Marriage records in Cattaraugus County, New York, can be accessed through several channels. CattaraugusCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office — in person, by mail, or through the New York State Department of Health's vital records services. The state and county each maintain marriage records, and the right office to contact depends on when the marriage took place and what type of copy you need.
Cattaraugus County Marriage Records Search
In New York, marriage records are maintained at two levels. The Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office keeps records of marriage licenses issued within the county and files returned marriage certificates after ceremonies are performed. The New York State Department of Health also maintains a statewide registry of marriages dating back to 1881 (with the exception of marriages in New York City, which are handled separately).
The County Clerk's Office holds local marriage records including licenses issued, certificates filed by officiants, and historical indexes. Some older records may also be accessible through the Surrogate's Court for estate or genealogical purposes. The Cattaraugus County public records page may also point you to additional resources.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Cattaraugus County
Fees for marriage record copies in New York are set by state statute and county fee schedules. The following table reflects standard fees for records obtained through the county or state. Contact the Clerk's Office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (NYS Dept. of Health) | $30.00 |
| Additional copy (same order, NYS Dept. of Health) | $30.00 |
| Marriage record search (County Clerk) | Contact office for current fee |
| Certified copy from County Clerk | Contact office for current fee |
The New York State Department of Health charges $30 per certified copy, with no discount for additional copies in the same order. Processing times for state-level requests typically range from several weeks to several months depending on volume. County-level requests handled in person may be faster when the record is readily available.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Cattaraugus County
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Cattaraugus County:
Online
The New York State Department of Health accepts online orders for certified marriage certificates through its vital records portal. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
- Payment by credit or debit card
Online orders are processed by the state, not the county, and may take several weeks.
In Person
Visit the Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office at 303 Court Street in Little Valley. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide the names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Call 716-938-2599 ahead of your visit to confirm hours and whether the record you need is available locally.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the state, send a written request to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- Full names of both spouses at the time of marriage
- Date and place of marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- Reason for the request
- A check or money order for $30 per copy, payable to the New York State Department of Health
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- Your return mailing address
For county-level mail requests, contact the Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office directly to ask about accepted forms and payment methods. You may also submit a FOIL request if you are seeking access to marriage records as public documents, though certified vital record copies are typically handled through the standard vital records process rather than FOIL. The Clerk's Office resources page lists commonly requested forms that may be helpful.