Westchester County has no single county clerk issuing marriage licenses — state law puts this with each individual city, town, and village clerk. Westchester contains dozens of municipalities, from the City of White Plains (the county seat) to smaller towns and villages, each with its own clerk’s office.
| License fee | $40, the standard fee for licenses issued outside New York City. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 24 hours after issuance (New York statewide rule), waivable only with a judicial waiver. |
| Documents / ID required | Proof of age and valid photo identification for both applicants; parental consent if either applicant is under 18. If either applicant was previously married, bring the divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning the day after issuance (New York statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in person, together, at any city, town or village clerk’s office in New York State — for example, the White Plains City Clerk. Both applicants must sign the application in front of the clerk. |
| Office hours | Varies by municipal clerk office; the White Plains City Clerk (255 Main Street) issues licenses Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — confirm hours for your specific municipality. |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Which office do we go to in Westchester County?
Any city, town or village clerk in New York State can issue the license, such as the White Plains City Clerk, and you do not have to apply where you live. New York law assigns marriage licensing to individual municipalities, not a single county office, and the license is valid statewide once issued.
How to get a marriage license in Westchester County, step by step
- Pick a clerk. Any city, town or village clerk in New York State can issue the license, so you can choose by hours and location. The White Plains City Clerk (255 Main Street) is a common choice, open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Both applicants go in person and sign in front of the clerk with proof of age and valid photo ID; parental consent applies if either applicant is under 18.
- If either of you was married before, bring the divorce decree or the death certificate for the prior spouse.
- Pay the $40 fee, wait 24 hours (a judge can waive this) and marry within 60 days starting the day after issue.
- Your officiant returns the license to the clerk within five days.
What to bring to the Westchester County office
- Proof of age and photo ID for both applicants
- A divorce decree or death certificate for any prior marriage
- $40 (confirm accepted payment methods with the clerk you choose)
- Parental consent documents, if either applicant is under 18
When to apply for your Westchester County license
Westchester offices often close mid-afternoon — White Plains issues licenses until 3:00 p.m. — so leave a full day. With a 24-hour wait and 60-day validity, the safe window is from about two months to two days before the wedding. For a Friday-afternoon wedding, aim to have the license in hand by Wednesday.
After the ceremony: filing your Westchester County license and getting certified copies
The officiant must return the completed license to the town or city clerk that issued it within five days of the ceremony, usually by mail. Certified copies are then available from that clerk (New York State lists $10 for licenses issued outside New York City) or from the State Department of Health. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Local tips for Westchester County
- White Plains is the county seat, but it is not required. Municipal hours differ, so compare them.
- The license is valid statewide, so you can apply in Westchester and marry in New York City.
- Prior-marriage paperwork is easy to forget — check it before you go.
More questions about getting married in Westchester County
Which office do we go to in Westchester County?
Any city, town or village clerk in New York State can issue the license. The White Plains City Clerk is a common choice, but you can use any Westchester municipality.
Is the license valid outside Westchester?
Yes. It is valid anywhere in New York State once issued.
Can we skip the 24-hour wait?
Only with a judicial waiver from a judge.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: September 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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