How to Find New York City Marriage Records

Finding United States Marriages New York  New York City Marriages

Looking for a marriage record from New York City as part of your genealogy research? On January 1, 1898, the towns located in four counties (New York, Richmond, Queens, and Kings) were consolidated into the five boroughs of New York City (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island). Prior to this time, New York City referred primarily to Manhattan. Records for the towns that became New York City do exist, many of which are held by New York City's Municipal Archives. Later records are held by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

According to New York State law, marriage records for New York City are not filed with the state of New York. Learn how to find marriage records outside New York City

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Next Step: When and where did the marriage occur?

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 * Choose a borough and time period:


 * Manhattan:
 * Before 1829
 * 1829 thru 1887
 * 1830 thru 1865
 * 1866 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present


 * Brooklyn:
 * Before 1864
 * 1864 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present


 * Queens:
 * Before 1847
 * 1847 thru 1849
 * 1850 thru 1880
 * 1881 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present


 * Richmond/Staten Island:
 * Before 1847
 * 1847 thru 1897
 * 1898 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present


 * The Bronx:
 * Before 1898
 * 1898 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present


 * All Boroughs:
 * 1888 thru 1937
 * 1937 thru present
 * Marriage year unknown


 * }

Marriages before 1829
The Secretary of the Province of New York issued approximately 20,000 marriage licenses before 1784.

In most cases during this time period, you will need to search substitute records to locate your ancestors' marriage date and place. Substitutes for marriage record information:

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1829 thru 1887
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Marriages 1830 thru 1865
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Marriages before 1847 (Queens and Staten Island)
The Secretary of the Province of New York issued approximately 20,000 marriage licenses before 1784.

In most cases during this time period, you will need to search substitute records to locate your ancestors' marriage date and place. Substitutes for marriage record information:

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1847 thru 1849 (Queens)
Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1847 thru 1897 (Richmond and Staten Island)
Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1850 thru 1880 (Queens)
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Marriages before 1864 (Brooklyn)
The Secretary of the Province of New York issued approximately 20,000 marriage licenses before 1784.

In most cases during this time period, you will need to search substitute records to locate your ancestors' marriage date and place. Substitutes for marriage record information:

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1864 thru 1937 (Brooklyn)
Return to top: Choose another marriage year

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information
An online index for Manhattan marriages from 1866 thru 1937 does exist. Marriages from earlier time periods are available on microfilm. If you do not find your ancestor's marriage or if you want order a copy of the certificate, contact the New York City Municipal Archives.

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1881 thru 1937 (Queens)
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Marriages 1888 thru 1937
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Marriages before 1898 (Bronx)
The Secretary of the Province of New York issued approximately 20,000 marriage licenses before 1784.

In most cases during this time period, you will need to search substitute records to locate your ancestors' marriage date and place. Substitutes for marriage record information:

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1898 thru 1937 (Richmond and Staten Island and Bronx)
Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1937 thru present
Return to top: Choose another marriage year

Restrictions for Obtaining Marriage Records
To obtain a marriage certificate copy for a marriage that occurred within the past 50 years, you must be:


 * The person named on the marriage certificate
 * Persons who have a documented judicial or other proper purpose
 * Persons by order of a New York State Court

Restrictions are waived if both spouses are deceased. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

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