How to Get Married in New York City as a Singaporean Couple (2026 Guide)
- Five Star Officiants
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Every year, more and more couples from Singapore travel to New York City to get legally married — quickly, privately, and without the complicated formalities required back home.
Whether you're a Singaporean couple wanting a romantic elopement, an LGBTQ+ couple seeking a legally recognized marriage, or simply looking for a destination wedding with unforgettable photos, NYC makes the entire process surprisingly simple!
This guide walks you through everything Singapore couples need to know, including how to get your license, how to book your ceremony, and how to secure the legally required witness.
🇸🇬 Can Singaporeans Legally Get Married in New York City?
Yes — absolutely. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to marry in NYC. Singaporean citizens can legally:
Apply for an NYC marriage license
Get married at the NYC City Clerk (also known as City Hall)
Hold a private ceremony with a licensed officiant
Receive a U.S. marriage certificate recognized internationally
There is no visa requirement to get married in New York. All you need is:
Your passports
A brief online application
A 24-hour wait period
One witness (age 18+)
This makes NYC one of the easiest places in the world for Singaporeans to get legally married.
❤️ A Note for LGBTQ+ Couples From Singapore
Singapore lifted Section 377A, but does not recognize same-sex marriage domestically.
New York does. If you are an LGBTQ+ couple seeking a marriage that is legal, respected, and celebrated, NYC is one of the most welcoming and affirming destinations worldwide.
Your marriage certificate will be valid internationally, and many Singaporean LGBTQ+ couples choose NYC for this exact reason.
What Singaporeans Need to Get Married in NYC in 2026
The requirements are simple:
1. Passports
Your passports serve as your legal ID. No birth certificate needed.
2. Marriage License
You apply through NYC’s Project Cupid portal. The cost is $35 USD.
3. 24-Hour Waiting Period
All couples must wait at least 24 hours between receiving their license and getting married. Once you receive your marriage license, you must get married within 60 days.
4. One Legal Witness
New York requires at least one witness (age 18+).They must physically attend the ceremony.
If you're traveling without family or friends, Five Star Officiants provides a professional, on-time legal witness so your marriage can be completed with zero stress.
📝 The 5 Steps for Singapore Couples to Marry in NYC
Step 1: Apply for Your NYC Marriage License
Start at NYC’s official portal: Project Cupid.
You’ll complete the application online, then choose an appointment at the City Clerk’s Office to finalize the license. Bring your passports when you attend.
Step 2: Wait 24 Hours
By law, NYC requires a minimum 24-hour wait between receiving the license and holding your ceremony.
Tip for Singapore couples: Arrive in NYC two days before your ceremony to comfortably complete both steps.
Step 3: Choose Your Ceremony Type
You have two great options:
1️⃣ City Hall Wedding (Most Popular)
A quick (really quick!) 2 to 3 minute civil ceremony performed inside the NYC Marriage Bureau.
Simple
Affordable
Romantic photo ops nearby
You receive your official marriage certificate the same day
You MUST provide your witness’s name when booking your ceremony appointment.
2️⃣ Private Signing-Only Ceremony
Prefer something quieter or more personal? A licensed NYC Officiant can meet you in the iconic Central Park or any other public area (like a rooftop, public parks, bridges, private venue) for a quick exchange of "I do's" and a signing of your marriage license. If you book the signing-only ceremony through Five Star Officiants, the Officiant will also file your paperwork on your behalf with the New York City Clerk's Office to make your marriage legal.
You exchange a few words (“I do”), your officiant signs the license, and your marriage becomes official. Your Certificate of Marriage will be mailed to you in Singapore 3 to 6 weeks later.
👉 Perfect for couples who want privacy or photos outside City Hall.
Step 4: Secure Your Witness
This is the STEP most international couples forget.
New York requires one witness, and you must enter their name when scheduling your ceremony with the NYC City Clerk's Office. Without a witness you cannot get married in New York.
If you’re traveling alone, or your witness has travel delays, jet lag, or changes plans:
👉 Five Star Officiants offers a Fast-Track Witness Guarantee for Singapore couples:
Guaranteed witness coverage for your ceremony
Backup witness on standby (at no extra charge)
Fast communication with responses within 24 hours
Step-by-step guidance for a stress-free planning of your ceremony
Instant confirmation for peace of mind
Step 5: Celebrate — You're Married in NYC!
After your ceremony:
If you married at City Hall → you receive your certificate immediately
If you chose a private signing → the certificate will be mailed to Singapore
📬 Will My NYC Marriage Be Recognized in Singapore?
Your marriage certificate is issued by the State of New York, an internationally recognized civil authority.
NOTE: Singapore does not recognize foreign same-sex marriages, but it does recognize opposite-sex marriages legally performed abroad.
For LGBTQ+ couples: Your marriage will be valid globally, even if Singapore does not provide registration domestically. Many LGBTQ+ Singaporeans still marry abroad for symbolic, emotional, and personal reasons.
If you need your certificate apostilled (some countries require this), we’ll help guide you through it.
✈️ Tips for Singapore Couples Planning Their Trip
✔ Arrive 2–3 days before your ceremony
✔ Book accommodations near City Hall, though New York City is very accessible by public transportation, as well as Uber and taxi so you can easily get around on the day of your marriage ceremony
✔ Bring comfortable shoes for walking + great photo spots
✔ Consider adding a local photographer. Five Star Officiants can provide you with a photographer to capture your beautiful day!
✔ Double-check your witness is secured early. You will need to provide the name of your witness when booking your appointment with the City Clerk's Office.
🌇 Why Singapore Couples Love Getting Married in NYC
Zero complicated paperwork
Only one witness required
Same-day marriage certificate (City Hall option)
LGBTQ+ friendly
World-class photo locations
A truly iconic elopement destination
🌟 Need a Legal Witness for Your NYC Wedding?
If you're traveling from Singapore and need a professional witness — or just peace of mind knowing everything is handled — we’re here to help.
We offer:
Professional witnesses
Signing-only officiants if you need a quick ceremony but don't want to do it in City Hall
Clear communication across time zones
Your NYC wedding should be effortless, magical, and legally perfect. We’ll make sure it is.
🇸🇬 Frequently Asked Questions for Singapore Couples Getting Married in NYC
1. Can Singaporeans legally get married in New York City?
Yes. Singaporean citizens can legally obtain a marriage license and get married in NYC, either at the City Clerk’s Office (City Hall) or through a licensed officiant. No U.S. visa or residency is required.
2. What documents do we need to get married in NYC?
All you need are valid passports, a completed online application through Project Cupid, and one legal witness. No birth certificate or visa is required.
3. Does Singapore recognize a marriage performed in New York?
Opposite-sex marriages performed legally abroad—such as in NYC—are recognized by Singapore. Singapore does not register foreign same-sex marriages, but your NYC marriage certificate is still valid internationally and for personal, symbolic, and legal use outside Singapore.
4. Do we need a witness for our ceremony?
Yes. New York law requires at least one witness, age 18 or older, to attend your ceremony and sign your license. If you’re traveling alone, you can hire a professional witness through Five Star Officiants.
5. How long does it take to get the NYC marriage certificate?
City Hall ceremonies provide your official certificate immediately. For private signing-only ceremonies, your certificate will be mailed to Singapore in about 3 to 6 weeks.
6. Do we need an apostille for our NYC marriage certificate?
Most Singapore couples do not need an apostille. If you require international validation or plan to use your marriage certificate for legal processes in another country, you can request an apostille from the New York State Department of State.
7. Is a City Hall wedding or private signing better for Singapore couples?
City Hall is simple and efficient, with same-day certificates. Private signing-only ceremonies offer more privacy and beautiful locations like Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park (and many other public and private locations). Both options are fully legal and very popular among Singaporean couples.
8. How far in advance should we plan our NYC wedding trip?
Arriving 2–3 days before your ceremony is ideal. You’ll need time to complete your marriage license appointment and then wait the required 24 hours before the ceremony.
9. Does Five Star Officiants offer a guaranteed witness for Singapore couples?
Yes. Our Fast-Track Witness Guarantee ensures you always have a witness for your ceremony, with a backup available at no extra cost—perfect for international couples who want peace of mind while traveling.
