How to Elope in NYC: Legalities + More
Photographer: Agaton Strom | Location: Gapstow Bridge, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
New York City is one of the world’s greatest destination wedding locations for a reason. This city is perfect for adventurous, non-traditional couples who long for an NYC elopement that feels as iconic as this concrete jungle!
Planning a NYC elopement? Review these 5 tips to make your NYC wedding dreams, an unforgettable reality!
1. Get Your NYC Marriage License
An NYC marriage license costs $35 and is valid after 24-hours and for 60 days. You’ll need to complete an online application and schedule your appointment through Project Cupid. REVIEW these step-by-step instructions and guidelines to legally get your marriage license in NYC.
2. Get a Park Permit
While not required, many couples who are getting married during peak wedding season (i.e. spring and fall) in popular locations, like Ladies Pavilion in Central Park, will feel at ease having a park permit for their specified date/time. Peace of mind is everything so even if it’s just you two, consider obtaining a park permit. For guidance in retrieving your park permit, CLICK HERE.
3. Hire a Legally Registered NYC Wedding Officiant
In order to be considered OFFICIALLY married, you must choose a wedding officiant who is legally registered with the City of New York. As legally registered, bilingual NYC wedding officiants with over a decade of experience, we will joyfully officiate a meaningful wedding ceremony that genuinely reflects YOU. Our City Hall ceremony experience would be the best fit for you!
If you decide that you’d rather a friend or family member officiate but they didn’t obtain their one-day officiant license in time - give us a call! We’ll square away all the legal bits on your behalf.
4. Choose a Talented NYC Photographer
If you’re getting married in the most iconic city in the world, you’ll want photographic proof that it happened! TRUST. Choose a talented photographer who fits your vision and energy and knows the city well! They will become your very own personal tour guide and wedding documentarian. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable in front of the lens and captures the joyful memories of your epic NYC wedding day.
5. Receive Your Marriage Certificate
As legally registered NYC wedding officiants, we will accurately complete and submit your marriage license to the appropriate City Clerk’s Office. There are five in the city of New York, with the most popular one being the Manhattan location on Worth Street.
You’ll receive a short-form marriage certificate after 4-8 weeks. Depending on the time of year, you may receive your marriage certificate sooner (summer/winter months) or later (spring/fall months). Your marriage certificate is the documented proof that you are legally married and is necessary for taxes, immigration paperwork, healthcare updates, name changes, and all kinds of adulting documentation.
If you’re an international couple who chose to get married in NYC, you may need to get your extended marriage certificate also known as an apostilled marriage certificate. You can begin the process during your NYC trip and submit your marriage license yourselves with a scheduled in-person visit to the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office. Or you can obtain your extended marriage certificate in the mail. In both cases, we’re here to support you!
Photo: Diana Scarrunz
Let’s Elope in NYC
As die-hard New Yorkers and bilingual wedding officiants, we are honored to celebrate your love story in our beloved city! Whether you choose to elope on the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, at a Midtown rooftop during sunset, or in your own backyard in one of the outer boroughs, we are here to guide you, support you, celebrate you, and uplift you so that your wedding ceremony becomes a joyful core memory you’ll love reliving!