Lyla Dejesus
If you're looking for a quick, no-fuss wedding, a city hall wedding might be for you. In New York City, for example, the ceremony is very brief — under a minute, in fact. The process of obtaining a marriage license and booking a ceremony slot is straightforward, and you can even take photos inside City Hall in some boroughs. So, if you're planning a city hall wedding, how long should you expect the whole process to take?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Office of the City Clerk of New York, 141 Worth Street, Manhattan |
| Hours | 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, Monday through Friday |
| Cost | $35 for the marriage license, $25 for the ceremony appointment, and $2,550 for the wedding package |
| Guests | Up to four adult guests, including a witness, and a limited number of children under 12 |
| Timing | The ceremony is very brief, under a minute |
| License | Must be obtained at least 24 hours before the ceremony and is valid for 60 days (180 days for active-duty military) |
| Appointment | Required for both the license and ceremony, released about 3 weeks in advance on Mondays at 9 am EST |
| Documents | Valid photo ID (e.g., passport or driver's license), social security number (if applicable) |
| Photography | Allowed inside in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, but not in the Bronx |
Explore related products
$5.86 $8.99
What You'll Learn
Getting a marriage license
To get married at New York City Hall, you must first obtain a marriage license. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining your marriage license:
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
To obtain a marriage license, you must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk. No walk-in visits are permitted, and you must have a confirmed appointment and received a confirmation email. Appointments are typically released three weeks in advance on Mondays at 9 am EST.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment
You can book your appointment online via Project Cupid. To schedule an appointment, you must create an account on Project Cupid. 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.
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, bring a valid form of photo identification, such as a passport or driver's license. Both parties must be present and provide their consent. During the appointment, you will complete the necessary paperwork and submit the required documentation.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After completing your marriage license application, you will need to wait for your number to be called a second time. Once your number is called, you will submit your completed marriage license for further processing.
Step 5: Ceremony Booking
After obtaining your marriage license, you must book an appointment for your in-person City Hall ceremony. Ceremony appointments are typically released every Monday at 9 am EST. You will need the confirmation number from your license appointment to book the ceremony.
Please note that the above information specifically pertains to obtaining a marriage license in New York City. The process may vary slightly depending on your location, so it is always best to check with your local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Long Hair, Wedding Ready: Simple Updo Steps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Booking an appointment
To get married at City Hall in New York City, you must first obtain a marriage license. You can make an appointment to do this in person at an NYC Marriage Bureau, or online via Project Cupid. Appointments are typically released about two to three weeks in advance, on Mondays at 9 am EST. There is a $35 fee for the marriage license, payable by credit card or money order. The license is valid for 60 days (or 180 days for active-duty military personnel) and there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between obtaining the license and the wedding ceremony.
Once you have your marriage license, you can book an appointment for your in-person City Hall ceremony. These appointments are also released on Mondays at 9 am EST, three weeks in advance. The appointments are available from Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. It is recommended that you arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time.
To book an appointment for your marriage license, you will need to create an NYC.ID account. You will then need to select either \"Marriage License (in-person)\" or \"Marriage License (virtual)\". You will be asked to fill out basic information such as your name, date of birth, address, and country/state of birth. If you have been married before, you will need to provide information about your previous marriage(s).
After obtaining your marriage license, you can then schedule your wedding ceremony by going to Project Cupid and clicking "Marriage Ceremony (in-person)". You can schedule your ceremony before you receive your license, but you must have your license before the ceremony takes place. There are time slots available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am, and 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
It is important to note that walk-in visits are not permitted at the Office of the City Clerk, and you must have a confirmed appointment.
Wedding Gift Etiquette: When to Send and Why
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to bring
To get married at City Hall, you will need to bring a number of things with you. Firstly, you will need to bring a hard copy of your marriage license. This must be obtained at least 24 hours before the ceremony, and it will cost you $35. You will also need some form of valid photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is a good idea to check that your wedding license will be valid in your country by contacting your consulate.
You will also need to bring a witness with you, and they must also have ID. The witness can be one of your guests, and you can bring up to four adult guests in total, including the photographer. If you have children under 12, you can bring a limited number of them, too.
It is also important to bring your wedding rings, as you will be asked to place them on the podium during the ceremony.
If you are getting married in New York City, you will need to bring $25 to book your ceremony slot. You will also need to create an NYC.ID account, which you can do through Project Cupid.
Ash Wednesday: A Lengthy Religious Service and Its Significance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Ceremonies of the Seasons: Exploring and celebrating nature's eternal cycle Edition: reprint by Jennifer Cole published by Duncan Baird Publishers (2006) [Hardcover]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nICt4fkdL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The ceremony
Firstly, decide on the type of ceremony you want. Are you looking for a simple, intimate ceremony with just a few guests, or do you want something more elaborate? City hall weddings can be personalized to fit your vision. Some couples choose to rent out a private room or balcony, while others opt for a quick ceremony followed by an exploration of the city. You can even strike a balance by setting aside time for portraits before joining your guests for a celebration.
Next, you'll need to make a reservation for an in-person ceremony, as walk-ins are typically not allowed. Be sure to check the specific requirements of the city hall, as some may require appointments on certain days, such as Saturdays, while allowing walk-ins during the week. You can usually book your appointment a few months in advance, and you'll need to provide your marriage license or enter the date of your marriage license appointment at the time of booking.
On the day of your ceremony, arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and present your marriage license. There may be a waiting period, as multiple couples often have appointments at the same time. Once it's your turn, you'll be assigned a room, and it's time for the ceremony! The length of the ceremony itself is typically very short, ranging from 3 to 30 minutes, depending on the location and your personalized touches.
During the ceremony, you'll be required to have at least one witness present, unless you are presenting a confidential marriage license. Be sure to confirm the specific requirements of your chosen city hall. You can also bring a photographer to capture the special moment.
Lastly, don't forget to add your special touches to make the day feel more personal. Consider adding flowers, such as a bouquet or boutonniere, or including your preferred pronouns and how you'd like to be addressed during the ceremony. These details will make your city hall wedding feel just as special as any other wedding.
Married to Myself: A [Number] Year Journey
You may want to see also
Explore related products
After the ceremony
City hall weddings are generally smaller, more intimate, and less traditional. They are a good option for couples who want to elope or host a micro wedding.
Celebrate with your guests
Many couples choose to host a small celebration or dinner after their city hall wedding. This could be a nice way to mark the occasion and spend time with your loved ones.
Take photos
Capture some special moments from the day by taking photos at the courthouse or a nearby location, such as a park or restaurant. Hiring a local photographer can help you find the perfect spot and get great pictures.
Share the news
You can choose to share your wedding photos on social media or print them to keep as memories. You could also use the photos to create a wedding announcement to share the news of your nuptials with family and friends who weren't present.
Finalize legalities
Remember to finalize any legalities related to your marriage license. Ensure that your witnesses have signed the necessary documents and that you have the official marriage certificate.
Enjoy your day
A city hall wedding is a unique and special way to tie the knot. Focus on your partnership and the excitement of getting married!
Makeup Artist Wedding Timeline: How Long is Needed?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The ceremony itself is very quick, lasting under a minute.
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between obtaining your wedding license and the ceremony.
You need to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time.
The Certificate of Marriage Registration is sent by the issuing clerk within 15 calendar days after the completed license is returned.
