How to Apply for a Marriage License in NYC: Step-by-Step Guide (Updated for 2026)

Getting married in New York City is exciting, but before your wedding day arrives, there is one required step you cannot skip: applying for a marriage license in NYC.

Whether you are planning a City Hall wedding, an elopement, or an intimate ceremony anywhere in the city, this guide explains exactly how to apply for a marriage license in New York City, step by step.

When to Apply for Your NYC Marriage License

You may apply for your NYC marriage license up to 60 days before your wedding date. All applications begin through Project Cupid, New York City’s official marriage license portal.

Through Project Cupid, you can choose either an in person appointment at a City Clerk’s office or a virtual appointment, depending on availability.

Marriage license appointments are released three weeks in advance, every Monday at 9:00 AM EST. Because appointment slots are limited, it is best to book as soon as availability opens.

Before your scheduled appointment, you will need to complete the online application with basic personal information for both partners, including full legal names, current address, and date of birth.

Step 1: Start Your Application Online

All couples must begin the process online through the New York City Clerk website.

You will complete a short form with basic information for both partners, including:

• Full legal names

• Dates of birth

• Places of birth

• Current addresses

After submitting the application, you will schedule an appointment to complete the process.

Step 2: Schedule an In Person Appointment

If you choose an in person appointment, you will visit one of the City Clerk’s Marriage Bureaus. There is one Marriage Bureau in each borough: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is the most commonly used location, especially for couples planning a City Hall wedding in Lower Manhattan.

Address:
141 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Closed daily from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM for lunch

If you choose a virtual person appointment you will attend a video appointment with the City Clerk. Both partners must be together and physically in New York State during the call.

Step 3: Bring the Required Identification

Each partner must bring one valid, government issued photo ID. Accepted forms include:

• Passport

• Driver’s license

• State issued ID

Original documents are required. Photocopies or expired IDs are not accepted.

Step 4: Pay the Marriage License Fee

The marriage license fee in New York City is $35. Payment is typically accepted by credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted.

Step 5: Observe the 24 Hour Waiting Period

After your marriage license is issued, New York State requires a 24 hour waiting period before the ceremony can take place. Once valid, the license may be used for up to 60 days.

Step 6: Get Married in New York State

A marriage license issued in New York City allows you to get married anywhere in New York State. As long as the ceremony takes place within the 60 day window, your license is valid regardless of the location.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do we need to live in New York to apply for a marriage license?

  No. Residency in New York is not required to apply for a marriage license in NYC.

• Can international couples apply for a marriage license in NYC?

  Yes. International couples can apply for a marriage license in NYC as long as they have valid government issued photo identification.

• Do we need witnesses for the marriage license appointment?

  No. Witnesses are not required when applying for the license. Witnesses are required during the ceremony itself.

• Can we apply on weekends?

  Yes. Weekend appointments are available but limited, and availability varies by borough.

• Do both partners need to be present at the appointment?

  Yes. Both partners must appear together in person to complete the marriage license appointment.

• How long does the appointment usually take?

  Marriage license appointments are typically short and straightforward, often taking around 10 to 15 minutes once you are called.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a marriage license in NYC is a simple and structured process when you know what to expect. Once this step is complete, you can focus on what actually matters: celebrating your day and being present with each other.

If you are planning a City Hall wedding or elopement in New York City and are looking for a photographer who knows the process, the timing, and how to navigate the day calmly and efficiently, I would love to document it for you. From quiet moments outside the courthouse to portraits around the city afterward, having someone who understands how Manhattan City Hall weddings unfold makes the experience feel easy and intentional.

You can also read my full guide on Manhattan City Hall weddings, where I walk through what the day is like, how long it takes, and the best nearby locations for photos after your ceremony.