Getting your NYC marriage license is an exciting milestone in your wedding journey. Thanks to the convenience of online scheduling, the process has never been easier. As your trusted NYC officiant, I’m here to guide you through every step. Before heading to the City Clerk’s office, I’ll walk you through all the details to ensure you're fully prepared!
If you found this guide helpful and you are ready to start planning your wedding, I would love to be part of your special day as your officiant! Let’s connect and make your ceremony as unique and memorable as your love story. Contact me here to get started!
To begin the process, you will need to schedule your interview appointment. Please note that the City Clerk now requires all couples to schedule appointments in advance. Walk-ins are no longer allowed.
You can choose between in-person or virtual interview options. New appointments are released every Monday at 9 AM EST for in-person sessions and every Thursday at 9 AM EST for virtual sessions. If you are traveling from out of town, be sure to schedule the interview while you're physically in New York.
Scheduling an in-person interview is easy. After completing the online application, visit the City Clerk’s website every Monday at 9 AM EST to book your appointment. Secure your in-person interview here.
Virtual interviews require a few additional steps. You will need to create an account with Project Cupid, upload your official photo IDs (and divorce decrees, if applicable), and answer a few verification questions. After verification, you will need to pay the marriage license fee before booking your interview. Once the payment is processed, you can schedule your virtual interview every Thursday at 9 AM EST. Book your virtual interview here.
Once you have secured your interview appointment, it's time to complete the online marriage license application. The application is quick and easy to fill out, but be sure to gather all the necessary personal details for both spouses, including dates of separation if either person has been previously married. After you submit the application, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Make sure to keep it handy.
Important: The application is valid for 21 days, so plan accordingly. Your interview must be scheduled before the application expires. The marriage license itself is valid for 60 days, giving you flexibility on when to marry after obtaining your license. Start your application here.
The City Clerk’s office will send you specific instructions for your interview, whether it’s virtual or in-person. Be sure to bring the following documents:
Once your interview is complete, you will receive your official NYC marriage license. The process is straightforward, and you are now one step closer to saying "I do!" While it involves a few detailed steps, the journey to obtaining your marriage license is simple when you follow these guidelines.
Yes, before this New York City officiant can make it official. You must wait a minimum of 24 hours after obtaining your marriage license before you can have your wedding. Once the 24 hours have passed, let’s get you two hitched! Now, as with all things, there is an exception to this rule, and that’s if you have a Judicial Waiver. But that’s a whole other set of paperwork. So, unless it’s essential, we’d encourage you to enjoy an extra 24 hours in the city!
After helping hundreds of couples get married, I have many resources and recommendations to help make all your planning easier. I make it my mission to keep in the good books of some of NYC’s best vendors and give you the inside scoop on awesome suppliers to choose. And if you really believe in the power of love, then you’ll definitely want that working for you on your wedding day. My husband, a highly sought after wedding & elopement photographer, and I work on many weddings together. Take a look at his work at www.saschareinking.com to see if hiring your New York City officiant and photographer as a team might be a better option for you.
Also, check out – and subscribe to – our YouTube Channel where we walk you through the license application process. Plus, a host of ideas and inspiration for all-things getting married in New York City. Are you ready for it?
What if the person who married you, on your most memorable day, in the best city in the world was a mix of your best friend or sister, a shoulder to lean on, a kick-ass professional, and on top of that…hilarious? Wouldn’t that be ‘off the hook’ amazing?!
“So this is love. So this is what makes life divine.”
—Cinderella
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jackie@jackiereinking.com
New York City Wedding Officiant & Elopement Celebrant
Serving couples with personalized, unforgettable wedding ceremonies and elopements in New York City and beyond.
+1.646.456.4555
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