So You Wanna Make it Official in the City That Never Sleeps? A Guide to Getting Hitched in New York
Congratulations, lovebirds! You've braved the subway rats, the overpriced brunches, and the questionable tourists in Times Square together. Now you're ready to take the plunge (though hopefully not literally, unless you're planning a very unique ceremony). But before you can say "I do" and clink champagne flutes shaped like tiny Empire State Buildings, there's the little matter of getting legally married in New York.
Fear not, fellow romantics! This guide will cut through the legalese and hold your hand (or should we say, ring finger?) through the process.
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| How To Get Legally Married In New York |
Round Up Your Partner in Crime (and Proof You're Not Already One)
- You and your beloved (not your best friend from college, your cat, or a particularly charismatic pigeon) need to appear together. Proxy marriage? Not a thing in New York. Sorry, inflatable Elvis impersonators.
- Bring your IDs: Think driver's licenses, passports, something that screams "Yes, this is the real me, ready to get hitched!"
- Social Security numbers are also required, but hey, if you're comfortable sharing your love with the world, a little SSN shouldn't hurt, right?
The Ceremony: Don't Get Cold Feet, Get an Officiant!
Now that you've proven you're both real and of sound mind, it's time to find someone to officiate the big event. Luckily, your options are wider than a Fifth Avenue sidewalk during Fashion Week:
- The Classics: Judges, mayors, and members of the clergy are all good bets. Just make sure they're ordained in New York and not secretly officiating a rogue squirrel wedding in Central Park.
- The Modern Touch: Town or village boards can appoint marriage officers, so you might have a friendly neighbor or a quirky bookstore owner saying "I do" in no time.
- The VIP Treatment (for a Price): Former governors and even the mayor of New York City can preside over your ceremony. Just be prepared to shell out some extra bucks for the bragging rights.
Remember: Whoever you choose, make sure they're authorized to perform marriages in New York. A ceremony officiated by your pet ferret in a tutu, while adorable, is not legally binding.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
The Big Day (and the Big Afterparty)
- The Waiting Game: You can't rush love, and you can't rush wedded bliss either. There's a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after you receive your marriage license. So put down the cake knife and use that time to perfect your first dance moves.
- Sign Here, Seal With a Kiss: After the ceremony, the happy couple, the witnesses, and the officiant all need to sign the marriage license. This is your official "we did the thing!" document.
- Don't Forget the Homework! The officiant is responsible for mailing the signed license to the New York City Clerk's Office within five business days. Don't worry, they're used to dealing with post-wedding jitters.
Congratulations! You're Officially Spouses! Now go forth and celebrate your love with a slice (or ten) of New York-style cheesecake.
FAQs for the Soon-to-be-Married
How to Apply for a Marriage License?
You can schedule an in-person appointment or apply virtually through Project Cupid at https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-license.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?
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The current fee is $35, but it's always best to check with the City Clerk's office for any updates.
How Long is a Marriage License Valid For?
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Normally, it's valid for 60 days, but for active military personnel, it's extended to 180 days.
How to Find an Officiant?
The City Clerk's office can provide a list of authorized officiants, or you can reach out to religious institutions or local government offices.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to Shorten the Waiting Period?
Unfortunately, the 24-hour waiting period is mandatory. But hey, use that time to write your vows or pick out the perfect wedding hashtag!
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