The Marriage License

THE BASICS:
To obtain a marriage license in New York State couples must:
1) be at least 18 years of age (parental consent or permission of a judge is required between the 14th birthday and prior to the 18th birthday),
2) appear together in person at any town or city hall issuing a marriage license, and
3) be of the opposite sex.
Bring two forms of identification (at least one photo ID)

If either party has been previously married, proof of legal dissolution by death, divorce or legal annulment must be presented as evidence to the issuing town or city hall; these include:
1) a death certificate,
2) a divorce decree, or
3) papers of annulment.

How many witnesses are required? Is there a minimal age?
Only one witness is required. Most couples use two, their Best Man and Maid of Honor. There is no minimum age set by law. It is assumed that a competent individual has been chosen; one who could testify with an understanding of what had occurred. Using children from a previous relationship is a common practice.
Neither blood tests nor physical examinations are required in New York.

What constitutes a marriage ceremony?
Article 3 Section 11 of Domestic Relations Law specifically states those who are empowered to solemnize a marriage: “1) A clergyman or minister of any religion..., 2) A mayor..., or 3) A justice or judge of a court of record.” (Not recognized are mail-order clergy, e.g. Universal Life Church, or a ship's captain.)
Once issued, a marriage license is valid for 60 days excluding the first 24 hours. (A Family Court Judge may waive the 24 hour waiting period. Ask the Town Clerk for details.)
Article 3 Section 12 of Domestic Relations Law states, “No particular form or ceremony is required ...but the parties must solemnly declare in the presence of a clergyman...and the attending witness...that they take each other as husband and wife. In every case, at least one witness beside the clergyman must be present.”

For DETAILED infomation go to NYS MARRIAGE LAWS

LICENSE BUREAUS in the 5 boroughs and Long Island.


THE BASICS: To obtain a marriage license in New York State couples must: 1) be at least 18 years of age (parental consent or permission of a judge is required between the 14th birthday and prior to the 18th birthday), 2) appear together in person at any town or city hall issuing a marriage license, and 3) be of the opposite sex. Bring two forms of identification (at least one photo ID) If either party has been previously married, proof of legal dissolution by death, divorce or legal annulment must be presented as evidence to the issuing town or city hall; these include: 1) a death certificate, 2) a divorce decree, or 3) papers of annulment. How many witnesses are required? Is there a minimal age? Only one witness is required. Most couples use two, their Best Man and Maid of Honor. There is no minimum age set by law. It is assumed that a competent individual has been chosen; one who could testify with an understanding of what had occurred. Using children from a previous relationship is a common practice. Neither blood tests nor physical examinations are required in New York. What constitutes a marriage ceremony? Article 3 Section 11 of Domestic Relations Law specifically states those who are empowered to solemnize a marriage: “1) A clergyman or minister of any religion..., 2) A mayor..., or 3) A justice or judge of a court of record.” (Not recognized are mail-order clergy, e.g. Universal Life Church, or a ship's captain.) Once issued, a marriage license is valid for 60 days excluding the first 24 hours. (A Family Court Judge may waive the 24 hour waiting period. Ask the Town Clerk for details.) Article 3 Section 12 of Domestic Relations Law states, “No particular form or ceremony is required ...but the parties must solemnly declare in the presence of a clergyman...and the attending witness...that they take each other as husband and wife. In every case, at least one witness beside the clergyman must be present.” For DETAILED infomation go to NYS MARRIAGE LAWS LICENSE BUREAUS in the 5 boroughs and Long Island.
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Non-Denominational Waterfront Chapel The Rev. Dr. David Adamovich Ordained, Registered Minister -- Legal Marriage Officiant -- 876 Guy Lombardo Ave. Freeport, NY 11520 (516) 546- 1425