Weddings
New York City is among the world’s most exciting and romantic places, so it’s a natural spot to tie the knot. Read these. FAQ bout how to get hitched in the five boroughs.
Can same-sex couples get married in New York City?
You bet. Same-sex marriage has been legal in New York since the Marriage Equality Act went into effect June 24, 2011. The City Clerk’s office began to issue marriage licenses and perform civil marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples a month later, on July 24, 2011. (In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled bans on same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional, making it legal for same-sex couples to marry in all US states.)
How do I get a marriage license?
The first thing you should do is submit an online application at the City Clerk’s website. After that, you’ll get a confirmation email that you can bring with you to complete the application in person—appointments are required for this step. After your appointment is scheduled, you and your future spouse will have to show up at the City Clerk’s office together. Once you have the license, you need to wait at least 24 hours—and no longer than 60 days (180 if you are active military personnel)—before you exchange vows.
How much does it cost?
A marriage license costs $35. If you’d like to have your ceremony at a City Clerk’s office (in any of the boroughs), it’s an additional $25.
Where else can I have a wedding ceremony in NYC?
Plenty of places, including popular sights like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse, to name just a couple. The City’s entire parks system is a good place to start if you’re looking for somewhere outdoors, but there are also plenty of restaurants, religious institutions and dedicated event venues across NYC to consider as options.
Who can perform the ceremony?
Thanks to a new law enacted for 2023, anyone 18 and over can apply for a one-day license to be a wedding officiant in NYC. For more information on becoming an officiant, visit the City Clerk website.
The City Clerk has offices in all five boroughs:
Manhattan Office: 141 Worth St., New York, NY 10013 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–3:45pm
Bronx Office: Supreme Court Building, 851 Grand Concourse, Room B131, Bronx, NY 10451 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–4pm
Brooklyn Office: Brooklyn Municipal Building, 210 Joralemon St., Room 205, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–4pm
Queens Office: Borough Hall Building, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Ground fl., Room G-100, Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–3:45pm
Staten Island Office: Borough Hall Building, 10 Richmond Terrace (enter at intersection of Hyatt Street and Stuyvesant Place), Room 311, Staten Island, NY 10301 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–4pm
For more info, check out the City Clerk’s website.