Big Ben Belting Out "Here Comes the Bride" in New York City? You Bet!
So, you and your sweetheart, crumpets and all, are planning to tie the knot in the land of liberty But wait, is that even a thing? Can a Brit bloke and his bird legally get hitched in the Big Apple?
Fear not, lovebirds! New York City welcomes love from all corners of the globe, including those across the pond. Here's the lowdown on getting your "I do's" officiated in the city that never sleeps:
Do You Need a British Passport to Get Married in New York?
Nope! As long as you've both reached the legal marrying age (18 in New York, with some exceptions), your citizenship isn't a barrier to wedded bliss. Just pack your passports for identification purposes.
But Wait, There's More! The All-Important Marriage License
Think of this as your golden ticket to wedded wonder. Head to your nearest City Clerk's office with your passports, proof of age (birth certificates work wonders!), and a witness or two (no need for them to be nobility, just friendly faces). There'll be a fee, but hey, a small price to pay for a lifetime of love (and maybe some killer wedding photos in Central Park).
Pro-Tip: New York offers two types of marriage licenses: the short-form and the extended version. The short-form is perfectly fine for most folks, but if you plan on changing your name after the wedding and living happily ever after in the UK, you might want to consider the extended version. It's like the marriage license with extra sprinkles, making it easier for British authorities to recognize your new hitched status.
So, Can I Finally Say "Cheers" to Being Married in New York?
Absolutely! Once you've got your license, a 24-hour waiting period kicks in (to make sure you're both absolutely, positively certain about this whole marriage thing!), and then you're good to go. Find an officiant (someone authorized to perform the ceremony - could be a judge, religious leader, or even a captain if you're getting hitched on a boat!), gather your witnesses, and get ready to say "I do" under the bright lights of New York City!
Bonus Round: Fun Facts About Getting Married in New York
- You can get married pretty much anywhere in the city, from a rooftop overlooking the skyline to a cozy jazz club. Just make sure your officiant is cool with the location.
- No blood tests are required, so you can skip that awkward poke-in-the-finger moment.
- There's no residency requirement. So, even if you're just visiting New York, you can still get hitched! (Though, maybe give yourselves some time to explore the city before rushing into wedded bliss.)
FAQs for the Future Mr. & Mrs.
How to Get a Marriage License in New York City?
Head to your nearest City Clerk's office with your passports, proof of age, and a witness or two. There will be a fee involved.
How Long Does it Take to Get Married in New York After Getting a License?
There's a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after obtaining your marriage license.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in New York City?
The marriage license fee varies by location, but it's typically around $35. Additional costs will depend on your officiant, venue, and any wedding bells and whistles you choose to add.
How Do I Get a Marriage Certificate After Getting Married in New York?
The City Clerk's office will usually mail you a marriage certificate within a few weeks.
How Do I Make Sure My Marriage in New York is Recognized in the UK?
If you plan on living in the UK after getting married in New York, consider getting the extended marriage license and apostille (an official certification that makes your documents valid in other countries).
