How to Get Married at NYC City Hall: The Complete 2026 Guide for All Five Boroughs 💍

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for International Couples and Locals (Updated for 2026 with the latest NYC City Clerk requirements)

👁️ Read by 1,300+ couples planning a NYC City Hall wedding

❤️ Trusted by international and local couples alike

New York City — it’s the city of bright lights, timeless love stories, and… a surprisingly easy place to get legally married. Whether you're a local or flying in from abroad, getting married at a City Clerk's office in NYC is not only doable — it’s iconic. 🗽💍

This guide breaks down exactly how to do it, from marriage licenses to ceremony tips. We’ve even included options if you don’t have a witness, want professional photos, or prefer to skip City Hall entirely for a private signing ceremony to make your marriage legal.

Step 1: Get Your New York City Marriage License

Before you can say "I do," you need to get a marriage license from the New York City Clerk’s office.

How to Apply for your NYC marriage license:

• Start online: Project Cupid (highly recommended).

• Then book an in-person appointment to pick up your license.
  

What to Bring:

• Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

• $35 (credit card or money order)

• Both partners must be present

🕒 Your license is valid for 60 days — but you must wait at least 24 hours after getting it before you can get married.

Step 2: Book Your City Hall Ceremony

Once you’ve got your license, it’s time to book your ceremony.

• Use Project Cupid to schedule.

• Ceremonies happen Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:45 PM.

• Appointments are required — no walk-ins.

• New slots drop every Monday at 9AM (NYC time) and book up fast!

✨ Planning Tip: Coming from abroad? Book a ceremony that’s 1–2 days after you arrive to give yourself time for delays and jet lag.

Step 3: Choose Your Location

NYC has five Marriage Bureau offices, and you can use any of them — regardless of where you live.

Most Popular:

📍 Manhattan – 141 Worth Street The most iconic, with elegant ceremony rooms and great photo ops nearby.

Great Alternatives:

• 📍 Brooklyn – 210 Joralemon St Historic building, often faster lines.

• 📍 Queens – 120-55 Queens Blvd Efficient and low-key.

• 📍 Bronx – 851 Grand Concourse Friendly staff and beautiful stone facade.

• 📍 Staten Island – 10 Richmond Terrace Calm and scenic by the water.

🌍 Flying in internationally? Manhattan and Brooklyn are easiest to access and have more nearby hotels and attractions.

Step 4: What to Expect on Wedding Day

You’ve got your license, your appointment is booked — now it’s time to get married!

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. You'll go through security and check in at the front desk.

Bring:

• Your printed marriage license

• Photo IDs for both partners

• A legal witness (18+ with valid ID): (You will not be allowed through security without your legal witness)

• $25 for the ceremony (credit card or money order)

A Witness is Required to Get Married at NYC City Hall

If you don’t already have one, we provide professional, punctual witnesses approved by the City Clerk.

Check Witness Availability

💒 Inside City Hall: What Your Wedding Day Will Look Like

Once you’ve cleared security and checked in at the front desk, you’ll receive a ceremony ticket with a number. This is your place in line for the day. You'll then wait in the main lobby — a mix of excited couples, proud parents, and spontaneous cheers as newlyweds exit with fresh marriage certificates in hand.

🎟️ When your number is called, you'll head to the second checkpoint to verify your documents one last time: IDs, your marriage license, and your witness's ID.

Then, you’ll be invited into one of the official City Clerk ceremony rooms. Each room is simple but elegant — warm lighting, neutral backdrops, and room for a handful of guests. Your officiant (a licensed City Clerk) will meet you and guide you through the short but meaningful ceremony.

💬 The wording is brief — about 90 seconds. You’ll be asked to affirm your intention to marry, say "I do," and then sign the official documents. You’re welcome to exchange rings if you’d like, but it’s not required.

💍 There’s no dress code at all — and that’s part of the charm. One couple might wear tuxedos and ball gowns; the next might show up in Doc Martens and leather jackets. Every couple brings their own vibe, and it’s celebrated.

📸 After the ceremony, you'll have a quick moment to take photos in the room before exiting back to the main lobby — now officially married.

📄 Then, you’ll head to a separate counter to receive your official Certificate of Marriage:

• U.S. residents get it printed and handed to them on the spot.
  

• International couples usually have it mailed.
  

The whole experience — from entry to certificate — can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the day's crowd.

✨ It’s fast. It’s joyful. And yes, it’s incredibly New York.

Want a Photographer?

Add a photographer who doubles as your witness and guides you through a 1-hour photo tour after the ceremony.

📸 See Witness + Photography Package

You’ll capture stunning moments near City Hall, across the Brooklyn Bridge, or wherever NYC’s energy takes you.

Prefer Something More Private?

Don’t feel like navigating the crowds at City Hall? Or maybe you’re short on time and want something more intimate?

A signing-only ceremony might be the perfect fit. It’s 100% legal, stress-free, and takes place wherever is most convenient for you — a cozy café, scenic park, hotel lobby, or any other public place.

No waiting rooms. No lines. Just you, your partner, and a licensed officiant who makes it official.

🔏 Explore signing-only ceremonies →

FAQ

Do I need a witness? Yes — whether you're getting married at the City Clerk's office, or at a private ceremony, you'll need one person 18+ with a valid ID to act as your witness. If you don’t have someone, you can reserve a professional witness who will arrive on time to make your ceremony legal.

Can I exchange vows? Absolutely, but they’re optional. The legal part only takes a minute.

Can I bring guests? Yes, up to 4 guests (including your witness and photographer).

When will I get my marriage certificate? U.S. couples get it right after the ceremony. International couples will have it mailed.

Is it open on weekends? No — ceremonies are weekdays only. If you need a weekend wedding, or need a ceremony after business hours, you can book a signing-only officiant to marry you on your schedule.

Quick Recap for Couples Coming from Abroad:

✅ Get your marriage license via Project Cupid ✅ Book your City Hall ceremony (or private signing) ✅ Bring your IDs, legal witness, and marriage license ✅ Add a photographer to capture your NYC love story ✅ Receive your certificate — and celebrate!

Book Your Ceremony Add-Ons

• Book a Professional Witness

• Witness + Photographer Package

• Private Signing-Only Ceremony
  

Getting married in NYC is unforgettable. Let’s make it seamless, too.❤️