is $30 per copy. Priority handling of a certificate is an additional $15.00. Online orders through VitalCheck.com are priority only and cost $45, plus an additional $7.50 for their vendor fee.
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