Marriage licenses
Couples wishing to obtain a marriage license can do so in person at the City Clerk's Office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Civil marriage ceremonies can be scheduled after the couple has obtained a marriage license by calling 585-428-7421, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Information and Requirements
- Blood tests are no longer required.
- To obtain a marriage license, you must bring a certified birth certificate with a raised seal and a current government-issued photo identification. If your birth certificate is in another language other than English or Spanish, a certified translation is required.
- If you are divorced, you must provide a copy of your most recent divorce decree. If you have been divorced more than once, you must provide the date(s) of the earlier divorce(s). If your divorce decree is in another language other than English or Spanish, a certified translation is required.
- If a marriage ends due to death, a "certified death certificate" is required.
- Once issued, the marriage license cannot be used for 24 hours and must be used within sixty days.
- Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age.
Research existing marriage licenses purchased at City Hall since 1910
Age Requirements
- Marriages of minors under eighteen years of age are prohibited. If either applicant is under 18 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.
Fees
There is a $40 fee for a marriage license; a duplicate copy of the license can be provided to authorized persons for a $10 fee, if the original was issued by the City of Rochester. If the exact marriage date is not known, a search can be undertaken for an additional fee, and will require one to five days to be completed.
As of July 1, 2018, there is a $75 fee for a civil marriage ceremony.