By Claire Dowell
New York is not so lenient in providing marriage documents to the public. Although they are part of the vital records, which are public records, they cannot be accessed by just anyone. The only ones who can access New York Marriage records are either of the couple, and any person who possess a documented judicial or any other legal purpose.
One legal purpose is when the files are needed by a client to claim a benefit. Documentation consists of an official letter from the office indicating that a marriage file is required to start processing the claim.
The New York State Department of Health is in charge of preserving New York Marriage files. Certified copies of marriage certificates of marriages since 1881 are available at the Department of Health. They only keep files outside of the New York City. Marriages prior to 1881 have their marriage certificates available at the clerk of court where the marriage transpired. Certificates of marriages inside the 5 boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Kings, Queen, Bronx or Brooklyn, and Staten Island or Richmond) are found at the New York City Marriage Bureau. If the files are 50 years old or older, or if both the husband and the wife are dead, an uncertified copy can be issued.
To obtain the marriage files you must provide the following information namely: husband's full name and birthday, bride's full maiden name and birthday, address of the husband and the wife, date and place of marriage, reason for obtaining the files, proof of relationship to the husband and wife, and valid Identification cards.
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.
For a marriage to transpire, a license needs to be filed first and presented to whoever will lead the ceremony. An individual as young as 14 years old can get a marriage license as long as there is parent's consent and consent from a judge of the Supreme Court provided. The licenses must be filed by both the husband-to-be and wife-to-be at the same time. They are valid for 60 calendar days and cannot be used within 24 hours after it was issued. City clerk offices keep all marriage license records.
One legal purpose is when the files are needed by a client to claim a benefit. Documentation consists of an official letter from the office indicating that a marriage file is required to start processing the claim.
The New York State Department of Health is in charge of preserving New York Marriage files. Certified copies of marriage certificates of marriages since 1881 are available at the Department of Health. They only keep files outside of the New York City. Marriages prior to 1881 have their marriage certificates available at the clerk of court where the marriage transpired. Certificates of marriages inside the 5 boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Kings, Queen, Bronx or Brooklyn, and Staten Island or Richmond) are found at the New York City Marriage Bureau. If the files are 50 years old or older, or if both the husband and the wife are dead, an uncertified copy can be issued.
To obtain the marriage files you must provide the following information namely: husband's full name and birthday, bride's full maiden name and birthday, address of the husband and the wife, date and place of marriage, reason for obtaining the files, proof of relationship to the husband and wife, and valid Identification cards.
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.
For a marriage to transpire, a license needs to be filed first and presented to whoever will lead the ceremony. An individual as young as 14 years old can get a marriage license as long as there is parent's consent and consent from a judge of the Supreme Court provided. The licenses must be filed by both the husband-to-be and wife-to-be at the same time. They are valid for 60 calendar days and cannot be used within 24 hours after it was issued. City clerk offices keep all marriage license records.
About the Author:
Whether you DIY or engage paid Marriage License service, the right information helps. Visit us at Free Marriage Records for insights and tips on how to find marriage records online.. Check here for free reprint license: New York Free Public Marriage Records.