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This index provides information on more than 411,000 individuals who married in or around New York City from 1622 to 1899. Most records (over 90%) were recorded within New York City and its boroughs, while some were recorded in Long Island or other parts of the state. A few of the records (about 300) are from Connecticut or New Jersey.
Understanding Marriage Records in New York City
1. Know the Time Period You’re Researching
New York City marriage records are divided into distinct eras:
- Before 1847: Few civil marriage records exist. Look for church records—particularly Dutch Reformed, Anglican (Trinity Church), Lutheran, and early Catholic parishes. These are often in Latin, Dutch, or German.
- 1847–1907: Marriage records were kept by the New York City Health Department and the New York City Clerk’s Office. Records from this era include marriage certificates, affidavits, and indexes.
- After 1908: More consistent citywide registration. Certificates often include birthplaces, ages, occupations, and parents’ names.
Where to Look
1. Municipal Archives
- Houses original marriage records from 1829 to 1949.
- Certificates after 1930 are more restricted but still available under certain conditions.
- Website: nyc.gov/records
2. New York City Clerk’s Office
- Responsible for marriage licenses post-1908.
- Some indexes are online, but full records must often be ordered.
3. Churches and Synagogues
- Find the religious affiliation of your ancestors.
- Contact denominational archives (Archdiocese of New York, Episcopal Diocese, etc.).
- Lutheran and Dutch Reformed churches kept excellent early records.
4. FamilySearch and Ancestry
- Both have extensive NYC marriage collections, including licenses, certificates, and church abstracts.
- FamilySearch offers free access to some NYC marriage indexes.
5. Newspapers
- Engagement and wedding announcements in historic newspapers (especially in the late 1800s and early 1900s).
- Check The New York Times, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and ethnic-language papers.
Understanding the Historical Context
1. Know the Boroughs and Their Origins
- Before 1898, New York City was just Manhattan. Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx were separate municipalities.
- After consolidation in 1898, marriage records were centralized gradually.
2. Ethnic Neighborhoods and Migration
- Italians in Little Italy, Irish in Hell’s Kitchen, Germans in Yorkville, Jews on the Lower East Side—knowing your ancestor’s neighborhood can point to their house of worship or local civil offices.
- Immigration spikes in the 1840s–1920s shaped local records. Many newcomers married within their ethnic communities.
3. City Directories and Census Clues
- Use city directories to track addresses and occupations. Couples often married within walking distance of home or church.
- U.S. Census records may list years married or number of marriages.
Research Tips
- Don’t assume a marriage took place in Manhattan. Even if they lived there, the ceremony might have occurred in Brooklyn or Jersey City.
- Try variations of names—New York City was full of immigrant families whose names were often misspelled or Americanized.
- Check for remarriages. Disease and accidents led to many second marriages, especially before modern medicine.