Members from our WhatsApp community have inquired about how to get married in New York City. Migrant members of the LGBTQI+ community have mentioned that same-sex marriage is banned in their country, while others are seeking to get married as a way to celebrate their love after a difficult journey to the United States.
In New York City, anyone can get married, regardless of immigration status, so long as they can provide the necessary documentation. Here is what you need to know.
Also Read: A Marriage Story: NYC Nonprofit Plans Weddings For Asylum Seekers
In short:
- You need a marriage license to get married in New York City.
- The cost for a marriage license is $35, and it can be obtained online or in person through nyc.gov/cupid.
- At least 24 hours after you have your marriage license, you can schedule a wedding ceremony. The ceremony costs $25.
- You can also conduct your own ceremony with a licensed officiant.
What is a marriage license?
In New York City, couples who intend to marry must apply for a marriage license at any of the city clerk offices in the five boroughs. The cost for the marriage license is $35 and it can be obtained in person or virtually after scheduling an appointment through nyc.gov/cupid
To apply in person, both parties must be present to sign and complete the application.
To apply virtually, the couple will need to verify their identity by providing the necessary documents and answering additional personal questions. This also requires making an appointment with the City Clerk to review the application. The marriage license is provided immediately after the verification is completed and the payment is submitted.
The list of acceptable documents to verify your identity can be found here.
What is the marriage ceremony?
The marriage ceremony is the second step to getting married in New York City. With the marriage license in hand, there is a window of at least 24 hours and at most 60 days after you obtain the license to host the ceremony.
There are no specific requirements for having a ceremony, except for the presence of a marriage officiant registered with the Office of the City Clerk and a witness.
You can also have the in-person marriage ceremony at one of the five City Clerk locations in New York City, which requires an appointment and costs $25.
To schedule an appointment, visit nyc.gov/cupid.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, the newlyweds, the witness, and the officiant are required to sign the marriage license and mail it to the Manhattan Office of the City Clerk within five business days of the ceremony for official recording.
Also Read: IDNYC– Municipal Identification for NYC residents
