How to Apply for a Wedding License in New York City
We’ve all seen photos and heard stories of beautiful weddings with flowers, smiles, and happy couples. What we don’t see is the process behind the wedding day: the calls with caterers, photographers, venue walk-throughs, and seating arrangements. And if legal marriage is your goal, there are a few important steps to take to before your wedding day. Whether you’re celebrating in a park, on a ferry, or in a historic ballroom, every couple must complete the same steps to make sure they have the proper paperwork.
COVID-19 UPDATE: For step-by-step instructions from the New York City Office of the City Clerk, visit the Project Cupid site where you can get your marriage license entirely online. The below instructions may not be up-to-date.
Step One: Start an application online. You can also go in person, but this will save you a lot of time at the City Clerk’s Office. (After submitting this application online, it’ll be good for 21 days. If you don’t complete the process within that time, you must re-submit the application.)
The application will ask you for the following information: your name; current address; city, state, ZIP code and country; country of birth; date of birth; name and country of birth of your parents; Social Security number; and marital history. This is required for all applicants.
Step Two: Find a time when you and your spouse can appear at the City Clerk’s office together, at the same time. Find a location that best fits you. (Note: you can also use a license obtained anywhere else in New York State for a wedding taking place in NYC.)
Step Three: Bring the necessary paperwork.
If you were previously in a marriage, you must bring the final divorce decree (or, if they are deceased, list their full name and date of death).
Proper identification, as listed here.
A blood test is not required.
Step Four: You will leave the City Clerk’s Office with a marriage license to be signed by your officiant at your ceremony. You must wait at least 24 hours, but no more than 60 days to use your license, or else you must start the process again.
Are you changing your name? You are not required to do this, but some elect it. Here are some good pointers to make the process easy.
Are you getting married in New York City but coming from outside the country? Be sure to check with your home country to make sure you know all the documentation you’ll need to bring back with you and you’ll know what to ask the City Clerk’s office when you apply for a license in person.
Have more questions about the process? Here is a general FAQ from the City Clerk's office.