Planning Two Wedding Ceremonies In Nyc?

If you're planning a wedding in New York City, you'll need to obtain a marriage license and have a marriage ceremony. The process is simple and affordable, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment with the Office of the City Clerk - NYC Marriage Bureau, as walk-ins are not permitted. You can apply for your marriage license either online or in person, and you'll need to bring identification such as a passport or driver's license. The marriage license costs $35 and is valid for 60 days. Once you have your license, you must wait at least 24 hours before getting married, and you can schedule your ceremony through Project Cupid. On the day of your ceremony, bring your license, photo IDs, and a witness. The entire process, including the ceremony, will take between 30 minutes to an hour. So, to answer the question, while there are no explicit restrictions on having two wedding ceremonies in NYC, you would need to obtain a separate marriage license for each ceremony and follow the same procedure outlined above.

Booking a wedding ceremony

Step 1: Choose Your Wedding Venue

The first step in booking your wedding ceremony is to select the perfect venue that aligns with your vision and style. New York City offers a plethora of options, from elegant hotels and historic landmarks to lush gardens and rooftop terraces. Consider the size of your guest list and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate everyone. Some popular venues include:

• The Pierre, A Taj Hotel: This elegant hotel, located across from Central Park, offers over 20,000 square feet of event space and in-house wedding planners to ensure a smooth flow to your celebration.
• The St. Regis New York: A historic hotel in Midtown Manhattan, featuring 13 event spaces, including the breathtaking Roof Ballroom.
• Tribeca Rooftop: With stunning city views, Tribeca Rooftop can accommodate up to 720 guests for a cocktail reception or 150-325 guests for a seated ceremony.
• The Plaza: One of the city's most iconic venues, The Plaza has graced many Hollywood films and offers a luxurious setting for your big day.

Step 2: Determine Your Wedding Date and Time

Once you've selected your venue, it's important to choose your desired wedding date and time. Keep in mind that popular venues may be booked months or even a year in advance, so plan accordingly. Consider the availability of your venue and the convenience of your guests when selecting a date. Fridays and weekends are typically the busiest days for weddings, so you may want to book well in advance for these dates.

Step 3: Appoint a Wedding Officiant

To legally marry in New York, your wedding ceremony must be conducted by an authorised person. This can be a clergy member, a senior leader of New York's Societies for Ethical Culture, a government official (such as a mayor or county executive), a federal or state judge, or even a friend or relative who is ordained specifically for your ceremony.

Step 4: Apply for Your Marriage License

Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in booking your wedding ceremony. You can apply for your license online through Project Cupid or in person at the Office of the City Clerk. Both you and your partner must appear together at the same time to complete the application process and receive your license. There is a $35 fee for the marriage license, payable by credit card or money order.

Step 5: Schedule Your Marriage Ceremony

After receiving your marriage license, you can schedule your marriage ceremony through Project Cupid. The ceremony can take place anywhere between 24 hours and 60 days after receiving your license. You will need to bring your hard copy of the license to the ceremony, along with a witness and their photo ID. There is an additional $35 fee for the marriage certificate, payable by credit card.

Step 6: Finalise the Details

With your venue, date, and officiant secured, it's time to focus on the finer details of your wedding ceremony. This includes deciding on your wedding theme and decor, selecting your wedding attire, and choosing any additional vendors you may require, such as a photographer, caterer, or entertainment.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Special Day!

On the day of your wedding, arrive at your chosen venue with your partner, photo IDs, hard copy of the marriage license, and witness. Enjoy the ceremony as you exchange your vows and celebrate with your loved ones. Don't forget to obtain your marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of your marriage.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to booking your dream wedding ceremony in New York City!

Getting a marriage license

To get a marriage license in New York City, you must schedule an in-person appointment for you and your future spouse to visit an NYC Marriage Bureau at the Office of the City Clerk. There are five locations in New York City:

• Bronx Office: Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Supreme Court Building, 851 Grand Concourse, Room B131, Bronx, NY 10451
• Brooklyn Office: Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Brooklyn Municipal Building, 210 Joralemon Street, Room 205, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Manhattan Office: Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
• Queens Office: Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Borough Hall Building, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Ground Floor, Room G-100, Kew Gardens, NY 11424
• Staten Island Office: Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Borough Hall Building, 10 Richmond Terrace, Room 311, Staten Island, NY 10301

You can apply for your marriage license online through the Office of the City Clerk and then complete your application in person. Alternatively, you can complete the entire process in person at the Marriage Bureau.

The application is an affidavit, and when you and your fiancé(e) sign it, you are making a sworn statement that there are no legal impediments to the marriage. Before you apply, you need to decide if either of you will change your name. If so, you'll need to provide the new name on the application. The name change takes effect immediately upon the completion of your marriage ceremony.

When filling out the application, you and your fiancé(e) should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Name and current address
• Name and country of birth of your parents
• Social security number
• Information on previous marriages, including dates and locations of divorce decrees
• If widowed, your former spouse's full name and their date of death (or death certificate)

Both spouses must bring government-issued photo IDs that show your photo, name, date of birth, and address, such as a passport or driver’s license. A list of accepted IDs can be found on the City Clerk website.

It costs $35 to fill out a marriage license application, which you'll pay to the New York City Clerk by credit card or money order. Cash is not accepted.

New York City marriage licenses are valid for 60 days, so you should plan to start your application no more than two months before your wedding ceremony. There is a 24-hour waiting period after you get your marriage license before your wedding ceremony can take place.

The marriage ceremony

Booking a Ceremony

To book a ceremony, you must first book a license appointment. You can do this through the clerk's Project Cupid booking portal. Appointments are released three weeks in advance on Mondays at 9 a.m. EST. The marriage license fee is $35, payable by credit card or money order. The license is valid for 60 days, or 180 days for active-duty military personnel.

Ceremony Details

On the day of the ceremony, the couple, up to four guests over the age of 12, including one or two witnesses over the age of 18 with ID, and a limited number of children under 12, can enter. The ceremony lasts less than two minutes and is followed by the signing of the license and the payment of a $25 fee. The entire process, including security screening and waiting, takes between 30 minutes to one hour.

Witnesses

Witnesses must bring photo ID and be over the age of 18. While there can be more than one witness present, only one witness will be permitted to sign the marriage license.

Guests

In addition to the couple, there can be a maximum of four guests over the age of 12, and a limited number of children under 12.

Timing

Certificate

After the ceremony, the couple will be presented with their marriage certificate. This is the legal proof of marriage.

Who can perform a marriage ceremony?

To be legally recognised, a marriage ceremony in New York must be performed by any of the individuals specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These include:

• The current or former governor
• The mayor of a city or village
• The former mayor, the city clerk, or one of the deputy city clerks of a city with more than one million inhabitants
• A marriage officer appointed by the town or village board or the city common council
• A member of the New York state legislature
• A justice or judge of certain courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern or Western Districts of New York, and the New York State Court of Appeals
• A village, town or county justice
• 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
• A member of the clergy or minister who is not authorised by a governing church body but who has been chosen by a spiritual group to preside over their spiritual affairs
• Other officiants as specified by Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law

The person performing the ceremony must be registered with the City of New York to do so within the New York City limits, but they do not have to be a resident of New York State. Ship captains are not authorised to perform marriage ceremonies in New York State.

The marriage certificate

To obtain a marriage certificate in New York City, you must first apply for a marriage license. This can be done online or in person through Project Cupid, and the process costs $35. You will need to provide basic information such as your name, date of birth, address, parent's name, and country/state of birth. If you have been married before, you will also need to provide information about your previous marriage(s).

Once you have completed the application, you will need to schedule an appointment with the city clerk to verify your information and create your license. This appointment must be at least 24 hours before your wedding ceremony and no more than 60 days before. You will receive your marriage license on the same day as this appointment.

After receiving your marriage license, you can schedule your wedding ceremony through Project Cupid. You will need to provide your partner's name and email address to book the date. The ceremony will take place at City Hall and will require a witness. On the day of the ceremony, you must bring a hard copy of your license, photo IDs for you and your partner, and photo ID for your witness. There is an additional fee of $35 for the marriage certificate, which can be paid by credit card.

After the ceremony, you will receive your marriage certificate, which is the legal proof that you are married. This certificate will be printed by the city clerk and provided to you on the day of your wedding ceremony.

Frequently asked questions