CONGRATS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! 🎉
How Do You Get Married in Albany, NY?
Here’s the step by step guide:
1. Fill out a Marriage License Form in person
2. Schedule an appointment with the Albany City Clerk’s Office
3. Bring valid photo ID (Driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID)
4. Bring a birth certificate or other proof of birthdate and location
5. Bring $40 in cash (credit cards are now accepted too!)
6. Bring proof of previous marriages (if applicable)
7. Attend the ceremony with your partner and 2 witnesses
8. Sign the marriage license
9. Have the officiant file the license
10. Congrats! You’re officially married! 🎊
Hire an officiant + photographer here
How to Get an Albany Marriage License
First, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at the Albany City Clerk’s Office for in-person service.
Requirements:
• Complete a Marriage License Form (download it here)
• Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID)
• Provide a birth certificate or other proof of birthdate and location
• $40 fee (cash, credit card, or money order)
• Both partners must be present
Notes:
• You both must be at least 18 years old. If either of you is under 18, you’ll need court approval.
• Marriage licenses issued in Albany are valid for 60 days throughout New York State.
• Albany DOES NOT perform the ceremony for you at the time of issuing the license. You’ll need an Officiant or a courthouse appointment.
• You can hire one of our officiants to get you married anywhere you wish. Inquire about Photography + Officiant below!
Visit the City Clerk’s Office:
Albany City Clerk
24 Eagle Street, Room 202, Albany, NY 12207
Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Phone: (518) 434-5090
Getting Married in Albany, NY
You have 2 options for getting married in Albany:
1. Schedule an appointment at the courthouse
2. Hire an officiant to perform your ceremony at your desired location
Getting Married at the Courthouse
Once you get your marriage license, you can schedule a time with the City Clerk’s office for a civil ceremony.
Requirements:
• Your Marriage License
• Your partner and two witnesses
• $40 fee (cash or credit card)
Notes:
• A City Clerk official will officiate the ceremony.
• You can have up to 10 guests in the room for the ceremony.
• You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate for a fee. This certificate serves as proof of your marriage.
During the ceremony, the official and witnesses will sign the marriage license, making your marriage legally valid.
Congrats! You’re married! 🎉
Albany Officiant
Getting Married Using an Officiant
You don’t have to get married at the courthouse. Once you get a marriage license from the City Clerk’s office, you can hire an officiant to elope at your desired location.
After the Ceremony
The officiant will file the signed marriage license with the City Clerk’s office to officially record your marriage.
To inquire, submit a form for Officiant + Photographer + Witnesses Below!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get your marriage license?
You can typically apply for an appointment, get your marriage license, and get married within a few days, but note the 24-hour waiting period.
How much does it cost to get married at the Albany City Clerk’s Office?
$40 for the marriage license. You can set up an appointment and get married within a few days, excluding the waiting period.
Can you get your marriage license and get married the same day in Albany?
No, Albany has a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after obtaining your marriage license before you can be married.
Albany Elopement Photographer
If you’re looking for an officiant and a photographer to plan your elopement ANYWHERE in the Albany area, send us a message below!
Albany City Clerk
Albany City Clerk
24 Eagle Street, Room 202, Albany, NY 12207
Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Phone: (518) 434-5090