Normally state marriage records are considered as vital records, which makes them open to the public. But that is not the case in New York. New York marriage records are private records. They can only be accessed by the bride, the groom, or any individual who has a documented judicial or other proper purpose.
An example of a proper purpose is when a marriage record is needed to claim a benefit. Documentation includes an official letter from the agency stating that they need the marriage record to process the claim.
New York marriage records are maintained by the New York State Department of Health. The department issues certified copies of marriage certificates of marriages that occurred outside of New York State from 1881. For marriages that occurred before 1881, refer to the city clerk office where the marriage took place. Certificates of marriages that occurred in New York City - which is divided into five boroughs namely Manhattan, Kings, Queens, Bronx (Brooklyn), and Stated Island (Richmond) - , refer to the NYC Marriage Bureau. Uncertified certificates are also available for marriages 50 years and older, and if both the bride and groom and deceased.
There quite a lot of information that you need to provide to request a certified certificate. Information such as the groom's full name and birth date, bride's full maiden name and birth date, residence of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, reason for requesting the record, proof of relationship to the couple, and proof of identity.
Marriage certificates can be requested at the New York State Department of Health be sending a mail or going there personally. Each certified copy cost $30 and an additional fee of $15 for priority handling. It entails a long time to process them in government agencies, good things you can also request a copy through a third-party record provider. Search the net for sites that offers service of providing the records. Make sure to review them first to find out if they suit your search needs or If they are free-of-charge or fee-based.
Do not forget that a marriage ceremony cannot be performed without a marriage license. Marriage license records are maintained at the clerk office where the license was filed. You can acquire a license as early as 14 years old but must come with consent from either the parents or a judge from the Supreme Court. A license must be applied for by both the husband and wife in one setting. They are only valid for 60 calendar days and are not ready for use 24 hours after it is issued.
An example of a proper purpose is when a marriage record is needed to claim a benefit. Documentation includes an official letter from the agency stating that they need the marriage record to process the claim.
New York marriage records are maintained by the New York State Department of Health. The department issues certified copies of marriage certificates of marriages that occurred outside of New York State from 1881. For marriages that occurred before 1881, refer to the city clerk office where the marriage took place. Certificates of marriages that occurred in New York City - which is divided into five boroughs namely Manhattan, Kings, Queens, Bronx (Brooklyn), and Stated Island (Richmond) - , refer to the NYC Marriage Bureau. Uncertified certificates are also available for marriages 50 years and older, and if both the bride and groom and deceased.
There quite a lot of information that you need to provide to request a certified certificate. Information such as the groom's full name and birth date, bride's full maiden name and birth date, residence of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, reason for requesting the record, proof of relationship to the couple, and proof of identity.
Marriage certificates can be requested at the New York State Department of Health be sending a mail or going there personally. Each certified copy cost $30 and an additional fee of $15 for priority handling. It entails a long time to process them in government agencies, good things you can also request a copy through a third-party record provider. Search the net for sites that offers service of providing the records. Make sure to review them first to find out if they suit your search needs or If they are free-of-charge or fee-based.
Do not forget that a marriage ceremony cannot be performed without a marriage license. Marriage license records are maintained at the clerk office where the license was filed. You can acquire a license as early as 14 years old but must come with consent from either the parents or a judge from the Supreme Court. A license must be applied for by both the husband and wife in one setting. They are only valid for 60 calendar days and are not ready for use 24 hours after it is issued.
About the Author:
Hunting for Free Marriage License Records from government agencies in USA is hardly ever fruitful. Learn about public marriage records by visiting us at Online Marriage Records.
Posted by
Unknown