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Who is entitled to get a copy of a marriage certificate?

In the ordinary course of business marriage records are released to:

  • i. The parties to the marriage (i.e. the bride (wife) and groom (husband);
  • ii. Any individual presenting written authorization from one of the above parties (Note: The written authorization must be an original and must be properly notarized. No facsimiles or photo copies will be accepted)
  • iii. Attorneys in cases where the records are required as evidence to a legal proceeding.

    In addition to certain other third party requests (that is, requests made by persons other than the parties to the marriage) are honored:

  • i. An individual requesting marriage records without written consent of a party to the marriage. In this instance the records will be mailed directly to the address of a party to the marriage if the requesting third party so consents after making the request (by filling out the appropriate form) and paying the required fee. In no instance will such marriage records be given directly to such third party.
  • ii. The children or other relatives of parties to the marriage upon presentation of death certificates of the parties to the marriage.
  • iii. Certain law enforcement authorities and city, state and federal agencies.

    Attorneys should note that when applying in person they will need to present in addition to the standard form of identification additional proof of their profession. That proof may be the court issued identification card or a business card. If, however, an attorney is requesting the marriage record by messenger, the messenger must present a letter written on the attorney's letterhead indicating the party or parties that the attorney represents, the nature of any pending action, make an affirmative statement verbatim "that such records are required as evidence in a legal proceeding" and specifically name the party authorized to pick up the marriage record.

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