What to Do in NYC When Picking Up Your NYC Marriage License
Photo + Content Creation: All The Love NYC | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
Whether NYC is your dream destination wedding location or you live in one of our five bustling boroughs, you’ll need to obtain your NYC marriage license to be legally wed. Learn more about obtaining your Marriage License in NYC via Project Cupid HERE.
If you are scheduling your marriage license appointment for the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office, we highly recommend that you make a date out of it! Not only is the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office the most popular location to obtain an NYC marriage license. It’s also centrally located near fun NYC neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita, and SoHo. It’s also steps away from the Brooklyn Bridge, which will lead you all the way to Dumbo.
WHY A MARRIAGE LICENSE DATE?
As bilingual NYC wedding officiants who specialize in fun, personalized wedding ceremonies, we know that wedding planning can oftentimes be overwhelming and stressful. All of which can lead to couples finding it difficult to feel connected throughout the wedding planning journey. With so much on the to-do list and so little time, it’s essential to remember what’s important.
Obtaining your NYC marriage license at the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office gives you an opportunity to create a memorable day date that gets you excited about your wedding day while crossing off an important item off that lengthy to-do list.
If you live locally then chances are, you have to take time off to visit the City Clerk’s Office (open Mondays to Fridays except for government holidays), so you might as well frolic around the city that you likely don’t get to explore as often as you’d like. If you’re visiting from abroad, this is your time to lean into your adventurous side and see where the road takes you!
Because of the City Clerk’s Office central location, we recommend you check out these spots:
Chinatown
Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream
If you’re a pancake lover, you MUST get the souffle pancakes. It is a 30-minute wait and more of an order-to-go spot with limited bench seating, so that’s something to consider. But that also means you can order, work up an appetite as you wander around, maybe pick up some cannolis for later, and then indulge on some delicious pancakes. They also serve the most Instagrammable ice creams, which I hear are just as scrumptious.
This intimate wine bar is a bit of an oasis from the bustle of Chinatown and a must for couples who have an afternoon appointment at the City Clerk’s Office. While it’s best to make a reservation, they do accept walk-ins and food comes out quickly. While we’re not wine connoisseurs ourselves, we hear great things about their tasteful pairings.
This Thai restaurant is one of many tasty affordable lunch spots. The garlic rice and fried chicken lunch meal are tasty and good to share, especially if you decide to try a few different places.
This affordable hole-in-the-wall dumpling spot will hit the spot! Trust. Especially if you are dumpling lovers or craving dumplings.
If you love dim sum, hit this joint up! Their soups and noodles are tasty too.
If you’re into K-beauty, hit this place up! It’s the niche version of Ulta or Sephora and, in my opinion, even better! If you want to do a bit of shopping, outside of Soho, visit Senti Senti for your skincare needs.
This historic street is lined with restaurants and shops that you’ll walk through as you visit the other gems on this list. Take pics!
Eliz Digital
We heard about Eliz Digital on Instagram but haven’t checked it out yet. The owner is famed for taking the most flattering passport photos around. While we don’t need to renew our passport photos just yet, we had to add this local treasure to the list for anyone wanting to level up their passport lewk.
This cute antique store has surprises everywhere you turn. This is one of those spots where you can get a unique non-souvenir souvenir.
Little Italy
If you enjoy intimate museums, you may enjoy this museum which documents Italian American history and heritage.
The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
For those who enjoy visiting historical churches, you may want to visit or even schedule a catacombs by candlelight tour.
If you’re a fan of murals, visit the works from Little Italy Street Art Project including this one.
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe for pastries (best gelato)
Ferrara is America’s first patisserie and espresso bar, first opened in 1892 and after five generations, they’re baking classic Italian desserts. Cannolis are the most popular.
This fourth generation family-owned Italian shop is known for its meats and cheeses. If you’re visiting during the spring, summer, or fall - this is a great place to pick-up fresh ingredients for a spontaneous picnic in the city.
Enjoy cannolis and hot chocolate in the winter and gelato in the summer at this well known cafe that opened in 1973.
Lombardi’s is famed for being America’s first pizzeria; opened in 1905, it’s credited with inspiring New York style pizza.
This historic street is lined with restaurants and shops that you’ll walk through as you visit the other gems on this list. With roots in mob lore, this street also hosts the annual Feast of San Gennaro Festival held every September.
Dumbo
If you choose to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find yourselves in DUMBO.
This nostalgic waterfront carousel has unforgettable views of the NYC skyline, as well as the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. It’s $3 per ticket and even if you don’t ride the carousel, you’ll enjoy the sights.
This waterfront ice cream shop is located in a former fireboat station and has many delicious flavors to choose from. They also offer vegan options. It’s wildly popular in the summer months with long, fast-moving lines so definitely take advantage of this treasure during the off seasons.
The restaurant options are many, the vibes are casual, and the rooftop has unbeatable views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Juliana’s and Grimaldi’s
These pizza spots are right next to each other. There are long lines at both during the warmer months so don’t be surprised when you pull up.