Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in New York
Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes
Minister Registration Required: Yes (varies by town/city)
Minister’s Residency: Not Required
Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
Marriage License Waiting Period: 24 Hours
Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
Marriage License Return Within: 5 Days After the Ceremony
Steps to Perform a Wedding in New York
1. Minister Eligibility
To officiate weddings in New York, ministers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Register with the relevant town or city clerk before officiating the ceremony.
- Provide ordination credentials (requirements vary by location).
Note: Ministers officiating weddings in the five boroughs of New York City must complete a special registration process. Documentation required for this process can be obtained through the Ministries of Love ordination package.
2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
- Minister Presence: Required.
- Witnesses: At least two competent witnesses must be present.
- Consent and Pronouncement:
- Both parties must declare their intent to marry.
- The officiating minister must pronounce the couple married.
Couples may customize their ceremony, but these legal elements are mandatory.
3. Marriage License Requirements
What the Couple Needs to Know:
- Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
- Where It’s Valid: The county of issuance.
- Pick-Up: In person (virtual applications are allowed in certain cases).
- Cost: Varies by county.
- Identification: Photo ID and proof of social security number required.
- Proof of Divorce: Required if applicable.
Both members of the couple must present themselves to the town or city clerk with the required documentation, including proof of age and, if applicable, divorce decrees.
4. Marriage License Facts
- Waiting Period: Couples must wait 24 hours after receiving the license to marry unless court approval is obtained.
- Validity: The license is valid for 60 days.
- Return Deadline: The completed license must be returned to the issuing clerk within 5 days of the ceremony.
5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant must ensure:
- Both parties are physically present along with at least two witnesses.
- Each party formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple married.
For Quaker or other religious groups with unique customs, exceptions to certain ceremonial requirements may apply.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- The officiant must complete and sign the license, including:
- Their title (e.g., “Minister”).
- “Ministries of Love” as the church/ordaining body.
- Their personal address as the address of the ministry.
- Ensure the couple and witnesses sign the license.
- Return the completed license to the issuing town or city clerk within 5 days of the ceremony.
Failure to comply with these steps may result in legal penalties, including fines.
Additional Notes
- Age Restrictions: Minors under 17 years old cannot marry.
- Prohibited Marriages: New York does not permit marriages closer than first cousins or involving individuals deemed mentally incapable of consent.
- Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in New York
Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes
Minister Registration Required: Yes (varies by town/city)
Minister’s Residency: Not Required
Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
Marriage License Waiting Period: 24 Hours
Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
Marriage License Return Within: 5 Days After the Ceremony
Steps to Perform a Wedding in New York
1. Minister Eligibility
To officiate weddings in New York, ministers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Register with the relevant town or city clerk before officiating the ceremony.
- Provide ordination credentials (requirements vary by location).
Note: Ministers officiating weddings in the five boroughs of New York City must complete a special registration process. Documentation required for this process can be obtained through the Ministries of Love ordination package.
2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
- Minister Presence: Required.
- Witnesses: At least two competent witnesses must be present.
- Consent and Pronouncement:
- Both parties must declare their intent to marry.
- The officiating minister must pronounce the couple married.
Couples may customize their ceremony, but these legal elements are mandatory.
3. Marriage License Requirements
What the Couple Needs to Know:
- Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
- Where It’s Valid: The county of issuance.
- Pick-Up: In person (virtual applications are allowed in certain cases).
- Cost: Varies by county.
- Identification: Photo ID and proof of social security number required.
- Proof of Divorce: Required if applicable.
Both members of the couple must present themselves to the town or city clerk with the required documentation, including proof of age and, if applicable, divorce decrees.
4. Marriage License Facts
- Waiting Period: Couples must wait 24 hours after receiving the license to marry unless court approval is obtained.
- Validity: The license is valid for 60 days.
- Return Deadline: The completed license must be returned to the issuing clerk within 5 days of the ceremony.
5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant must ensure:
- Both parties are physically present along with at least two witnesses.
- Each party formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple married.
For Quaker or other religious groups with unique customs, exceptions to certain ceremonial requirements may apply.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- The officiant must complete and sign the license, including:
- Their title (e.g., “Minister”).
- “Ministries of Love” as the church/ordaining body.
- Their personal address as the address of the ministry.
- Ensure the couple and witnesses sign the license.
- Return the completed license to the issuing town or city clerk within 5 days of the ceremony.
Failure to comply with these steps may result in legal penalties, including fines.
Additional Notes
- Age Restrictions: Minors under 17 years old cannot marry.
- Prohibited Marriages: New York does not permit marriages closer than first cousins or involving individuals deemed mentally incapable of consent.
- Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.