New York City is a great place to have a wedding.If you want to get married in New York, you need to apply for a marriage license.Decide if you want to get married at City Hall in Manhattan or another location in the city, like Central Park or Rockefeller Center.If you're having a ceremony outside of City Hall, you need to fill out the proper paperwork and use a registered officiant.It's time to say "I do!".
Step 1: If you want to speed the process up, begin the application online.
You can submit some of the application online at the "City Clerk Online" website.Once you have finished the online portion, you will receive a confirmation number to bring with you to the office to complete the rest of the paperwork.The confirmation number should be written on a piece of paper or in the Notes app on your phone.The confirmation number lasts for 21 days.You will have to re-apply if you don't fill out the paper version of the application before that time.
Step 2: You should get proof of your age and identity.
To get married in New York, you must be at least 18 years old and have proper identification.To prove your age, you should have one of the acceptable documents, like a birth certificate, baptismal record, naturalization record or census record.Get a driver's license, passport, employment picture ID, or immigration record to verify your identity.You can't get married if you're under 17If you or your spouse are 17 years old, you need the written consent of both parents and a family court judge.
Step 3: The marriage license fee is $35.
Pay with a credit card or money order.You can't pay the application fee with cash or check.A money order can be obtained from a bank or post office.
Step 4: Take the time to fill out the paperwork.
The partners have to be present to apply for a marriage license.Ask for an application at the information desk in the city clerk's office.Go to the office and complete the application with a witness.You can't apply for a license on someone else's behalf.In New York, the city clerk's office has locations in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
Step 5: Wait for the paperwork to be processed at the city clerk's office.
When you complete the paperwork, stay at the office until it is ready and takes less than 30 minutes.You will leave with the license.
Step 6: You can get married between 24 hours and 60 days after receiving your license.
The marriage can be valid if you wait at least 24 hours before the wedding.You will need to get married before the license expires because it will be 60 days after you get it.If you have a judicial waiver to be married before the first 24 hours or if you are an active military personnel, your license is valid for up to 180 days.
Step 7: Arrive at the city clerk's office on a weekday.
There is a possibility that this is not the case.During regular business hours from Monday to Friday, the office is only open for marriages.If you want the best chance of not having to wait, show up in the morning.The wait time varies from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 8: Bring your marriage license, identification, and witness.
On the day of your wedding, you should have a valid marriage license issued by the New York City clerk's office, along with proper identification and at least one person to serve as a witness.A driver's license, passport, or U.S. permanent resident card are some examples of proper ID.The witness needs to be at least 18 years old.
Step 9: The marriage ceremony fee is $25 and can be paid at City Hall.
You can pay with a credit card or money order.All forms of payment are not accepted for marriages.You can get a money order at your bank or post office.
Step 10: You can get married in one of the chapels to get your marriage certificate.
You can get married at either the East or West Chapel of the city clerk's office.You should get your marriage certificate from the office before you leave.The ceremony is usually less than 10 minutes.
Step 11: You can find a registered marriage officiant.
The city clerk's office in New York state has approval to perform marriage ceremonies for people who are approved by the state.Ask friends or family for recommendations if you want to find a marriage officiant.If you don't know if an officiant is registered with the city clerk's office, you can call or send a letter of inquiry.
Step 12: To narrow down your location options, determine your budget.
Determine how much money you want to spend on a venue.If you have a tight budget, there are more affordable options if you choose to get married in a private home.You should set one before you start looking.Take the amount of money you want to spend into account.Also, too.You don't want to blow your entire budget on the venue.You can research different wedding venues in NYC to find out what the average cost is and what a realistic budget would be for where and when you want to get married.
Step 13: You can choose a venue based on your interests.
Decide where you want to get married.Do you want it to be outside?One of the many botanical gardens could be considered.Do you like the NYC skyline?Try a skyscraper location like the Top of the Rock.Pick your favorite spot and book it for your wedding.One of the beautiful historic chapels or religious buildings in the city is a good choice if faith is important to you.If you want to get married at one of the more popular destinations, like the New York Public Library or The Plaza Hotel, you'll have to reserve the location very far in advance.
Step 14: If you want to get married, you need to sign the marriage license.
After the ceremony is over, you should sign the marriage license.Then, have your partner sign it with you.If you sign the license in pencil, it won't be valid.Once the license is signed, let the marriage officiant take it.They have to return it to the city clerk's office within 5 business days of the ceremony.
Step 15: Wait at least 20 days to receive your marriage registration certificate.
Wait for your certificate of marriage registration to come in the mail after your officiant returns the signed license.It shouldn't take more than 20 days to arrive.If you haven't received your certificate in a month, you can visit the city clerk's office or call.