How to Obtain a Copy of Your New York Marriage Certificate- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get a Copy of New York Marriage Certificate

Obtaining a copy of a New York marriage certificate is an essential step for various reasons, whether it’s for legal purposes, personal records, or simply for the sake of nostalgia. Whether you are the couple in question or a family member or legal representative, the process of obtaining a copy of the marriage certificate in New York can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to get a copy of a New York marriage certificate.

Firstly, you need to determine the type of certificate you require. There are two types of marriage certificates in New York: the original certificate, which is given to the couple on the day of their marriage, and the certified copy, which is a legal document that can be used for official purposes. The original certificate is typically kept by the couple, while the certified copy can be obtained from the New York State Department of Health.

Next, gather the necessary information to complete the application. You will need the following details:

• The full names of both the bride and groom at the time of the marriage.
• The date of the marriage.
• The county where the marriage took place.
• Your relationship to the couple, if you are not the couple yourself.

Once you have gathered the required information, you can apply for a certified copy of the New York marriage certificate in several ways:

• Online: Visit the New York State Department of Health’s Vital Records Online Services website. You can fill out the application form online, pay the fee, and receive your certificate via mail.
• By Mail: Download the application form from the New York State Department of Health’s website, fill it out, and send it along with the required fee and any supporting documents to the appropriate office. You can find the mailing address on the form.
• In Person: Visit the New York State Department of Health’s office in Albany or the county clerk’s office in the county where the marriage took place. You can fill out the application form on-site and pay the fee.

The fee for obtaining a certified copy of a New York marriage certificate varies depending on the method of application and whether you are requesting a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The fee can be found on the New York State Department of Health’s website or by contacting the appropriate office.

It is important to note that the process may take up to 30 days, depending on the method of application and the volume of requests at the time. If you need the certificate sooner, you may want to consider using an expedited service, which can typically be done for an additional fee.

By following these steps, you should be able to obtain a copy of a New York marriage certificate without any hassle. Whether you need it for legal purposes, to update your personal records, or simply to preserve a cherished memory, obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate is an important step in preserving your family history.