A marriage license is a document
issued by the county clerk
that allows you and your partner
to get married.
A marriage certificate is a
document that shows you
and your partner are legally married.
Contact your local Town Clerk or City Clerk's office to obtain specific rules and regulations to get married in your state. They will help you apply for a marriage license.
For example a couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the town or city clerk.
For additional information on getting married in New York State, please visit:
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/