Marriage records in Chemung County, New York, can be accessed through several channels. ChemungCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Chemung County Clerk's office or the City Clerk where the marriage license was issued. Records are available in person, by mail, and through certain online tools. The Chemung County Vital Records office and the New York State Department of Health also serve as access points for certified copies.
Chemung County Marriage Records Search
In New York State, marriage records are maintained at two levels: the local municipality (city or town clerk) that issued the marriage license, and the New York State Department of Health, which holds statewide marriage records from 1881 forward. For marriages that took place in Chemung County, the city or town clerk where the license was originally issued is the local custodian of that record.
The Chemung County Clerk's office maintains certain recorded documents and can direct you to the appropriate local clerk. The County Clerk's online records search through the Landex system covers land records and other filed documents, though it does not include sealed records or vital records such as marriage certificates. For marriage records specifically, you should contact the city or town clerk who issued the license, or the Chemung County Health Department's Vital Records division.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chemung County
Fees for certified marriage record copies in New York depend on whether you order from the local clerk or from the state. The table below reflects standard New York State fee schedules for vital records.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (local clerk) | $10.00 | NY Domestic Relations Law / local clerk fee schedule |
| Certified copy (NYS Dept. of Health) | $30.00 | NYS Department of Health |
| Additional certified copy (same order, NYS DOH) | $30.00 each | NYS Department of Health |
| Search fee (no record found, NYS DOH) | $30.00 | NYS Department of Health |
Local city and town clerks in Chemung County typically charge $10.00 for a certified marriage record copy, per New York State statute. Fees may be payable by check or money order made out to the issuing clerk. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm accepted payment methods and current processing times.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chemung County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified marriage certificate for a marriage that occurred in Chemung County:
Online
The New York State Department of Health accepts online orders for marriage records through its VitalChek partner portal. This option is available for marriages recorded statewide from 1881 onward. Additional processing and service fees apply when ordering online. Visit the NYS Department of Health vital records page for details and to begin an order.
In Person
You can request a certified copy by visiting the city or town clerk that issued the marriage license. For marriages in the City of Elmira, contact the Elmira City Clerk. For marriages elsewhere in the county, contact the relevant town clerk. Walk-in requests are generally processed while you wait, though it is wise to call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
You may also visit the Chemung County Vital Records office at the Health Department for assistance.
By Mail
To order by mail from the local clerk or from the NYS Department of Health, include the following:
- Full names of both spouses (including maiden names)
- Date of marriage (or approximate date range)
- Place of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals named on the record
- Reason for the request
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level requests, mail to:
For local requests, mail to the city or town clerk where the marriage license was issued. Processing by mail typically takes several weeks through the state; local clerks may respond more quickly. If you need records for genealogical research, the New York State Library vital records guide provides additional direction on accessing historical marriage records.