Not a government website. ClerkGuide is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with Erie County or any government agency. Confirm current details with the official office below before applying.
Erie County has no single county clerk issuing marriage licenses — state law puts this with each individual city, town, and village clerk. The City of Buffalo, the county seat, is served by its own City Clerk’s office, while the rest of the county is covered by dozens of town and village clerks.
| 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. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning the day after issuance (New York statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in person, together, at the City, Town, or Village Clerk’s office covering your specific address within Erie County — for example, the Buffalo City Clerk (Room 1301, Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square) for Buffalo residents. Both applicants must sign the application in front of the clerk. |
| Office hours | Varies by municipal clerk office; the Buffalo City Clerk issues licenses Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — confirm hours for your specific municipality. |
Special notes
Unlike most counties on ClerkGuide, there is no single “Erie County Clerk” for marriage licenses — identify which of the county’s city, town, or village clerks covers your address before applying. The license is valid statewide regardless of which municipality issues it.
Frequently asked questions
Which office do we go to in Erie County?
It depends on your address: any of the county’s city, town, or village clerks can issue the license, such as the Buffalo City Clerk for Buffalo residents. New York law assigns marriage licensing to individual municipalities, not a single county office, and the license is valid statewide once issued.
Official source: New York State (ny.gov), Getting Married in New York State — https://www.ny.gov/services/get-married-new-york-state
Last verified: September 2026
Last verified: September 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
Was this guide helpful?
Thanks for letting us know.