How to Schedule and Complete Your NYC Marriage Ceremony Appointment

What happens at a marriage ceremony appointment in New York City

A marriage ceremony appointment is when you and your partner go to a city clerk's office to have an official marry you. The ceremony itself takes about 15 minutes. A city clerk or deputy clerk performs the ceremony, you exchange vows, sign the marriage certificate, and you leave as a legally married couple. You do not need witnesses, though you can bring people with you.

The appointment is separate from getting your marriage license. You must have already obtained your license from the same office or a different city clerk's office before the ceremony date. The license is valid for 24 hours to 60 days depending on when you got it, so timing matters.

NYC has five borough clerk's offices: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. You can have your ceremony at any of them, regardless of where you live or where you got your license.

Key Takeaways

• You must have a valid marriage license before you schedule a ceremony appointment; the license and ceremony are two separate steps.
• NYC clerk's offices take ceremony appointments Monday through Friday during business hours, and you can book online, by phone, or in person.
• Bring your valid marriage license, a photo ID for each person, and any required documents from your license application to the ceremony.
• The ceremony takes about 15 minutes and costs $25 to $35 depending on the borough; you pay at the appointment.

How to schedule a ceremony appointment

You can schedule online through the NYC Department of Finance website, by phone, or by walking into a clerk's office in person. Online scheduling is usually the fastest route. Go to the marriage license section of the NYC Department of Finance website, select your preferred borough and date, and book a time slot. Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so book as soon as your license is valid.

If you call, the clerk's office will ask for your names, license number, and preferred date and time. Phone lines are busiest early in the week. If you go in person, bring your license and photo IDs and ask the clerk to schedule you on the spot.

Ceremony appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some variation by borough. Weekend and evening ceremonies are not available through the standard appointment system.

What to bring to your ceremony appointment

Bring your valid marriage license. Both people getting married must bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If either of you changed your name since the license was issued, bring the court order or other legal document showing the name change.

If you obtained your license in a different borough than where you are having the ceremony, bring a copy of the license or have the issuing office send it to the ceremony location ahead of time. Some offices will have it on file; others will not. Call the office where you got the license to confirm.

Do not bring original birth certificates, divorce decrees, or other documents unless the clerk specifically asked you to when you got your license. You will not need them at the ceremony.

What happens during the ceremony

You and your partner will meet with the clerk in a small office or ceremony room. The clerk will verify your identities using your photo IDs and confirm that your license is valid. This takes a few minutes.

The clerk will then perform a brief civil ceremony. You will exchange vows or say "I do" when asked. The clerk will guide you through this — you do not need to memorize anything or prepare words in advance. After the vows, you and your partner will sign the marriage certificate in front of the clerk. The clerk will also sign it and add the official seal.

You will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate on the spot. This is the document you will use to change your name, update your Social Security record, or change your insurance beneficiary. Keep it in a safe place.

Cost and payment

The ceremony fee is $25 in most boroughs, though some charge $35. You pay in cash or card at the appointment. If you need additional certified copies of your marriage certificate beyond the one you receive at the ceremony, each copy costs $15 to $20 depending on the borough.

There is no fee to schedule the appointment or to reschedule if you need to change your date or time.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Contact the clerk's office where you booked your appointment as soon as you know you cannot make it. If you booked online, you may be able to cancel or reschedule through the same website. If you booked by phone or in person, call or visit the office to make the change.

Your marriage license has an expiration date. If you cancel and rebook, make sure your new ceremony date is still within the license's validity window. If your license expires before your new ceremony date, you will need to get a new license.

What to do after the ceremony

The certified marriage certificate you receive at the ceremony is your proof of marriage. Use it to update your name with Social Security, your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and the DMV if you are changing your name. You do not need to register the marriage anywhere else in New York City.

If you need more certified copies of your marriage certificate later, you can order them by mail or in person from the clerk's office in the borough where you were married. Each copy costs $15 to $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have someone else stand in for me at the ceremony?

No. Both people named on the marriage license must be present in person at the ceremony. The clerk will check photo IDs to confirm your identities.

Do I need witnesses at the ceremony?

No. New York City does not require witnesses for a civil ceremony. You can bring family or friends if you want them there, but they are not necessary and do not need to sign anything.

What if my marriage license expired?

You cannot use an expired license. You will need to get a new license before you can have a ceremony. You can get a new license at any NYC clerk's office.

Can I change my name at the ceremony appointment?

No. Name changes happen separately through the court system. The marriage certificate shows your legal name at the time of marriage. If you want to change your name after marriage, you will need to file a name change petition in court.

How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the ceremony?

You receive a certified copy immediately at the ceremony. You do not need to wait or come back later. If you need additional copies, you can order them by mail or pick them up in person within a few business days.