Officiating Weddings In New York: What You Need To Know

Can I officiate a wedding in New York?

If you're looking to officiate a wedding in New York, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, New York Law requires all marriage officiants to register with the government before officiating weddings. The cost of registration is approximately $15, and the process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. However, it's important to note that each city and town determines its own officiant registration requirements, and most cities and towns don't require registration before performing a marriage. The main exemption is New York City, which does mandate officiant registration. So, if you're planning to officiate a wedding in the Big Apple, be sure to register with the New York City Clerk Marriage Bureau, which has jurisdiction over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Who can officiate a wedding in New York?

The requirements to officiate a wedding in New York depend on the location of the wedding. If the wedding takes place outside of New York City, there is no requirement for the officiant to register. However, if the wedding is performed within the five boroughs of New York City, the officiant must register with the New York City Clerk's Office.

Officiant Registration in New York City

To register as a wedding officiant in New York City, you must submit the following documents to the New York City Clerk Marriage Bureau:

• Your Ordination Certificate
• Your "NYC Letter of Consent" (addressed to the City Clerk)
• AMM's Articles of Incorporation and Certificate of Incorporation
• Your completed Marriage Officiant Registration Application
• Valid government ID (driver's license, military ID, passport, or birth certificate)
• $15 application processing fee

The Manhattan City Clerk office is the only one in the five boroughs that processes one-day officiant applications. The application can be submitted via regular mail or by appointment at the Marriage Bureau on Worth Street in Lower Manhattan.

Officiant Registration Outside of New York City

If the wedding is taking place outside of New York City, you will need to contact the office responsible for issuing the marriage license to the couple. This office will inform you of any officiant registration requirements. Most jurisdictions outside of New York City do not have registration requirements for ministers.

One-Day Officiant License

Any adult can perform a marriage anywhere in New York State with a special one-day license. This license is valid for weddings performed anywhere in the state, and you don't need to be a resident of New York to obtain it. To apply for a one-day officiant license, you must submit the following:

• A completed application form with the names of the betrothed pair
• A $25 fee (money order if submitted by mail, or credit card/money order in person)
• Photocopies of proper identification

The one-day officiant license can be obtained by mail or in person by appointment at the Manhattan City Clerk office.

Responsibilities of the Officiant

The officiant has two main duties: to conduct the wedding ceremony and to complete the marriage license. It is the officiant's responsibility to ensure that the officiant and witness portions of the license are properly completed and accurate. The officiant must return the original license to the town or city clerk where the license was purchased within five days of the ceremony.

How to get a one-day officiant license in New York

As of April 1, 2023, anyone over the age of 18 can officiate a wedding in New York State with a one-day officiant license. This license is available to non-residents of New York State and does not require the officiant to be a member of the clergy or a government official.

Requirements

To obtain a one-day officiant license in New York, you must first find a couple that wants you to marry them. The couple must have their marriage license before you apply for your officiant license, as your application will require you to include their names and their license number.

Application Process

The Manhattan City Clerk office is the only office in the five boroughs that processes one-day officiant license applications. If you live outside of New York City, you must apply for your license at the clerk's office that processed the couple's marriage license.

The Manhattan City Clerk office does not accept unscheduled walk-in appointments. You can either submit your application by mail or schedule an in-person appointment at the Marriage Bureau on Worth Street in Lower Manhattan.

Application Options

By Mail

If you choose to submit your application by mail, you must include the following:

• A completed and notarized application form
• A $25 fee paid by money order
• Photocopies of your identification

Your application should be sent to the following address:

> Office of the City Clerk

> 141 Worth Street

> New York, New York 10013

> Attention: One-Day Marriage Officiants Clerk

In-Person

If you choose to submit your application in person, you can pay the $25 fee by money order or credit card. You do not need to have your application form notarized if submitting it in person.

To make an in-person appointment, you must use the City Clerk's online scheduling tool. Remember to only make an appointment at the Manhattan City Clerk office, as the other four boroughs do not process one-day officiant license applications.

On the Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, you will be expected to perform the marriage ceremony and ensure that the couple and witnesses sign the marriage license in the correct places.

Within five days of the wedding, you must return the completed marriage license, with your officiant license attached, to the City Clerk who issued the marriage license. Your officiant license will expire once the marriage has been solemnized or when the couple's license expires.

Officiant registration requirements

In New York, each city and town determines its own officiant registration requirements. Most cities and towns do not require officiant registration before performing a marriage. The one exception is New York City, which does require officiant registration.

If you plan on officiating weddings in any of the five New York City boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), you must first register with the New York City Clerk Marriage Bureau. The registration process is as follows:

Step 1: Order your ministry credentials

To register as a wedding officiant in New York City, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Your Ordination Certificate
• Your "NYC Letter of Consent" (addressed to the City Clerk and signed by a church officer)
• AMM's Articles of Incorporation and Certificate of Incorporation
• Your Completed Marriage Officiant Registration Application
• Valid Government ID (Driver's License, Military ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate)

You can order your New York Minister Ordination Package to obtain your official Ordination Certificate and Letter of Consent. This package also includes a partially completed Marriage Officiant Registration Form.

Step 2: Start the online NYC officiant application process

While you wait for your package to arrive, you can begin your registration process with the NYC Clerk's office using their Online Marriage Officiant Registration Application. This application should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Do not complete this online application more than 21 days before you finish your registration by mail, as the application expires after 21 days.

Step 3: Submit your officiant application to the NYC Marriage Bureau

Once you have completed the online application and gathered all the required paperwork, you will need to submit the following two additional items:

• Valid Government ID
• $15 application processing fee (payable in person by credit card or money order addressed to the "City Clerk")

You can mail your officiant registration application to the City Clerk's office or submit it in person by appointment. The address is:

New York City Clerk Marriage Bureau

Marriage Officiant Registration Clerk

141 Worth Street

New York, NY 10013

The approval process typically takes about 30 days. Once approved, you will have the authority to perform marriages in all five boroughs of New York City.

Officiant registration outside New York City

If you plan to officiate a wedding in New York State but outside of New York City, you do not need to register with the state government. However, you should contact the office responsible for issuing the marriage license to the couple to inquire about any local registration requirements. Most jurisdictions outside of New York City do not have registration requirements for ministers.

Officiant's wedding day duties

On the wedding day, the officiant has two main duties: conducting the wedding ceremony and completing the marriage license. Here is a detailed breakdown of an officiant's wedding day duties:

Before the Wedding

It is essential for the officiant to meet with the couple to discuss their vision and expectations for the ceremony. This includes the tone they want to set, any traditions or rituals they want to incorporate, and the type of readings and vows they prefer. The officiant should also ensure that the couple has filed for a marriage license and remind them to bring it to the ceremony.

During the Rehearsal

The officiant leads the wedding party at the ceremony rehearsal, which usually takes place the day before the wedding. They brief the wedding party on their roles, such as when to walk down the aisle and where to stand. The officiant also supervises the flow of the ceremony and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth process.

During the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant performs the wedding ceremony, which includes two key legal elements: the declaration of intent ("Do you take...??") and the pronouncement of the couple as married. The officiant should be well-prepared with a clear and well-rehearsed script to ensure a smooth and personalised experience for the couple.

After the Ceremony

The officiant is responsible for signing the marriage license and returning it to the city or town clerk promptly, usually within five days. This step finalises the marriage, and the couple will receive a certified copy of their marriage contract by mail a few weeks later.

Overall, the officiant plays a crucial role in ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly and that all legal requirements are met. They are the "anti-stress pill", guiding the couple through the process and providing reassurance when needed.

Officiant's responsibilities after the wedding

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant has a few important responsibilities to ensure that the marriage is officially recognised. Here are the key duties that an officiant must carry out:

Completing the Marriage License

The marriage license must be completed and signed by the officiant, the couple, and any required witnesses. The officiant should ensure that the information on the license is accurate and that their section is correctly filled out. This is a legal duty and an important responsibility, as without a valid marriage license, the wedding would not be legally recognised.

Returning the Marriage License

The completed marriage license must be returned to the relevant authority promptly after the ceremony. In New York, the license is returned to the town or city clerk where it was purchased, usually by mail. The license should be returned within the specified timeframe, which in New York is within five days of the wedding. This step ensures that the marriage is officially recorded and filed.

Record-Keeping

The officiant is responsible for ensuring proper record-keeping. This includes confirming that the officiant and witness portions of the license are completed accurately. The officiant must also ensure that the original license is returned to the correct authority, and a copy is delivered to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) for recording and filing.

Registration

In some cases, the officiant may need to register with the local government before performing a marriage. For example, in New York City, officiants are required to register in person at the City Clerk's office. It is important for the officiant to be aware of any such requirements and complete the necessary registration.

Post-Wedding Actions

The officiant may also have some optional post-wedding actions to take, such as recording the wedding details and sharing them with relevant organisations or networks. This helps keep a record of the wedding and can be a special way to commemorate the occasion.

Overall, the officiant's responsibilities after the wedding ceremony are crucial to ensure the legality and official recognition of the marriage. It is important for officiants to be aware of their duties and complete them accurately and within the specified timeframes.

Frequently asked questions