New York State Marriage License FAQ

Q. Who obtains the marriage license?
A. It’s the responsibility of the couple getting married to obtain a New York State marriage license. You both will need to apply for the license in person.

Q. Where do you get a marriage license?
A. At any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the town or city clerk.

Q. How long is a marriage license valid?
A. A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued. There’s also a waiting period of 24 hours. This means you can’t wait until your wedding day to obtain the license!

Q. What is the fee for a marriage license?
A. A marriage license in NYS costs $40.

Q. What does the couple do with the license?
A. The couple brings the completed marriage license to the ceremony and gives it to the wedding officiant (me).

Q. What happens then?
A. After the ceremony is completed, the wedding officiant (me) fills out and signs the remaining portion of the license.

The license will also be signed by two witnesses who have attended the ceremony and are at least 18 years old.

After the ceremony, it is my responsibility as the wedding officiant to return the license to the town or city clerk’s office that issued it.

Once received, the issuing office will mail you a Certificate of Marriage Registration within 15 days. This certificate serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file.

More information: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/