Access Orange County Marriage License

Orange County marriage license records are issued and kept by town and city clerks across the county. The City of Middletown clerk is one of the most active offices for marriage license applications, along with clerks in Newburgh, Goshen, Monroe, and other towns. The Orange County Clerk at 255 Main Street in Goshen handles court filings and land records but does not issue marriage licenses. As one of the original counties of New York, Orange County has records stretching back to the late 1600s, though marriage records at the county level start in 1908. This page covers how to get a marriage license here and where to find copies.

Orange County Marriage License Offices

The Orange County Clerk's office is at 255 Main Street in Goshen. The phone number is (845) 291-2690. This office handles land records going back to 1703, court records from 1727, and marriage records starting in 1908. But it does not issue new marriage licenses. Under DRL Section 13, town and city clerks are the ones who issue marriage licenses in New York State. Orange County was formed on November 1, 1683, making it one of the original twelve counties.

The City of Middletown Clerk is a common choice for couples who need a marriage license in Orange County. The office issues licenses by appointment. Both partners must show up in person. The fee is $40 and can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit and debit cards. Checks should be made payable to "The City of Middletown." You must be 18 or older. Marriage involving a minor under 17 is not allowed by law. A person who is 17 needs both parents' written approval plus a judge's written authorization.

Other Orange County towns with active clerk offices include Warwick, Wallkill, Chester, Crawford, and Blooming Grove. Each charges the same $40 fee. Pick the office closest to you or one with hours that work for your schedule.

Getting a Marriage License in Orange County

When you apply for a marriage license at the Middletown City Clerk, bring two forms of ID. You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or naturalization papers. You also need a current driver's license, passport, immigration record, or military ID. Social Security cards are not accepted as ID. Documents cannot be defaced, taped, laminated, photocopied, expired, or ripped. All papers must be in English. If your documents are in another language, you need a certified translator.

If you were married before, bring original or certified copies of all divorce papers. If a former spouse died, bring a certified death certificate. The clerk reviews everything carefully to make sure all the identification checks out. Once the paperwork is done and you pay the $40 fee, the clerk hands you the marriage license. Per DRL Section 13-b, the license is not valid for the first 24 hours. After that, it stays good for 60 days anywhere in New York State. Active military members get 180 days with proof.

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the issuing clerk. Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, mayors, clergy, and appointed marriage officers can all perform weddings in New York. The clerk files the signed license with the state and mails you a Certificate of Marriage Registration. That certificate is your official proof of marriage.

The screenshot below shows the Orange County official website where you can find county department info and clerk services. Visit the Orange County website for the latest details.

This site links to county departments, land records, and historical records for Orange County going back to the 1600s.

Note: Middletown has certified translators available for Spanish-language documents if you need translation help before your appointment.

Orange County Marriage License Copies

A certified copy of a marriage certificate from the town clerk who issued the original license costs about $10. The Orange County Clerk holds marriage records from 1908 onward and can provide copies for a fee. For copies from the New York State Department of Health, the fee is $30 per copy. Regular processing takes 10 to 12 weeks. Priority handling costs an extra $15. Rush orders through VitalChek ship faster but carry added fees.

To request a copy by mail from the county, send a letter with both spouse names, the date of marriage, and a check or money order to the Orange County Clerk at 255 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Include your return address and phone number. The clerk's office can also help you search for older records in person. Land records go back to 1703 and Surrogate Court records start in 1785, so the office has deep experience with historical document searches. For genealogy research, the NYS Department of Health genealogy section offers uncertified copies of records on file 50 or more years when both spouses are deceased.

Marriage License History in Orange County

Orange County has one of the longest records histories in New York State. Formed in 1683, it has land records from 1703, court records from 1727, and Surrogate Court records from 1785. Marriage records at the county level start in 1908. Before that date, marriage records sit with the individual town clerks who filed them. The New York State Archives holds statewide marriage indexes from 1881 on microfiche. These indexes include names, dates, places, and certificate numbers.

The New York State Library has additional genealogy resources, including microfilm records from many counties. For Orange County specifically, the county historian can help with research questions about older records. The state Department of Health genealogy section charges $22 for a search of one to three years. Wider searches cost more, and processing can take eight months or longer. If you need a marriage record from the past few decades, start with the town clerk who issued it for the fastest response.

Note: Marriage indexes are made available after 50 years per state policy.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County includes the cities of Middletown, Newburgh, and Port Jervis along with many towns. All marriage license applications go through local town or city clerks.

Middletown and Newburgh are the largest cities in Orange County. The Town of Wallkill, Town of Monroe, and other communities each have clerks who issue marriage licenses. Contact the local office for hours and appointment requirements before visiting.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County. Each has its own clerk offices for marriage license applications.