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 on for a quick Q&A about 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. Once your visit is scheduled, you and your future spouse will have to show up at the City Clerk’s office together.
How much does it cost?
A marriage license costs $35. If you want to throw in a marriage ceremony at a City Clerk’s office or the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, that’s another $25. Note, though, that you’ll generally have to wait 24 hours after getting your license before you can exchange vows.
Where else can I have a wedding ceremony in NYC?
Plenty of places, including Top of the Rock, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse, to name just a few.
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.
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, Room 311, Staten Island, NY 10301 Regular Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–4pm
For more info, check out the City Clerk’s website.