In person ceremonies are restricted to the couple, one witness (18+) in addition to up to 3 guests over 12 (and a limited number of children under 12 can attend).

New York City's iconic Marriage Bureaus (aka, City Hall) are popular wedding ceremony destinations for locals and couples from all over the world.  Appointments are only available to book about 3 weeks in advance. on weekdays. Avoid holidays and plan to take the subway or get dropped off farther away starting mid- April any day when Donald Trump is present at his trial at 100 Center St. The trial is suppose to last 6 weeks and will cause street closures and traffic in the Manhattan Marriage Bureau area, learn more here.

Follow these steps with full details linked below.

1. Book and obtain a marriage license
2. Book a ceremony appointment (book license appointment first)
3. Bring your license, IDs, $25 money order or credit card, and 1-2 witnesses over 18 with ID to the ceremony
4. Depart the marriage bureau with your marriage certificate. Congrats!
5. Take fun photos around NYC!



Updated: March 15, 2024

HOW TO GET MARRIED AT
NYC CITY HALL

check date release chart

To get married anywhere in New York City, you first need to get a license at least 24 hours before you plan to hold the ceremony. You can make an appointment to do this in person at an NYC Marriage Bureau, or online (must be in NY state) via Project Cupid.

Appointments are released about 3 weeks before on Mondays at 9 am EST. The marriage license fee is $35 payable by credit card or money order. It is valid for 60 days (or 180 for active-duty military). For specific details, visit the clerk's website.

you need a license

For virtual license appointments, you must be in NY state at the time of the appointment but not booking. They are released on Thursday mornings at 9am EST. They are for the 3rd week after the release. You need to make an account on Project Cupid before you can schedule. 

In person license appointments are released on Mondays 9am EST 3 weeks in advance. Remember, you must get your license at least 24 hours before you can marry and no more than 60 days in advance. These don't go as fast as the ceremony appointments on Friday afternoons, but I'd try and book it as close to 9am as possible as they are usually all gone by the end of release day. 

If you can't get a license in NYC, you can use one issued in another area of NY state. 

There is a judicial waiver option for same-day weddings. It is only offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and you need to have a good reason, such as that you are leaving town the next day, in order to get one. The clerk can provide instructions.

Contact the clerk's office for emergencies. They will respond to DMs on X @nycclerk. (formerly Twitter)

License tips

IDs
1-2 Witnesses over 18, w/ID
NY State/NYC Marriage License
Ceremony Appointment
Rings (optional)
Bouquet (optional)
$25 fee, CC or money order payable to NYC Clerk

Checklist 

The ceremony (just like this, no vows allowed but you can exchange rings) lasts less than 2 mins and is preformed by a clerk. You will be given your certificate in short form at the conclusion, as opposed to waiting 4-6 weeks if having an officiant perform the ceremony. The entire process has been taking about 30 mins-1 hour. 

That's how to elope in NYC!  See my TikTok video showing the process.

If you need an extended certificate for an apostille, you can make a records appointment or order it through the mail. 

All services are by appointment only. See Project Cupid to book and read the clerk's website for more info. Marriage Bureau Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday 

Manhattan Office - City Clerk's Office
141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Closest subway stations are: 4/5/6 Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, N/Q/R/W Canal St, and A/C at Chambers St.

Brooklyn Office - Brooklyn Municipal Building
210 Joralemon St # 205, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Closest subway stations are: 2/3 Borough Hall, R Court Street and A/C/F at Jay Street/MetroTech


New York City's iconic Marriage Bureaus (aka, City Hall) are popular for wedding ceremonies for locals and couples from all over the United States and abroad. To book a  ceremony, first book or complete a license appointment. You will need that confirmation number to book your ceremony.  Appointments are released about 3 weeks before on Mondays at 9 am EST via Project Cupid and cost $25. In 2024, ceremony slots are easy to obtain IF booking near release time. Friday afternoons are usually the first to go.

On the day of your ceremony, you and up to four (4) guests over 12, including one or two witness(s) (18+) with ID, (and a limited number of children under 12) can enter. You need to arrive 15-30 mins before your scheduled ceremony time, more on Friday afternoons.  After a security screening and check in with IDs, you will be given a number. After you both and your witness(s) sign the license and pay the fee, you will be asked to wait again. You will then be called by name into one of the two ceremony rooms. 

AKA Marriage bureau Wedding

NYC City Hall
Ceremony

Washington's Birthday (President's Day) - Monday, February 19th, 2024
Memorial Day - Monday, May 27th, 2024
Juneteenth National Independence Day - Wednesday June 19th, 2024
Independence Day - Thursday, July 4th, 2024
Labor Day - Monday, September 2nd, 2024
Columbus Day - Monday, October 14th, 2024
Election Day - Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
Veterans Day - Monday, November 11th, 2024
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 28th, 2024
Christmas Day - Wednesday, December 25th, 2024

New Year's Day - Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday - Monday, January 20th, 2025
Washington's Birthday (President's Day) - Monday, February 17th, 2025
Memorial Day - Monday, May 26th, 2025
Juneteenth National Independence Day - Thursday June 19th, 2025
Independence Day - Friday, July 4th, 2025
Labor Day - Monday, September 1st, 2025
Columbus Day - Monday, October 13th, 2025
Election Day - Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Veterans Day - Tuesday, November 11th, 2025
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25th, 2025 



NYC City Hall holiday closings

learn more here

Consult with your specific country to see what is required to honor a New York marriage certificate. By default, certificates are issued in short form which excludes some information.

You may need an extended certificate which can be apostilled by the NY Secretary of State. 

international INFO

If you love street art or the off beat, grungier side of NYC, this area is for you. Always different, but always offering lots of eye candy.

LES, Chinatown

05

The classic New York architecture of these nearby spots make it very clear where you got married. Also great for cold, rainy or windy days!

grand central & NYPL

04

Between Washington Square Park and the Hudson River lies this storied neighborhood best know for brownstones and historic charm. The High Line is also close. 

West Village

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With iconic bridges, arches, The Mall and the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park never disappoints. Rock climbing optional!

central park

02

You can't beat Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO's skyline of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Add murals, historic architecture and Jane's Carousel and you see why it tops my list.

DUMBO

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locations

The Best Photo

If cobblestones and 19th and 20th converted manufacturing buildings is your jam, this area offers a unique landscape. And you won't be the only photo shoot.

Tribeca & Soho

07

Near the Manhattan Marriage Bureau lies City Hall Park & the gorgeous David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building. Not to mention the Brooklyn Bridge and vintage City Hall subway stop!   

city hall area

06

Other inquiries, please email us at kristy (at) kristymay.com
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