Marriage records in Albany County, New York, are available through several channels. AlbanyNYCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Albany County Clerk or the City of Albany City Clerk — as well as the New York State Department of Health. Records may be obtained online, in person, or by mail depending on the type of record and the office that holds it.
Albany Marriage Records Search
In New York, marriage licenses are issued by city or town clerks, while the completed marriage certificates are filed with both the local registrar and the New York State Department of Health. For marriages that took place within the City of Albany, the City of Albany City Clerk issued the license and retains local records. The Albany County Clerk maintains county-level records including older marriage records and indexes.
The Albany County Clerk's office holds marriage records filed in Albany County and can assist with searches of historical records. The New York State Department of Health's Vital Records Section maintains statewide marriage records for events occurring from 1881 to the present (excluding New York City, which maintains its own records).
Albany County Clerk
City of Albany City Clerk
New York State Department of Health — Vital Records Section
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Albany
Fees vary depending on whether you request records from the local clerk or the state. The table below summarizes typical fees based on current New York State schedules and local office policies.
| Service | Fee (State — NYS Dept. of Health) | Fee (Local Clerk) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $30.00 | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $30.00 each | $10.00 each |
| Search fee (no record found) | $30.00 | Varies — contact office |
State-level requests submitted through the NYS Department of Health typically take several weeks to process. Local clerk offices may fulfill requests faster, often within a few business days for in-person visits. Expedited processing may be available through the state's online ordering vendor for an additional fee.
Under New York's Personal Privacy Protection Law, access to certain vital records may be restricted. Generally, certified copies of marriage certificates are available to the bride, groom, their legal representatives, or other parties who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Albany
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Albany County or New York State:
Online
- The New York State Department of Health accepts online orders for marriage certificates through its Vital Records online portal. A third-party vendor processes payment and may charge a convenience fee on top of the $30.00 state fee.
- You can also submit a FOIL request to a state agency if you are seeking non-certified record information, though this is uncommon for marriage certificates.
In Person
Visit the office where the marriage license was originally issued. If the marriage took place in the City of Albany, go to the City Clerk's office at City Hall. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Payment is typically accepted by check or money order; call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash or cards.
For county-level records or older marriage records, visit the Albany County Clerk at 16 Eagle Street, Room 128.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the NYS Department of Health:
- Complete the Application for a Copy of a Marriage Record (Form DOH-295), available on the Department of Health website.
- Include a check or money order for $30.00 per copy, payable to the New York State Department of Health.
- Enclose a photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
- Mail everything to:
For local copies, contact the City Clerk or town clerk where the marriage took place and ask about their mail-in request process. Most local clerks require a written request with the names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, a fee payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If you are unsure which office holds the record you need, AlbanyNYCourt.us can help point you toward publicly available marriage record information for Albany County. You may also call the Albany County Clerk at (518) 487-5100 for guidance on locating specific records.