Applying for a Marriage License

You can apply for a marriage license both online and in person within New York City. If you apply online, you are still required to go to the City Clerk’s Office together with your spouse with valid forms of identification and a copy of any final divorce decrees from previous marriages if applicable. Online marriage applications are valid for 21 days, so you must make it to the City Clerk’s Office within that time, otherwise a new application will have to be submitted.

Town and City Clerk’s Offices outside of New York City hours of operations vary. Their acceptable forms of identification may also vary so please check with your local town and City Clerk Office for further information.
Within New York City there is a City Clerk Office in every borough that issues marriage licenses. They are Not open on weekends and holidays.
Immediately after the wedding ceremony you will not receive your marriage certificate. The wedding officiant will file the completed paperwork with the City and within two weeks the City will mail the certificate to you. However, if the certificate is needed sooner, please discuss it with the City Clerk upon applying for the license.

Obtaining a Marriage License NYC

In New York State, a marriage license is valid for 60 days. There is a mandatory waiting period of 1 day between the time it is issued and when the ceremony can be legally held. Marriage licenses are issued by a Town or City Clerk on behalf of New York State. Licenses obtained in New York City currently cost $35 and outside the five boroughs is $40.
Please note, in order for your marriage to be legal you must have a ceremony with 1 witness at least 18 years old and a New York City registered Wedding Officiant must be present and sign off on the documentations and later file them with the city within 3 days.