Officiating Weddings In Nassau County: What You Need To Know

If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Nassau County, New York, there are a few things you need to know. The requirements for officiating a wedding differ depending on whether the wedding is taking place within the limits of New York City or elsewhere in the state of New York. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Who can officiate a wedding in Nassau County, NY?

According to New York State law, the following people are named as legal officiants: governors, mayors, state legislators, judges, and clergy members.

In Nassau County, marriages performed by officiants ordained online are not legally recognised. However, since March 28, 2023, New York residents over the age of 18 can apply for a one-day designation that will allow them to perform marriage ceremonies in the state of New York. This means that a friend or family member can legally officiate a wedding in Nassau County, as long as they have obtained the correct approval.

The potential marriage officiant must apply for approval through the Town Clerk's office from which the couple's marriage license was obtained. Applicants must provide a completed application form, photo identification, and a single-use permit. The marriage license must be obtained by the couple from the county clerk's office, and the officiant must double-check that the couple has a valid marriage license before performing the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant must help the couple fill out and correctly notarize the marriage license, and return it to the county clerk's office to be filed within five days.

If you are planning to perform a wedding ceremony within the bounds of New York City, then you must register with the City of New York. However, if the wedding will take place in New York state but outside of the New York City limits, such as in Nassau County, registration is not required.

It is important to note that there is some ambiguity around the legality of online ordinations in New York State. While online ordinations are generally considered legal, there have been cases where marriages performed by online-ordained officiants have been declared null and void. To avoid any potential issues, some couples choose to have a separate, legal ceremony with a town clerk or local judge before or after their main wedding ceremony.

How to officiate a wedding in Nassau County, NY

As of March 28, 2023, New York State allows couples to have a friend or family member officiate their wedding. However, the process can be complex and there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

Before you begin, it's important to understand the legal requirements for officiants in New York State. According to Section 11 of the state Domestic Relations law, only certain individuals are named as legal officiants, including governors, mayors, state legislators, judges, and clergy members.

In Nassau County, marriages performed by officiants ordained online through platforms like Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries are not legally recognized. This means that simply getting ordained online may not be sufficient to officiate a wedding in Nassau County.

Step 2: Getting Ordained

To officiate a wedding in Nassau County, you will need to become ordained through a recognized religious organization or governing church body. American Marriage Ministries (AMM) is one such organization that offers free online ordination and is recognized in New York State. By getting ordained with AMM, you will become a minister who is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.

Step 3: Preparing for the Ceremony

Once you are ordained, it's important to prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Officiating a wedding can feel like a lot of pressure, so it's helpful to have access to resources that can guide you through the process. AMM provides wedding training pages with sample wedding ceremony scripts, brainstorming prompts, and tips for preparation.

Step 4: Obtaining the Marriage License

While it is the couple's responsibility to obtain the marriage license from the county clerk's office, as the officiant, you should double-check that they have a valid marriage license before performing the ceremony. The marriage license can be obtained from the Town of Hempstead Town Clerk's Office, and there is a $40 fee. There is a 24-hour waiting period after obtaining the license before the ceremony can be held.

Step 5: Completing and Returning the Marriage License

After the ceremony, you will need to help the couple fill out and notarize the marriage license correctly. It is your responsibility as the officiant to return the completed marriage license to the county clerk's office within five days.

Additional Considerations:

It's important to note that there have been instances where marriages performed by online-ordained officiants were later declared invalid by a judge. This can have significant legal and financial ramifications for the couple. Therefore, it is recommended to seek additional legal advice or have a backup plan, such as a separate legal ceremony performed by a qualified officiant.

Additionally, when planning the wedding date, consider local events in Long Island, such as festivals and marathons, to avoid traffic and parking issues. Nassau County offers a variety of desirable wedding venues, including Sand Castle Venue and Restaurant, Westbury Manor, and the Swan Club.

In summary, while it is possible to officiate a wedding in Nassau County, NY, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure the marriage is legally recognized. By getting ordained through a recognized organization, preparing for the ceremony, and correctly completing and returning the marriage license, you can help ensure the wedding is valid and memorable for the couple.

Online officiants in Nassau County, NY

Yes, an online ordained officiant can perform a wedding in Nassau County, NY, as long as they have a single-use permit as described in NY State Legislation A06300. This permit, which was never previously available to online officiants, allows them to sign the marriage license.

There is no identification process for online officiants to obtain their credentials. This means that anyone can get ordained under any name, which is a matter of national security. The personal integrity of the officiant is important as they are entrusted with the couple's social security number and mother's maiden name when handed the marriage license.

The validity of a marriage performed by an online officiant may be questioned in a court of law. If the marriage is declared null and void, this opens the door to liability issues such as healthcare benefits that were paid but not due and taxes that were filed jointly without legal right.

Couples can opt to get legally married at a town hall or by a professional officiant before or after their public ceremony. They can also have a joint ceremony where a legally recognised officiant performs the legally required parts, and a friend or family member conducts the rest of the ceremony.

To become an online officiant in Nassau County, NY, you must first get ordained with an organisation such as American Marriage Ministries (AMM). According to the Nassau County Clerk's website, a "member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted authority to perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body" may perform wedding ceremonies.

Marriage license in Nassau County, NY

Obtaining a Marriage License

To obtain a marriage license in Nassau County, NY, couples can now complete the process entirely online. The first step is to visit the online marriage portal and fill out the application. Here, you will also need to upload the necessary documents and pay the license fee. After this, you will be asked to schedule a virtual meeting with the staff, who will verify your identity and witness your electronic signature on the marriage license. The staff will then email you a copy to bring to your officiant.

Alternatively, you can complete the application online and then schedule an in-person appointment to finalise the process at the office.

Required Documents

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:

• A valid, state-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
• $40 for the marriage license fee (payable by cash, credit card, check, or money order to Kate Murray, Town Clerk)

Waiting Period and Validity

There is a 24-hour waiting period after obtaining the marriage license before the wedding ceremony can be held. The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, so it is recommended to not apply more than two months before the wedding date.

Returning the Completed License

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the county clerk's office for filing. This must be done within five days of the wedding.

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate

To obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate, you can apply to the town clerk's office in person, by mail, or by fax. The required information includes the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, your return address, a copy of your photo IDs, and a $10 fee.

You can also obtain a certified copy of the marriage record from the New York State Department of Health by calling 1-877-854-4481 or visiting www.vitalcheck.com.

Officiant Requirements

According to the Nassau County Clerk's website, a "member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted authority to perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body" may officiate weddings.

Online ordinations are legal in the state of New York, and there is now a single-event permit available for online officiants to legally sign the marriage license. This permit is described in NY State Legislation A06300.

If the wedding will be held within the limits of New York City, the officiant must register their credentials with the city. However, if the wedding takes place in New York state but outside of New York City, such as in Nassau County, registration is not required.

Wedding Venues in Nassau County

Nassau County offers a variety of desirable wedding venues, from Hempstead to Gardiners Bay. Some recommended spots include Sand Castle Venue and Restaurant, Westbury Manor, and the Swan Club for black-tie affairs. If you're looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, consider venues like The Vineyards at Aquebogue or the Peconic River Herb Farm.

With its dreamy Long Island setting, Nassau County provides the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility for your special day.

Marriage certificate in Nassau County, NY

Marriage certificates in Nassau County, New York, are recorded in the town or village where the marriage took place. If you are a resident of North Hempstead, call 311, and if you are a non-resident, call (516) 869-6311. For the Town of Hempstead, call (516) 489-5000, and for the Town of Oyster Bay, call (516) 624-6335.

Marriage certificates can be obtained from the same Town Hall where the marriage took place. For example, if you were married in Glen Cove but obtained your marriage license in the Town of Hempstead, your license will be available at the Town of Hempstead. The Nassau County Clerk has records of marriages from 1907 to April 29, 1935.

The County Clerk's Notary department can authenticate marriage certificates for a $5.00 fee.

To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, you will need to provide the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, your return address, and a copy of your photo IDs. There is a $10 fee for the certificate, which can be paid in cash, check, or money order made payable to Kate Murray, Town Clerk.

If you are unable to obtain the marriage certificate from the Town Hall, you can also obtain a certified copy of the marriage record from the New York State Department of Health. Call 1-877-854-4481 or visit www.vitalcheck.com.

In New York State, as of March 28, 2023, couples can have a friend or family member marry them. The potential marriage officiant must apply for approval through the Town Clerk's office where the couple's marriage license was obtained. Applicants must provide a completed application, photo identification, and a one-day marriage officiant application.

Frequently asked questions