Copies of Marriage Licenses / Certified Transcripts                [ View Ceremony Photos ]

Q – Who is entitles to a copy?

A – Only the bride, groom, legal representative or anyone who can demonstrate a legal claim

can obtain a certified copy.  Those requesting the record for a legal claim will not
physically possess the record.  The record will be sent directly from the Town Clerk’s
Office to the agency requiring the record. 

Q - What is a judicial or other proper purpose?

A – If the applicant is not the bride or groom, a judicial or other proper purpose must be

documented. An example of a judicial or other proper purpose would be a marriage record

needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested marriage record.

Q – How do I obtain a copy?

A – Applicants will need to fill out the DOH-301 (Application to Town Clerk for Copy of

Marriage Record).  They will need to show a current government issued photo ID.  Each

copy costs $10.00, and can be paid by cash or check.  Checks should be made payable to

“Town of Wappinger”.  If requested by mail, the applicant should also write a brief
request for the copy with a notarized signature. 

Obtaining a Marriage License

Q – Where do I get a Marriage License?

A – A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a Marriage

License to any Town or City clerk in the State.  The Marriage can take place anywhere within New York State.  If you use your marriage license outside of New York State, it will not be filed with New York.  The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and the groom in the presence of the Town or City clerk.  It is Town of Wappinger policy that both the bride and groom be present at the same time.   

Q – Is there a waiting period?       

A – Yes.  There is a 24 hour waiting period during which the ceremony cannot take place. 

When both the bride and the groom are over the age of 16, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court of the County in which either the bride or groom resides.  If either person is under the age of 16, the order must be from the Family Court judge of the County in which the person under 16 years of age resides.

Q – How long is the license valid for?

A – A marriage license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.  The

     expiration date for active duty members of the Armed Forces can be extended to 180

     days. 

Q – How much does the Marriage License cost?

A – The fee to get a Marriage License in the Town of Wappinger is $40.00.  This fee must be

      paid in the form of cash or check.  Make checks payable to “Town of Wappinger”.

Q – Is there a premarital physical exam required?

A – No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a Marriage License in New

      York State.

Q – Who can perform a Marriage ceremony?

A – You can find a full list of examples of who can perform a Marriage on the State website

which is listed at the bottom of this page.  The Town Clerk’s Office will recommend all

prospective brides and grooms to the following marriage officiates if they are being married locally:

·    Judge Raymond Chase, Jr.                    297-2943 or 297-6777

·    Judge Vincent Francese                        297-2282

·    Marriage Officer Cheryl Hait                 297-6070

·    Marriage Officer Chris Masterson          297-5771        

Q – What do I need to bring with me to get a Marriage License?

A – The Town of Wappinger requires that both the bride and groom bring with them an

Original Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy or Transcript.  It must also be professionally translated if it is not in English.  The Town of Wappinger requires a second proof of identity in the form of any one of the following:           

1)    Driver’s License

2)    Passport

3)    Employment or picture ID

4)    Immigration record

Q – Do I need to show anything as far as previous marriages are concerned?

A – Both the bride and the groom are required to show proof of any previous divorces.  The

divorce paperwork must be an original or certified copy and contain the “Judgment of Divorce” section. 

Q – Do I have to take my husband’s name?

A – Every person has the right to adopt any name by which he or she wishes to be known

     simply by using that name consistently and without intent to defraud. A person's last name 

     (surname) does not automatically change upon marriage, and neither party to the marriage

     is required to change his or her last name. The bride and groom need not take the same

     last name.  Please check the New York State Department of Health webpage listed at the

     bottom of this page for more information about changing your name. 

Q – Are there any age requirements and what is the age of consent?

A – If either applicant is under 14 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.

If either applicant is 14 or 15 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court having jurisdiction over the town or city in which the application is made.

If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents.

If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.

One parent alone may consent to a minor's marriage if:

·    The other parent has been missing for one year preceding the application;

·    The parents are divorced and the consenting parent was given sole custody of the  

     child when the divorce decree was awarded;

·    The other parent has been judged incompetent; or the other parent is deceased. 

Parents, guardians or other people  consenting to the marriage of a minor must

personally appear and acknowledge or execute their consent before the town or city

clerk or some other authorized official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an

official outside of the State of New York, it must be accompanied by a certificate of

authentication when the consent is filed in New York State.

Q – Who can I contact for more information?

A – You can check out the New York State Department of Health webpage at            

http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/marriage.htm