Your Guide to Getting Legally Married in New York State: Everything You Need to Know

What You Legally Need to do in order to Get Married in New York State

Getting married in New York State is pretty standard, and no real hurdles need to be jumped through. Just a few logistics and paperwork. Now, let’s you get a marriage license! 

A couple should know that everything needs to be processed legally to have their marriage in New York State recognized. Specific procedures and requirements are necessary to comply. Today’s blog will guide you on lawfully getting married in New York State. 

WHO CAN LAWFULLY MARRY IN NEW YORK? Because marriage is considered a contract, it must meet some of the contract’s conditions. One of these is that the couple should be at least 18 years old and above. In addition, the couple must have the mental capacity to understand and enter into a contract. Finally, proof of age and identity is also required in order to obtain a marriage license. Like any other country, New York State also has some exclusions to marriage, such as; 

• A close blood relative, such as a mother or father, brother or sister, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew, is prohibited from marrying. 
• You can marry at the age of 16-17 in New York with your parents’ permission. If a court allows you clearance, you can marry at the age of 14-15. However, no one under the age of 14 can legally marry. 
• Gender does not matter since same-sex marriages are possible.
• You are not legally married if either of you is not yet legally divorced from a former spouse.

What do you need to do in order to prepare:

According to the Office of the City Clerk in New York City, you must first obtain the following documentation before applying for a marriage license: 

• Proper identification—Identification in the form of a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or U.S. resident’s card is accepted. 
• Confirmation, if necessary – a confirmation that your divorce is final or that your spouse has passed away if you were previously married. 
• Fill out a marriage application – a couple can complete their application online and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office, or you can do it in person at your scheduled appointment. 
• Pay the Fee – a marriage license costs $35 per couple.

If you want to fill it out online, remember that it will expire in 21 days, so come to the city clerk’s office as soon as possible. In New York City, a couple needs to pay the license fee when submitting their completed application. The couple can either pay with a credit card or a money order payable to the City Clerk. 

Unless a court permits you, the couple can marry immediately after receiving the license; or you must wait at least 24 hours after receiving it. Following the waiting period, you must appear before a church member or magistrate and proclaim your intention to marry. Only a few people can officiate your wedding ceremonies, such as a clergy member or minister of any religion, a village or city mayor, a state judge, or a friend or relative who is ordained.  A marriage license issued by the state of New York is valid for 60 days and can use anywhere in the state but outside of the state, is not possible to use. Now that you know how to get married in New York legally, we hope this blog is helpful for all our couples out there! And, if you need your wedding or elopement photographer, don’t forget to contact us!  Continue to follow us on Instagram!