How to Officiate a Wedding in New York County, New York
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in New York.
Get Ordained NowNew York County by the Numbers
- Population
- 1,597,451
- Since 2020
- -4.8%
- Households
- 778,281
- Median Age
- 38.9
- Median Household Income
- $103,931
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 10,000
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 19,698
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: May, June & September (avg 68°F) · golden hour in June: ~7:28 PM–8:28 PM
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Harlem Meer, Belmont Island & The Lake
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × New York's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license). Golden hour: computed for the county seat, mid-month.
Same-sex couples have married legally in New York since 2011. The story of marriage equality in New York →
Eloping in New York County?
Plan ahead24 hours waiting period after getting the license · 1 witness must sign
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
✓
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
- Photo ID
NYC generally accepts online ordinations. The City Clerk may ask to see your ordination credentials.
New York State Law
New York authorizes 'a clergyman or minister of any religion' to perform marriages. The state broadly interprets 'clergyman or minister' and online ordinations are generally accepted, though a 2007 court case (Riepe v. Riepe) raised questions that were later resolved in favor of online ordination.
New York Domestic Relations Law § 11Marriage License Info
Verified- License Fee
- $35
- Waiting Period
- 24 hours
- License Valid For
- 60 days
- Witnesses Required
- 1
- Blood Test Required
- No
- Return Deadline
- 5 days
County Clerk Contact
NYC Office of the City Clerk — Manhattan
141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Get directions →Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the New York County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (212) 639-9675 and confirm that New York County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate, photo id ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license to the New York County clerk within 5 days. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
New York County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in New York County, New York?
Yes — New York County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. NYC generally accepts online ordinations. The City Clerk may ask to see your ordination credentials.
Do officiants need to register with New York County before the ceremony?
No — New York County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
How much does a marriage license cost in New York County, New York?
$35. Note: there is a 24 hours waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days.
How many witnesses are required at a New York County wedding?
1 witness must sign the marriage license.
When must the signed license be returned in New York County?
The completed marriage license must be returned within 5 days. As the officiant, returning it is usually your job — don't leave it in a glovebox.
How do I contact the New York County clerk?
NYC Office of the City Clerk — Manhattan — 141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013 — phone (212) 639-9675 — hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM.
Other New York Counties
Ready to Officiate?
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2025-06-01.