Check with your consulate to make sure your country will recognize your marriage using the documents typically provided.  Some countries will require the apostille. (I know my UK couples often get this. For other countries, double-check!) This is a 3 step process which can be done in person if you have time OR by mail. (FYI: By mail it could take 4-6 weeks for the certificate, another few weeks for the extended certificate, 8-10 weeks for the county clerk certification, and another few weeks for the apostille!)  Please see this page for additional info. 

Step 1. Extended Certificate - NYC Marriage Bureau

Take your short-form certificate (given to you when you marry at a marriage bureau after your ceremony) to the nearest Marriage Bureau to get the extended certificate (long form, contain parent's names etc) for $35. You should do this directly after your ceremony OR make a records appointment for the next day available via Project Cupid.  If you do not get the extended copy right away, you can request one by mail. 

If you were married by an officiant, you will first need to have the signed license processed. You can mail it in OR have it processed via a records appointment at a marriage bureau available via Project Cupid. Once you receive your certificate (usually 4-6 weeks after the wedding) follow the above link to request the extended copy. Purchase your money orders and some Forever stamps for your SASE. BEFORE leaving the US.  

Step 2.  County Clerk’s Office Certification (Across the street from the Manhattan marriage Bureau at 60 Center St.)
Once you have your extended copy:

In Person
Take the document to the nearest County Clerk’s Office. In Manhattan, it is located in the Supreme Court building across the street, County Clerk’s Notary Desk at 60 Centre Street, Room 141B which is in the basement. The New York County Clerk is open Monday through Friday 9:00AM-12:30 PM and 2:00PM-4:00PM. Payment of the $3.00 fee in person must be made in cash. 

By Mail
Send the document to County Clerk of New York County, New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, Room 161, New York, NY 10007; if the documents are in proper order, the County Clerk will authenticate them and return them to the applicant by mail. The submission by mail must be accompanied by a certified personal check or U.S. postal order, payable to the County Clerk of New York County, in the amount of $3.00.

Step 3.  Apostille New York State Department of State 123 William Street, 19th Floor (About a 12 mins walk from the NY County Courthouse)

Walk-In Service 
Walk-in same day Apostille/Authentication services are available at our New York City customer service counter from 9:00am-4:00pm Monday -Friday beginning January 2, 2024.

Prior to arriving to our Customer Service counter, please ensure all documents are in good order as described in the Obtaining an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication here, that your request form is complete, and payment is ready. (Money orders, US Checks and Vis or Mastercards accepted)

Due to the volume of customers visiting our offices, the number of documents per customer is limited to 10 for same-day service.

By Mail
Please visit this site for the instructions to have your Marriage Certificate apostilled by mail.

The Department of State is located at:
New York State Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
123 William Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10038
(Hours: 9 AM - 4:30 PM)
(Phone: 212-417-5747)

How to Get An Apostille
for Your NYC
Marriage Certificate

Updated February 4, 2025

Getting married in NYC is fun, making sure your marriage is legally recognized in another country is a whole process and can  require an apostille.

What is an apostille? It is verification of a public official's signature on a document by the Secretary of State, in the state where to document was created, confirming the authenticity of the document to a foreign government that's part of the Hague Convention. The apostille document is attached to the original document.

I've helped hundreds of couples marry in NYC as an officiant and photographer. Below is my guide for making sure your wedding won't just be symbolic. 

The Process for obtaining an apostille in NYC

TIP: GET AT LEAST 2 COPIES OF YOUR EXTENDED marriage CERTIFICATE. 
You or your children may need it one day