Planning A Wedding In Ny: What You Need To Know

Getting married in New York involves several steps, including obtaining a marriage license and having a marriage ceremony conducted by an authorized person. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are specific requirements that must be met to ensure the marriage is legally valid. In this article, we will outline the key steps and requirements for having a wedding in New York, including information on marriage licenses, age requirements, valid officiants, and more. By familiarizing yourself with these details, you can ensure that your wedding plans are in compliance with New York law and that your special day goes smoothly.

Marriage license requirements

To obtain a marriage license in New York, a couple must apply in person to any town or city clerk in the state. Both applicants must sign the application in the presence of the town or city clerk. The application cannot be completed by a representative, even if they have been given Power of Attorney. The marriage license costs $40 and is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued. If either applicant is in the U.S. military, the solemnization period may be extended to 180 calendar days.

There is a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. This waiting period can be waived by a judge or justice of the Supreme Court of New York State or the county judge of the county in which either party resides.

Both parties must present documentary proof of age to the clerk. Possible documents include:

• A certified copy of a birth record
• A certification of birth issued by the state department of health, a local registrar of vital statistics, or other public officers charged with similar duties by the laws of any other state, territory, or country
• A driver's license
• A government or school-issued identification card that contains a photograph of the applicant
• A life insurance policy
• An employment certificate
• An immigration record
• A naturalization record
• A court record or any other document or record issued by a governmental entity, showing the date of birth

In addition, the couple must provide information about any previous marriages, including whether former spouses are living, and whether the applicants are divorced, as well as when, where, and against whom the divorce was granted. A certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be required.

A marriage license must be returned to the City or Town Clerk within five days of the wedding.

Who can perform a wedding ceremony?

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Where can a wedding take place?

New York State offers a variety of venues for weddings, from the city of New York to Long Island and Upstate New York.

In New York City, you can find everything from ballroom-style historical venues to skyline rooftop receptions. Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island all offer unique options that are sure to suit your needs.

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches and romantic vineyards. Upstate New York also offers incredible mountain scenery and scenic historical sites.

Regardless of the location you choose, there are a few legal requirements that must be met for the wedding to be valid. These include:

• A valid marriage license, which can be obtained from any town or city clerk in New York State and must be presented at the wedding.
• The presence of an officiating minister or authorized official, such as a government official, judge, justice, clerk, or town-appointed marriage officer.
• At least one witness, in addition to the officiant, must be present at the ceremony.
• The couple must verbally accept each other as spouses.

With its diverse range of locations and legal flexibility, New York State is an ideal place to exchange your vows and create a truly memorable day.

How much does a marriage license cost?

If you are planning to get married in New York State, you will need to apply for a marriage license. The process is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the couple must apply in person for the marriage license at any town or city clerk's office in the state. A representative cannot apply on behalf of the couple, even with Power of Attorney. Both applicants must sign the application in the presence of the town or city clerk. The marriage license will be issued immediately, but there is a 24-hour waiting period before the marriage ceremony can take place. This waiting period may be waived by a judge or justice of the Supreme Court of New York State or the county judge of the county in which either party to be married resides.

The marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued. If either party to the marriage is active in the U.S. military, the validity period may be extended to 180 calendar days with proof provided to the issuing clerk.

Now, how much does the marriage license cost? If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. This fee includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration, which will be sent to the applicants within 15 calendar days after the completed license is returned. If the marriage license is to be issued by the City Clerk of New York City, the cost is $35 to fill out the application, paid by credit card or money order. The current fees and requirements can be obtained by contacting the New York City Clerk's Office at (212) NEW-YORK or by visiting their website.

It is important to note that the marriage license must be returned to the City or Town Clerk within a specified time frame, usually within 5 days from the wedding. Failure to do so may result in additional costs or complications.

How long is a marriage license valid for?

In New York, a marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, starting from the day after it is issued. This means that the marriage ceremony must take place within this 60-day period. It's important to note that there is also a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours after receiving the license, during which the wedding ceremony cannot be held. This waiting period can be waived by a judge or justice of the Supreme Court of New York State or the county judge of the county where either party resides.

If one of the parties getting married is an active member of the U.S. military, the validity period of the marriage license can be extended to 180 calendar days. To avail of this extension, the applicant must provide proof of their military service to the issuing clerk at the time of application.

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the City or Town Clerk. While New York does not specify a time frame for this, it is important to ensure that the completed license is returned before its expiration date.

Frequently asked questions