Follow these steps with full details linked below.
- Decide if a city hall wedding is right for you
- Set a date and book appointments
- Get your marriage license
- Have your ceremony
- Take fun photos around NYC!
Updated: APRIL 18, 2024
HOW TO GET MARRIED AT
NYC CITY HALL
By Kristy May, your favorite NYC elopement photographer
I love helping to demystify the process of getting married at the Marriage Bureau for my couples. Check out my videos on TikTok.
What's it like to marry at NYC City Hall?
VIDEO
Watch this video.
Why get married at NYC City Hall?
THE MARRIAGE BUREAU IS OPEN
WHEN TO GET MARRIED
it is easy, affordable, and fast
Getting married at NYC City Hall is a fairly simple process. You'll need identification like a passport or US drivers license, a completed application form and to pay $35 for the license. Once you have your license appointment, you only have to wait 24 hours before you can marry. The marriage bureau ceremonies are only $25.
get your marriage certificate right away
As opposed to having a ceremony with an officiant, you will be presented with your marriage certificate directly after your ceremony. Many couple don't mind the 4-6 week wait to have their certificate mailed to them. However, if you are an international couple needing an apostille or simply need this document fast, getting married at the marriage bureau solves this issue. If you still really want to marry somewhere else, like Central Park, you can make a records appointment while you are in NYC and have your license processed. You will be given your certificate in short and can purchase extended certificates for $35.
It is a unique experience
Eloping in a iconic destination like New York City is fun, totally customizable (save for the city hall ceremony) and generally an easy process. Your marriage record will forever be located in the archives of NYC. And that is super cool!
The Marriage Bureau Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, be aware of US holiday closings. If you prefer to marry outside of this schedule or on a holiday, you can hire an officiant to marry you.
you can get an appointment
Using the clerk's Project Cupid booking portal, you can make your license and ceremony appointments. NOTE: YOU MUST MAKE A LICENSE APPOINTMENT FIRST, OR HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN THE LICENSE, TO BOOK A CEREMONY. They are only available 3 weeks in advance. I made a handy release date chart to you can easily figure out when you preferred date will be released. Fridays and specific other times of the year are especially busy and you will want to grab an appointment when they are released to get the time you want. Appointments are also often cancelled so you can keep checking if you don't get your first choice.
check date
release chart
To get married anywhere in New York City, you first need to get a license at least 24 hours before you plan to hold the ceremony. You can make an appointment to do this in person at an NYC Marriage Bureau, or online (must be in NY state) via Project Cupid.
Appointments are released about 3 weeks before on Mondays at 9 am EST. The marriage license fee is $35 payable by credit card or money order. It is valid for 60 days (or 180 for active-duty military). For specific details, visit the clerk's website.
you need a NEW YORK MARRIAGE license
For virtual license appointments, you must be in NY state at the time of the appointment but not booking. They are released on Thursday mornings at 9am EST. They are for the 3rd week after the release. You need to make an account on Project Cupid before you can schedule.
NYC MARRIAGE License tips
- There is a judicial waiver option for same-day weddings. It is only offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and you need to have a good reason, such as that you are leaving town the next day, in order to get one. The clerk can provide instructions.
- If you can't get a license in NYC, you can use one issued in another area of NY state.
- Contact the clerk's office for emergencies. They will respond to DMs on X @nycclerk. (formerly Twitter)
VIRTUAL LICENSES
IN PERSON
In person license appointments are released on Mondays 9am EST 3 weeks in advance. Remember, you must get your license at least 24 hours before you can marry and no more than 60 days in advance. These don't go as fast as the ceremony appointments on Friday afternoons, but I'd try and book it as close to 9am as possible as they are usually all gone by the end of release day.
TIPS
IDs
1-2 Witnesses over 18, w/ID
NY State/NYC Marriage License
Ceremony Appointment
Rings (optional)
Bouquet (optional)
$25 fee, CC or money order payable to NYC Clerk
Checklist
The ceremony lasts less than 2 mins and is preformed by a clerk. You will be given your certificate in short form at the conclusion, as opposed to waiting 4-6 weeks if having an officiant perform the ceremony. The entire process has been taking about 30 mins-1 hour. I'd plan a bit more time on Friday afternoons, which are often fully booked.
That's how to elope in NYC! See my TikTok video showing the process.
If you need an extended certificate for an apostille, you can make a records appointment or order it through the mail.
All services are by appointment only. See Project Cupid to book and read the clerk's website for more info. Marriage Bureau Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday
Manhattan Office - City Clerk's Office
141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Closest subway stations are: 4/5/6 Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, N/Q/R/W Canal St, and A/C at Chambers St.
Brooklyn Office - Brooklyn Municipal Building
210 Joralemon St # 205, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Closest subway stations are: 2/3 Borough Hall, R Court Street and A/C/F at Jay Street/MetroTech
New York City's iconic Marriage Bureaus (aka, City Hall) are popular for wedding ceremonies for locals and couples from all over the United States and abroad. To book a ceremony, first book or complete a license appointment. You will need that confirmation number to book your ceremony. Appointments are released about 3 weeks before on Mondays at 9 am EST via Project Cupid and cost $25. In 2024, ceremony slots are easy to obtain IF booking near release time. Friday afternoons are usually the first to go.
On the day of your ceremony, you and up to four (4) guests over 12, including one or two witness(s) (18+) with ID, (and a limited number of children under 12) can enter. You need to arrive 15-30 mins before your scheduled ceremony time, more on Friday afternoons. After a security screening and check in with IDs, you will be given a number. After you both and your witness(s) sign the license and pay the fee, you will be asked to wait again. You will then be called by name into one of the two ceremony rooms.
AKA NYC Marriage bureau Wedding CEREMONY at the City Clerk's
Ceremony at NYC City Hall
If you love street art or the off beat, grungier side of NYC, this area is for you. Always different, but always offering lots of eye candy.
LES, Chinatown
05
The classic New York architecture of these nearby spots make it very clear where you got married. Also great for cold, rainy or windy days!
grand central & NYPL
04
Between Washington Square Park and the Hudson River lies this storied neighborhood best know for brownstones and historic charm. The High Line is also close.
West Village
03
With iconic bridges, arches, The Mall and the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park never disappoints. Rock climbing optional!
central park
02
You can't beat Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO's skyline of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Add murals, historic architecture and Jane's Carousel and you see why it tops my list.
DUMBO
01
locations
The Best Photo
If cobblestones and 19th and 20th converted manufacturing buildings is your jam, this area offers a unique landscape. And you won't be the only photo shoot.
Tribeca & Soho
07
Near the Manhattan Marriage Bureau lies City Hall Park & the gorgeous David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building. Not to mention the Brooklyn Bridge and vintage City Hall subway stop!
city hall area
06
Memorial Day - Monday, May 27th, 2024
Juneteenth National Independence Day - Wednesday June 19th, 2024
Independence Day - Thursday, July 4th, 2024
Labor Day - Monday, September 2nd, 2024
Columbus Day - Monday, October 14th, 2024
Election Day - Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
Veterans Day - Monday, November 11th, 2024
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 28th, 2024
Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25th, 2024
New Year's Day - Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday - Monday, January 20th, 2025
Washington's Birthday (President's Day) - Monday, February 17th, 2025
Memorial Day - Monday, May 26th, 2025
Juneteenth National Independence Day - Thursday June 19th, 2025
Independence Day - Friday, July 4th, 2025
Labor Day - Monday, September 1st, 2025
Columbus Day - Monday, October 13th, 2025
Election Day - Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Veterans Day - Tuesday, November 11th, 2025
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25th, 2025
NYC MARRIAGE BUREAU holiday closings
APOSTILLE INFO
If you'd like your NY Marriage Certificate recognized abroad, you may need an apostille. An apostille is an authentication of a public document as per the 1961 Hague Convention.
In order to get an apostille from the NY Secretary of State, you will first need to get an extended marriage certificate from the Marriage Bureau and have it certified by the NYC clerk.
Do you need an apostille?
Typical response time is
24-48 hours.
