DESCRIPTION:

This database constitutes marriage bonds from the State of New York prior to 1784, with the earliest record dating to 1664. The names of the parties licensed to marry have been indexed in alphabetical order.

A marriage license was issued from the Provincial Secretary's office, and in return those who obtained it gave a Penal Bond in the sum of L500, that there was no "lawful let or impediment of Pre-Contract, Affinity or Consanguinity, to hinder the parties being joined in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony, and afterwards their living together as 'Man and Wife.'"