A Guide to Marriage Licenses in NYC

It’s elopement time baby!

So you’ve decided on an NYC elopement (excellent choice). Before you pop champagne in DUMBO or strut the steps of the NYPL, there’s one little piece of admin you need: your marriage license.

Don’t sweat it! Getting one in NYC is easy. Here’s the step-by-step guide.

What is a marriage license (and do we need one)?

Great question. Short answer: yes. If you want your marriage to be legally recognized in NYC, you need a marriage license.

Think of it like a permit to marry. Getting the license doesn’t mean you’re already married, it just gives you the legal go-ahead. Once you’ve had your ceremony and the paperwork is filed, you’ll receive your marriage certificate in the mail. That’s the official proof you’re legally married.

💡 Want a symbolic ceremony only? Totally fine. In that case, you can skip the license and just focus on the celebration.

Step 1: Gather your paperwork

Before your appointment with the NYC Marriage Bureau (Office of the City Clerk), pull everything together so you’re not frantically digging through drawers.

You’ll each need valid photo ID (any one of these works):

• Driver’s license from any U.S. state
• IDNYC
• U.S. passport (or a valid foreign passport)
• U.S. permanent resident card
• Active U.S. military ID
• State-issued non-driver ID

If you’ve been married before: bring proof the marriage legally ended (divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate).

Step 2: Apply for your license

You’ve got two options: in person or online.

In person:

• No walk-ins. You must book an appointment via NYC Cupid.
• Offices are located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
• Fill out your paperwork online ahead of time (or at the office if you prefer).

Online / Virtual:

• Complete your marriage license application via City Clerk Online. The paperwork is available in several languages.
• Book a virtual appointment through NYC Cupid.
• Both partners must be in the same room during the call.
• Pro tip: if you’re applying before you physically arrive in NYC, turn on a VPN and say you’re “in NYC”. Otherwise, they won’t let you in the meeting.

Our suggestion:

Online is the quickest way, but there’s something kinda romantic and old school about going to the office together to put in your application… You can combine it with a celebratory dinner to kick off the celebrations!

Step 3: Pay the fee

The license costs $35 (credit card or money order made out to “City Clerk”).

Step 4: Wait 24 hours

You’ll get your license right away, but you legally can’t marry until 24 hours later.

• License validity: 60 days (180 if you’re active military)
• Pro tip: if you’re flying in for a weekend elopement, plan to get your license on day one.

Step 5: Do the damn thing. It’s time to elope!

Elope wherever feels right:

• In private from your epic hotel suite
• Say your vows at the Top of the Rock
• Or find a quiet place in Central Park
• Or any wild, wonderful NYC corner you love

Visiting from outta town? No worries, we’re happy to act as a witness on your behalf. Whatever crazy fun elopement idea you’re dreaming up, our team can make it happen!

Step 6: File the paperwork

Hopefully, you’ve now celebrated well into the night, hell, and into the next few days too, while the Eloping is Fun team takes care of the one final step in the marriage license process. After your ceremony, we (or your officiant) will send your signed license back to the City Clerk.

• You’ll receive your official marriage certificate by mail (usually 6–8 weeks).
• Need it faster? Bring it back to the Clerk’s office yourself for same-day processing.
• Lost it? No worries — you can always order a replacement.

This certificate will officially acknowledge your marriage throughout the U.S., not just in the state of New York. However, if you’re from overseas, your country might have additional requirements to verify an overseas marriage, so it’s always best to check ahead of time so you’re prepared. Your consulate or embassy will be able to advise.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you get your marriage license in New York?

You need, at an absolute minimum, to get your license at least 24 hours before your elopement. However, you have up to 60 days to use it, so go ahead and get it in advance.

Can you get married the same day you get your marriage license in New York?

Nope, the days of shotgun weddings are long gone. As mentioned above, all licenses come with a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, so you can’t get your license in the morning and then get married that evening.

How many witnesses do you need to get married in New York?

Just one! That person needs to be over 18, but it can be anyone — a family member, friend, or even your elopement photographer.

Can overseas tourists get a marriage license in NYC?

New York City is truly a city for everyone — and that applies to weddings too! You can elope in NYC, even if you’re just in the country on a tourist visa. However, as mentioned above, you’ll still need to meet all of the requirements to obtain the marriage license first, but the process is still super easy. 

Just note that if your legal government docs are in a language other than English, you may need to provide certified translated copies. We can help with that also.

Who turns in the wedding license to the city?

Normally your officiant will mail your certificate to the NYC marriage bureau for you. You will receive your official NYC marriage certificate at your home address in 6-8 weeks! Some couples want their license back ASAP for a variety of reasons, so you can choose to make another appointment with the clerk, bring your signed marriage license with you in person, and get your official marriage certificate back the same day.

Conclusion

There you go… NYC marriage License 101! As you can see, the process is really not overly complicated, and it’s just a small bit of admin before you get to the good stuff — your amazing elopement!

Forget months of wedding stress. Forget napkin colors and seating charts. All you need is your person, your license, and this city as your witness. We’ll take care of the rest.

If you have any questions about eloping in NYC, planning your awesome adventure, or the marriage license process, you know we’ve got your back. The legends at Eloping is Fun are always here to help!