Schenectady County Marriage License
Schenectady County marriage license records are issued by the City of Schenectady Clerk and the various town clerks throughout the county. The County Clerk at 620 State Street handles land records and court documents but is not where you go for a marriage license. The City Clerk at City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Room 204, is the most used office in the county for marriage license applications. Both partners must appear together, bring the right documents, and pay $40. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in New York State for the ceremony.
Schenectady County Overview
City of Schenectady Marriage License
The City of Schenectady Clerk is the primary place to get a marriage license in Schenectady County. The office is in Room 204 at City Hall, 105 Jay Street. Call (518) 382-5076 with questions. Both partners must appear in person. You need a birth certificate with a raised seal for each person, plus a valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport.
The fee is $40. If you were married before, bring certified copies of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a prior spouse. Under DRL Section 13, both parties must be at least 18 years old. No blood test is needed. The clerk checks everything, fills out the license form, and hands it to you. Then a 24-hour waiting period starts per DRL Section 13-b. Your license is good for 60 days after that.
| Office | City of Schenectady Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
City Hall, Room 204 105 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305 |
| Phone | (518) 382-5076 |
| Fax | (518) 382-5046 |
Other Schenectady County towns that issue marriage licenses include Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Glenville, and Duanesburg. Each one charges the same $40 fee.
How to Get a Schenectady County Marriage License
The process is simple. Pick any town or city clerk in New York State. You do not have to apply in Schenectady County even if you live here or plan to marry here. Walk in together. Fill out the form. Show your IDs. Pay $40. The clerk hands you the license on the spot.
Here is what you need to bring:
- Birth certificate with raised seal for each person
- Valid photo ID such as driver's license or passport
- Social security number
- Certified divorce decree if you were married before
- Death certificate if a former spouse has passed away
After you get the license, wait 24 hours. Then the ceremony can take place anywhere in New York. The officiant signs the license and sends it back to the issuing clerk within five days. The clerk files it with the state. Two to four weeks later, a Certificate of Marriage Registration arrives in the mail. Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, clergy, mayors, and one-day appointed officiants can all perform the ceremony.
Note: The Schenectady County Clerk at 620 State Street does not issue marriage licenses but can provide information about court records and land filings.
Schenectady County Marriage License Copies
A certified copy from the issuing clerk costs $10. That is the quickest way. Bring your photo ID and visit in person, or mail a notarized letter with both names, the marriage date, and a check for $10. The New York State Department of Health also issues copies for $30 each but takes 10 to 12 weeks.
The Schenectady County Clerk holds marriage records from 1908 through 1935. Land records go back to 1809. Court records start from 1809 as well. Naturalization records are on file too. The County Clerk's phone is (518) 388-4220. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For genealogy work, the DOH genealogy section handles requests for records on file for 50 or more years when both spouses are deceased.
The screenshot below shows the Schenectady County Clerk website, where you can find information about available records. Visit the Schenectady County Clerk for details.
This site covers county records, court filings, and links to other county services.
The Schenectady County government site provides additional information about departments and services across the county.
The county government page has links to town clerk offices and other local resources.
Schenectady County Marriage License History
New York State began collecting vital records in 1881. The New York State Archives holds indexes to marriage records for the entire state outside New York City from that year onward. The New York State Library also has genealogy resources available. For Schenectady County specifically, older marriage records before 1881 may only be available through local church records or the town clerks who filed them.
Per DRL Section 14, the clerk who issues the license keeps the original after the officiant returns it. The state gets a copy through the regular filing process. Marriage indexes become available to the public after 50 years. Birth indexes open after 75 years.
Cities in Schenectady County
The City of Schenectady is the largest municipality in the county. Marriage licenses issued here work statewide.
Other communities include Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Glenville, Scotia, and Duanesburg. All have town clerks who issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties sit next to Schenectady County. Make sure you contact the right clerk for your records.