Getting Married in New York City: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dreaming of a New York City wedding/elopement? This guide will walk you through the process, from getting your marriage license, to your ceremony, and everything in between. All of our elopement packages at New york dream weddings include ATTAINING the clerk’s office appointment for you the day before the wedding date, detailed guidance on what to expect and what to bring and processing the license after the ceremony.
First, you'll need to get a marriage license. The application process can be done online or in person at the Marriage Bureau in Manhattan. the marriage bureau is located in the new york City Clerk’s office ( 141 worth street ). The license costs $35 and is valid for 60 days anywhere in New York State.
Don't forget to bring proper ID! You will need to bring your passports, first page of your divorce papers ( if you’ve been married before ), the conformation number from the online wedding license APPLICATION, appointment confirmation number, and a debit or credit card. While you wait for your license, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Marriage Bureau.
Here are some additional tips:
Fill out the online wedding license APPLICATION a week or two before you come to new york. it’s much easier to fill it out at home where you have all the information at hand. it’s very basic questions and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to fill out. here is the link https://cityclerkforms.nyc.gov/cityclerkformsonline/
make your appointment online three weeks before the date you intend to head to the Clerks office. i suggest making the appointment for 8:30am so you can be the first one in and the first one out. arrive no later than 8:00am to be first in line. the line forms outside on the right side of the stairs.
head there a little earlier and grab a starbucks, it’s one block away located at 111 Worth street.
When you head inside, make sure to have your passports and appointment confirmation in hand to show the security person, they will check you off of a list and let you in.
once inside, you will go through security, then show your passports and online wedding license application number to a clerk, they will give you an A number and you will sit and wait until your number is called.
If you've been married before, you'll need to provide information about your previous marriage(s). the first page of your divorce papers with the names and date of divorce works!
it’s all straightforward from this point, they will go over your application with you, make sure it’s all correct, and have you pay the $35 fee.
You’re done! CONGRATULATIONS! you’re one step closer to wedded bliss!
After Obtaining Your Marriage License There's a 24-hour waiting period before you can have your wedding ceremony.
Two Options for Your Ceremony:
City Clerk's Office:
You can schedule a ceremony directly with the City Clerk's office. The ceremony fee is $25 and can be paid by credit card or money order. Ceremonies are held during business hours (8:30 am - 3:45 pm) in either the East or West Chapel.
Tips for a City Clerk Ceremony:
Avoid peak times like lunch hour, Valentine's Day, or easily remembered dates.
Bring your marriage license, valid ID, and at least one witness.
The ceremony is brief, typically lasting under 90 seconds.
You'll receive your marriage certificate after the ceremony.
Having your wedding outside the City Clerk’s office:
we have a team of incredible wedding officiants at new york dream weddings ready to create a custom wedding ceremony for you, INCORPORATING your love story and personal vows
you will both RECEIVE a QUESTIONER via email that you will fill out, the minister will then use that to create your custom CEREMONY.
take a look at all of our elopement packages and decide which one fits you and your needs.
decide where you would love to have your wedding ceremony and what time. ceremonies start at the BEGINNING of the hour and can be between 9am and 3pm. if you pick a package that includes a photo tour stopping at two additional locations, we suggest no later than 1pm to avoid rush hour traffic.
day of the week: we suggest having the wedding ceremony midweek due to the influx of tourists at all of the major iconic locations on the weekends. Tuesday, wednesday and THURSDAY are the best, friday is second best.
all inclusive Elopement packages
After the Ceremony:
1. The officiant will collect signatures from you, your witness, and themselves on the marriage license. If you do not have a witness, new york dream weddings will be your witness on the day.
2. New York dream weddings will handle returning the paperwork to the City Clerk's office for processing.
3. You'll receive your official marriage certificate by mail within 6-8 weeks of your wedding date.
4. If you prefer to get your wedding license right away, you can make an appointment on the New York City Clerk’s office website here https://clerkscheduler.cityofnewyork.us/s/RecordRoom to hand in your marriage CERTIFICATE and RECEIVE the wedding license right there and then. we can make the appointment for you at no additional charge, just let us know!
More Helpful Tips:
Transportation: The closest subway stations to the City Clerk's office are:
1. 4, 5, and 6 lines ("Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall" stop)
2. R line ("City Hall" stop)
3. 2 and 3 lines ("Park Place" stop)
6. Flowers: While there's a flower stand near the office, consider bringing your own bouquet for a more personal touch.
7. Facilities: Restrooms are available inside the City Clerk's office. They do not sell water or other beverages, so plan accordingly.
8. Marriage Mementos: The office sells "I got married in New York City" souvenirs.
9. When you’re all done, you can head outside and enjoy the rest of your day in new york. The clerks office is right in the heart of downtown, close to china town, little italy, wall street, battery park, freedom tower, and so much more!