Marriage records in Herkimer County, New York, are available through several channels. HerkimerCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Herkimer County. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — in New York, that is typically the town or city clerk who issued the marriage license, or the Herkimer County Clerk's Office for county-level filings. Records may be obtained online through the New York State Department of Health, in person at the local clerk's office, or by mail.
Herkimer County Marriage Records Search
In New York State, marriage records are maintained at two levels. The town or city clerk who issued the marriage license keeps a local copy, and the New York State Department of Health maintains a statewide registry of marriages that occurred from 1881 to the present (excluding marriages in New York City, which are handled separately). The Herkimer County Clerk's Office files and records official documents for the county and can direct you to the correct local clerk for a specific marriage record.
For marriages that took place in one of Herkimer County's towns or villages, the clerk of that municipality holds the original record. If you are unsure which town clerk to contact, the County Clerk's Office can help point you in the right direction. The state vital records office is an alternative source for any New York marriage that occurred outside New York City since 1881.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Herkimer County
Fees for certified marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from a local town or city clerk in Herkimer County or from the New York State Department of Health. Below are the standard fees established under New York State law and Department of Health policy:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (local town/city clerk) | $10.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, local clerk) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy (NYS Department of Health) | $30.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, NYS DOH) | $30.00 |
| Search fee (NYS DOH, includes one copy if found) | Included in $30.00 fee |
Local clerk fees are set by New York Domestic Relations Law. The NYS Department of Health fee includes a search of the statewide vital records index. Processing times vary — local clerks may fulfill requests within a few business days, while state-level requests typically take several weeks. Expedited processing may be available through the state for an additional fee when ordering online through an approved vendor.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Herkimer County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Herkimer County:
Online
The New York State Department of Health accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its approved vendor portal. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage (town or city within Herkimer County)
- Your relationship to the persons named on the record
- A valid form of payment
Online orders are subject to the $30.00 state fee plus any vendor processing charges.
In Person
Visit the town or city clerk in the Herkimer County municipality where the marriage took place. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the $10.00 fee per copy. Walk-in requests are generally accepted during regular business hours. If you are unsure which local clerk holds the record, contact the Herkimer County Clerk's Office for guidance.
By Mail
You can request a marriage certificate by mail from either the local town or city clerk or the NYS Department of Health. Include the following with your request:
- A written request or completed application form specifying the full names of both spouses, the date and place of marriage, and the purpose of the request
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the issuing office
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level mail requests, send your application to:
For local requests, mail your letter directly to the town or city clerk where the marriage license was issued. Allow additional time for mail delivery and processing — state mail orders may take six to eight weeks or longer.