New York State Marriage Laws 

Couples planning to tie the knot in New York, also known as The Empire State, must be at least 18 years of age and must provide proof of age by way of a birth certificate, baptismal record, naturalization record or census record when applying for a marriage license.  Proof of identity is also required and may be shown with a driver’s license, passport, employment photo ID or immigration card.  Both the bride and groom must be present at the time an application is submitted.  Neither blood nor medical tests are required, but there is a 24-hour waiting period.  If both the bride and groom are 16 years of age or older, the waiting period may be waived by a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court.  If either are under the age of 16, the waiting period can only be waived by a Family Court judge.  If either of the intended were previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree, proof of annulment or a copy of their former spouse’s death certificate must be provided. 

Individuals who are 16 or 17 years of age and wish to be married in the state of New York must have written consent from both parents when applying for a marriage license.  Anyone between the ages of 14 and 15 must have written consent from both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court.  In certain circumstances, such as one parent being deceased, declared incompetent, having been missing for one year or when one parent has been granted sole custody of the minor, the requirement that both parents provide consent may be waived.  New York does not permit those under the age of 14 to be married. 

The state of New York does not have any residential requirements, which means you can exchange vows even if you are not a resident of the state.  Vacationers, former residents and all others are free to tie the knot here.  Once granted, a marriage license is valid for 60 days.  Application and/or marriage license fees may vary by county, which means you must check with the local courthouse regarding the actual cost and acceptable payment methods.  The average cost is $40.00, and it is advisable that applicants have cash on hand in the event that credit cards are not accepted. 

Same sex marriage is not permitted in the state of New York.  Common law marriages, which are those that a state may acknowledge after a couple has lived together for a certain amount of time, are not recognized in the state.  A wedding can be officiated by an authorized member of the clergy or public official, including a mayor, judge, court justice, ordained clergyman or minister.  All couples are required to have at least one witness present at their wedding ceremony. 

Planning a wedding isn’t state law, but it certainly makes for a more memorable experience.  The official state flower, which is the rose, would be ideal for a bridal bouquet, wedding decorations, etc.  There are a number of tranquil locations, resorts and tourist destinations that would make New York a wonderful choice for an upcoming wedding. 

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only.  It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice.  Marriage laws and requirements can change, which means that you should check with your county courthouse regarding the application process for a marriage license, laws, fees and other requirements.

To obtain a copy of a New York state marriage certificate, send $30.00 to: Certification Unit

Vital Records Section, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602.  For marriage licenses issued in New York City, you must send $10.00 to the borough that issued the license and may do so by contacting the appropriate office below: 

Manhattan Borough:

Municipal Building

1 Centre St., Room 252 South

New York, NY 10007 

Bronx Borough:

Supreme Court Building

851 Grand Concourse

New York, NY 10451 

Brooklyn Borough:

Municipal Building

210 Joralemon St., 2nd Floor, Room 205

Brooklyn, NY 11201 

Queens Borough:

Borough Hall Building

120-55 Queens Blvd.

Kew Gardens, NY 11424 

Richmond Borough:

Borough Hall Building

10 Richmond Terrace, 3rd Floor, Room 311

Staten Island, NY 10301 

Code of New York

Chapter 14, Articles 1 and 2 provides information on New York marriage laws.