City Clerks Office – New York, NY

The Office of the City Clerk – NYC Marriage Bureau

The Office of the City Clerk of New York, located at 141 Worth Street in Manhattan, serves as the primary record-keeping and licensing agency for the city. Best known as the home of the NYC Marriage Bureau, this facility is the central hub for couples obtaining marriage licenses and performing civil marriage ceremonies. The office operates under the jurisdiction of the City of New York and plays a vital role in maintaining the official records of the municipal government. Beyond nuptials, the City Clerk is responsible for the registry of Domestic Partnerships, the swearing-in of Commissioners of Deeds, and the registration of lobbyists under the city’s lobbying laws. The historic building, situated in the Civic Center district, features a bustling atmosphere where thousands of New Yorkers and visitors finalize their unions annually.

Services and Functions

• Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies: Issuance of licenses to marrying couples and performance of civil ceremonies (often referred to as ‘City Hall weddings’) in the dedicated chapels.
• Domestic Partnerships: Registration and termination of domestic partnerships for city residents.
• Lobbying Bureau: Administration and enforcement of the city’s lobbying laws, including the registration of lobbyists and clients.
• Official Records: Custodian of the City Council’s statutory records, local laws, and oaths of office for city employees.
• Commissioner of Deeds: Processing applications and administering oaths for Commissioners of Deeds.
• Project Cupid: Online appointment scheduling system for marriage services (highly recommended to reduce wait times).

Important Visit Information

Visitors to 141 Worth Street should be aware of strict operational policies. Appointments are often required for marriage services; walk-ins may experience significant delays or be turned away depending on daily capacity. Security screening is mandatory upon entry, similar to airport protocols. Applicants for marriage licenses must provide valid, government-issued photo identification. Photography is generally permitted in the chapel area during ceremonies, but restrictions may apply in other parts of the building.

Location and Transit

Located in the heart of the legal district, the office is easily accessible via public transportation.

• Subway: Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (4, 5, 6), Chambers St (J, Z), City Hall (R, W).
• Bus: Lines M15, M22, M103 stop nearby at Chatham Square or City Hall/Centre St.