The legal part of a New York wedding is short, but the order matters. Miss a step and you can end up with a beautiful ceremony that did not legally marry you. Here is the sequence.
1. Apply for the marriage license together
Both of you apply in person at a town or city clerk's office. A license issued by any New York clerk can be used anywhere in the state. Bring the identification and proof of age the clerk asks for, and if either of you was married before, the details of how that marriage ended. The fee is set by law and is $40 at most town and city clerks outside New York City.
2. Wait 24 hours
New York requires 24 hours between the time the license is issued and the ceremony. A judge can waive the wait in limited circumstances, but plan around it.
3. Hold the ceremony within 60 days
The license is valid for 60 days. If it expires, you apply again.
4. Choose an officiant who is authorized
New York law lists who may perform a marriage, including clergy and certain public officials. Two details catch couples out:
- New York City: an officiant must be registered with the Office of the City Clerk before performing a ceremony in the five boroughs.
- A friend or relative: New York now offers a One-Day Marriage Officiant License. The person must be at least 18, does not have to live in New York, and applies to the same clerk that issued your marriage license. It costs $25 and covers only your ceremony.
5. Bring at least one witness
At least one witness besides the officiant must be present and sign the license. Most couples bring two.
6. Say the words
There is no required script, but each of you has to declare, in front of the officiant and the witness, that you take the other as your spouse.
7. Sign and return the license
After the ceremony the couple, the witness or witnesses, and the officiant sign the license. The officiant returns it to the clerk who issued it, and the clerk sends your certificate of marriage registration.
Where an officiant earns their fee
The ceremony is the part everyone sees. The part that matters afterward is the license being completed correctly and returned on time. When I officiate, that paperwork is handled the same way I handle a closing package: checked twice and delivered.
I am an ordained minister and a registered officiant in New York City. See wedding officiant services or call or text (845) 237-4645 with your date.
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