How to Apply for a Marriage License in NYC: Step-by-Step Guide (Updated for 2025)

Margaryta Bushkin
3 days ago
4 min read

Getting married in New York City? Congratulations! 🎉 Before you say “I do” in the Big Apple, there’s one legal step you absolutely can’t skip: applying for a marriage license. Whether you’re planning a romantic City Hall elopement, an intimate rooftop ceremony, or a grand celebration in Brooklyn, you need a marriage license to make it official.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in NYC—from what it is and where to get it, to costs, timelines, and even how to request a waiver if you’re short on time.

Step-by-step guide to applying for a marriage license in New York City, featuring a stylish couple at City Hall

What is a Marriage License and Why Do You Need It?

A marriage license is a legal document issued by the City Clerk that authorizes you and your partner to get married. Without it, your marriage isn’t legally valid in New York State.

In NYC:

A marriage license is valid for 60 days (or 180 days for active military).
You cannot use an NYC-issued license to marry outside New York State.
You must be 18 or older to apply for a marriage license in the US.

When to Apply for Your NYC Marriage License

You can apply for your marriage license no more than 60 days before your wedding date. The easiest way to start is through Project Cupid, NYC’s official marriage license portal. There, you can choose between an in-person appointment at a City Clerk’s Office or a virtual appointment.

Appointments open up three weeks in advance, every Monday at 9 AM EST, so mark your calendar and book early—these slots go fast!

Before your appointment, you’ll need to complete the online application form with your personal details, like your names, address, and date of birth.

Where to Get Your Marriage License in NYC

If you choose an in-person appointment, you’ll head to one of the City Clerk’s Marriage Bureaus. There’s one in each borough—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is located at:

📍 141 Worth Street, New York, NY

🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM (closed 11.45 PM – 1 PM for lunch)

Pro tip: Fridays and right after opening hours are the busiest times, so if possible, aim for an early weekday slot for a quicker experience.

For virtual appointments, you’ll log in via the video link sent by Project Cupid at your scheduled time. Both partners must be physically together in New York State during this virtual meeting.

What to Bring to Your Marriage License Appointment

Both of you need:

✔ A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or another accepted form of ID that shows your name, photo, date of birth, and address).

✔ Your completed online application (Project Cupid will have it on file).

✔ If previously married: bring info about your prior marriage (date, location, and finalization of divorce or spouse’s death).

A stylish couple at City Hall waiting for their ceremony

Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License in NYC

Head to Project Cupid to fill out your marriage license application. This collects basic details like your full names, addresses, and previous marital status.

Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment

You can apply for your NYC marriage license in two ways:

In-Person: Visit one of the five NYC Marriage Bureau locations (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island).
Virtual: Attend a video appointment with the City Clerk. Both partners must be together and physically in New York State during the call.

Tip: Appointments open three weeks in advance on Mondays at 9 AM EST, and they go fast.

Step 3: Go to Your Appointment

Whether you’re applying in person or virtually, both partners must be present.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, IDNYC, etc.)
$35 payment (credit card or money order only, cash is not accepted)

You’ll receive your license immediately after your appointment.

Step 4: Wait 24 Hours (Unless You Get a Waiver)

By law, you must wait 24 hours after receiving your marriage license before you can have your ceremony.

Need to get married sooner? You can request a Judicial Waiver from a New York State Supreme Court Judge or County Judge. These waivers are typically granted only for emergencies, but it's worth asking if that's your case.

What Happens After the Ceremony?

Once your ceremony is complete, you, your partner, your officiant, and any required witnesses will sign the marriage license. Here’s what happens next:

If Your Ceremony Was Outside City Hall

Your officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the same City Clerk’s office that issued it. They must do this within 5 business days. After it’s processed, the Marriage Certificate (your legal proof of marriage) will be mailed to you—typically within 20 days.

If You Get Married at NYC City Hall

Good news! If your wedding ceremony takes place at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau or any NYC City Clerk’s office, you’ll receive your Marriage Certificate the same day right after your ceremony. No waiting for the mail!

Quick Note: Your marriage license and marriage certificate are not the same thing.

The license authorizes you to get married.
The certificate is proof that you are legally married.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Marriage Licenses

How long does it take to get a marriage license in NYC?

Once you complete your appointment (in-person or virtual), you’ll receive your marriage license immediately.

How long is an NYC marriage license valid?

Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

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

No, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after receiving your license before you can legally marry.

Can the marriage license 24-hour waiting period be waived?

Yes! You can request a Judicial Waiver from a New York State Supreme Court Judge or County Judge. These waivers are typically granted only for emergencies (such as deployment).