So You Wanna Get Hitched in the Big Apple? Age Ain't Nothing But a Number (Except When It Comes to Marriage Licenses)
Let's face it, New York City is a place where dreams come true. From conquering Wall Street to snagging the last slice of dollar pizza, anything feels possible. But what about that age-old dream (see what I did there?) of getting married in the city that never sleeps? Well, hold on to your confetti cannons, because love might not be the only thing you need.
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| How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Married In New York |
Age Restrictions: Not Quite Romeo & Juliet (Thank Goodness)
Unlike a certain Shakespearean tragedy, New York has a very clear stance on minimum marriage age: you gotta be 18. Yep, that's right. No eloping teenagers here (sorry, Zendaya and Angus Cloud, maybe next time?). The Empire State believes that love can wait until you've at least graduated high school and, hopefully, figured out which side of the bagel to schmear your cream cheese.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
But wait! There's a twist! If you're between 16 and 17 and absolutely smitten, all is not lost. With written consent from both your parents and their physical presence at the application, you can snag a marriage license. Just be prepared for some serious eyebrow-raising from the folks at the courthouse (and maybe a lecture about the importance of college).
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Absolutely no exceptions for:
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
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- Flashing a winning smile and puppy dog eyes
- Claiming you're "mature for your age" (trust us, everyone's heard that one)
- Offering the officiant a slice of your grandma's famous cheesecake (although, it is pretty darn good)
So You're Over 18? Mazel Tov! Now Let's Get This Party Started (The Legal Kind)
If you've crossed the magical age of 18, congratulations! You're officially eligible to apply for a marriage license in New York. But before you rush out and buy a sequined tux (or a meringue of a wedding dress), there are a few other things to consider.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
- You gotta be single. No bigamy allowed, folks.
- Mental capacity is key. You need to be able to understand the seriousness of getting married.
- Love is blind, but the law isn't. You can't marry someone who's a close relative (ick).
Once you've got all your ducks in a row (and by ducks, we mean legal requirements), head to your local city clerk's office with your ID and proof of your single status. Then, it's paperwork time, but hey, at least you'll get to practice your signature for all those wedding cards you're about to receive.
FAQ: How to Get Married in New York City
- How to find out the requirements for getting married in New York? Check out the New York State Department of Health website (https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/).
- How to apply for a marriage license in New York City? Head to your local city clerk's office. You can find their contact information on the NYC.gov website (https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-license).
- How long does a marriage license last in New York? 60 days! Don't wait too long to tie the knot after you get that license.
- How much does a marriage license cost in New York City? It varies depending on the county, but it's usually around $35.
- How to elope in New York City? You can! Just follow the same steps as getting married traditionally, but with a smaller guest list (or no guests at all!).
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