So You Wanna Get Hitched in the Big Apple? Age Ain't Nothing But a Number (Except When It Comes to Marriage)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the land of a million dreams, and... the place with some specific rules about tying the knot. That's right, lovebirds, before you can say "I do" in the shadow of the Empire State Building, there's a little hurdle you gotta jump over: age.
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| What Age Can I Get Married In New York |
The Minimum Age to Marry in New York: Not Quite Romeo and Juliet (Thank Goodness)
Unlike that Shakespearean tragedy (spoiler alert: they were way too young), New York has a much more sensible minimum age for marriage. In the Empire State, you gotta be at least 18 years old to walk down the aisle. Why 18? Well, let's just say it's considered the age of adulthood, which means you're legally responsible for your decisions (like, you know, who you spend the rest of your life with).
Hold on a sec, you say, "what about those high school sweethearts who are totally meant to be?" Don't worry, lovebirds, there's a loophole (but with a big ol' side of parental permission).
Teenage Dream (With Parental Approval): Marrying Under 18 in New York
If you're between 16 and 17 and absolutely convinced you've found your soulmate, New York allows you to get married with written consent from both parents. They gotta be there in person when you apply for the marriage license too, so no sneaky Vegas elopements, folks. This is a serious business (with a side of awkward family photos).
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
But wait, there's more! If you're under 16, forget about it. New York draws the line at 14, and even then, you'd need special court permission. Let's be honest, though, wouldn't you rather be planning your prom than your wedding at that age?
So, How Do You Know You're Ready to Get Married Anyway? (Age Isn't the Only Factor)
While age is a big one, it's not the only thing to consider before saying "I do." Here are some other crucial questions to ask yourselves (besides "can we handle rush hour commutes together?"):
- Are you financially stable? Weddings ain't cheap, and married life comes with bills.
- Do you share similar values and goals for the future? Wanting kids when your partner doesn't (or vice versa) can put a strain on things.
- Have you, you know, actually lived together? Sharing a shoebox apartment in New York City is a true test of love (and patience).
Alright, alright, enough with the real talk, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some FAQs for all you future New York spouses:
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How-To FAQs for Aspiring New York Newlyweds:
How to apply for a marriage license in New York?
Check with your local town or city clerk's office. You'll need to provide ID, proof of age, and the aforementioned parental consent if you're under 18.
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How long does a marriage license last in New York?
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
60 days! Don't wait too long to get hitched after applying.
How much does a marriage license cost in New York?
The fee varies by county, but it's usually around $35.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
How to elope in New York?
You can get married anywhere in the state with a valid license, so grab an officiant and head to Central Park if you want!
How to avoid wedding planning stress in New York?
Hire a wedding planner or elope. Seriously, New York is chaotic enough, your wedding shouldn't be.
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