CONGRATULATIONS NEW YORKERS! 

On July 24, 2011 New York State began issuing marriage licenses to same gender couples!

As a result of the passage of the Marriage Equality Act by the New York State Legislature during the 2010-2011 legislative session, same-sex couples will be able to legally wed in New York State.  Couples will gain all of the rights and obligations of marriage as enshrined in New York State law. Unfortunately, because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), couples married in New York  will not enjoy the rights and responsibilities extended to married couples by Federal law.  

So while getting married in New York is now possible, because of this state and federal mismatch, being married in New York may mean very different things to heterosexual and homosexual couples. We STRONGLY recommend that all couples considering marriage seek legal advice and evaluate your personal situation with care.

Even as the dust is still settling, the New York Civil Liberties Union has compiled answers to many of the common questions couples have about being married in New York State.  “Know Your Rights” FAQ on New York’s Marriage Fairness Law may help you to decide if legal marriage is for you.

The Marriage License

The first day that marriage licenses were issued to same sex couples was Sunday, July 24, 2011. 

For all requirements to obtain a marriage license in Rochester (fees, what documents to bring, etc) visit the City of Rochester Marriage Licenses web page.

The City of Rochester and the Town of Brighton began issueing marraige licesnses to couples of the same gender on Sunday, July 24.  Currently all offices in the State of NY that issue marriage licenses, must issue them to all couples who apply.  If you have any trouble call the Gay Alliance Community Safety Program for advice and referrals at 585-244-8640 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

U.S.States with Marriage Equality:

• Massachusetts
• Vermont
• Connecticut
• New Hampshire
• Iowa
• District of Columbia
• New York

Countries with Marriage Equality:

• Argentina
• Belgium
• Canada
• Iceland
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Performed in some juridisdictions: Mexico: (Mexico City); Coquille

Click below to download related documents.

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Social Security Information on Name Change Requirements

Marriage Equality: Local Officiants for Ceremonies

FAQ: Effects of Marriage Equality on Low-Income New Yorkers