Marriage records in Tompkins County, New York, are available through several channels. TompkinsCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records are kept at the Tompkins County Clerk's office — they can be requested in person, by mail, or through the New York State online portal. Below is a practical guide to searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage certificates.
Tompkins Marriage Records Search
According to New York State law, marriage licenses and marriage certificates are registered and stored by the Tompkins County Clerk. The office maintains a collection of marriage records, including issued marriage licenses, filed marriage certificates, and historical records from previous decades. Individual municipal clerks — such as the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca — may also keep local copies of records for marriages registered within their jurisdiction.
To search for a specific record, contact the County Clerk's office directly. You will need the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of the marriage.
Tompkins County Clerk
Older records (prior to the 1880s) may sometimes require additional searching through state archives or genealogical databases. If the marriage was registered in the city of Ithaca, it is also advisable to contact the city clerk.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Tompkins
Fees are set in accordance with New York State Domestic Relations Law and the internal tariff policy of the County Clerk. Below are the basic fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $10.00 |
| Record search (included in the copy cost) | — |
These fees are charged at the county level. If you order through the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), rates may differ — currently $30.00 for a certified copy. Processing time at the County Clerk's office usually ranges from a few minutes (for in-person requests) to 2–4 weeks (by mail). Requests through the state are processed longer.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Tompkins
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate registered in Tompkins County.
Online
The State of New York provides the option to order certified copies of vital records through the NYS Department of Health — Vital Records portal. This option is suitable for marriages registered outside the city of New York. You need to fill out an online form, pay the fee by credit card, and provide proof of identity.
In Person
Visit the Tompkins County Clerk's office at the address provided above. Bring with you:
- Identification document (driver's license or passport)
- Payment in the form of a check, money order, or cash
A copy is usually issued on the same day.
By Mail
Send a written request to the County Clerk's address. In the letter, include:
- The full names of both individuals who were married
- The approximate date of the marriage
- The purpose of the request
- Your name, address, and contact phone number
- A copy of the identification document
- A check or money order for $10.00 made payable to Tompkins County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Processing of mail requests takes approximately 2–4 weeks. If the record is not found, the office will notify you by letter. For urgent needs, it is better to apply in person — the clerk will process the request much faster. Additional information about Tompkins County public records can be found online.