Do Australians need an apostille for their NYC marriage certificate?

Most Australian couples do not need an apostille for their NYC marriage certificate. If required for legal use in another country, an apostille may be requested from the New York State Department of State.

Is a City Hall wedding or a private signing ceremony better for Australians?

City Hall weddings are quick and convenient, ideal for shorter trips. Private signing-only ceremonies allow for more privacy and scenic locations like Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Both are fully legal options for Australian couples.

How to Get Married in NYC as an Australian Couple (2026 Guide)

Q: Can Australians legally get married in New York City?

Yes. Australian citizens can legally get married in New York City with no visa or residency requirements. Couples may marry at City Hall or with a licensed private officiant.

Q: What documents do Australians need to get married in NYC?

Australians only need valid passports, a completed Project Cupid marriage license application, and one legal witness. No birth certificate or visa is required to marry in NYC.

Q: Will my NYC marriage be recognized in Australia?

Yes. Australia recognizes marriages legally performed overseas, including those conducted in New York City. There is no requirement to register your foreign marriage upon returning to Australia.

Q: Do we need a witness for our NYC ceremony?

Yes. New York State requires at least one witness age 18 or older to attend your ceremony and sign your marriage license. International couples may hire a professional witness through Five Star Officiants.

Q: How long does it take to receive my marriage certificate in Australia?

City Hall ceremonies provide the official marriage certificate immediately. Private signing-only ceremonies result in the certificate being mailed to Australia in approximately 3 to 6 weeks.

Q: How far in advance should Australians plan their NYC wedding trip?

Australians should arrive in New York at least 2 to 3 days before their ceremony to complete their marriage license appointment and the mandatory 24-hour waiting period before getting married.

Q: Does Five Star Officiants offer a guaranteed witness for Australian couples?

Yes. Five Star Officiants provides a Fast-Track Witness Guarantee that ensures a reliable witness is available for your ceremony, including a backup witness at no extra cost—ideal for international travelers.

Five Star Officiants
13 minutes ago
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Every year, thousands of Australian couples travel to New York City to tie the knot — legally, effortlessly, and in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Whether you're visiting from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or anywhere across Australia, NYC makes getting married incredibly simple. With minimal paperwork, fast appointments, and unforgettable photo locations, it's the perfect destination for an international elopement.

This guide walks you through everything Australian couples need to know: the marriage license, the ceremony options, how long it takes, and how to secure the legally required witness.

Australian couple eloping new york city at NYC City Hall City Clerk's Office

Can Australians Get Married in New York City? 🇦🇺

Yes. Absolutely. Australian citizens can legally get married in NYC with zero residency requirements.

You can:

Apply for an NYC Marriage License
Marry at the NYC City Clerk (City Hall)
Have a private ceremony with a licensed officiant
Receive a U.S. marriage certificate recognized internationally

And the best part? No visa is required to get married in New York.

All you need is:

A passport
A quick online application
A 24-hour waiting period
One legal witness

That’s it.

Same-Sex Marriage for Australian Couples in NYC ❤️

Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, and New York has recognized it since 2011 — so LGBTQ+ Australian couples are fully protected and celebrated here. Whether you choose City Hall or a private ceremony, your marriage will be recognized in Australia.

NYC is one of the most inclusive places in the world to say “I do.”

🛂 What Australians Need to Get Married in NYC in 2026

The requirements are easy:

1. Passports

Your Australian passports act as your legal ID. No birth certificate required.

2. Marriage License ($35 USD)

Apply for your marriage license online through NYC’s Project Cupid portal. The cost is $35 USD. Finalize the license at your appointment at the City Clerk’s Office.

3. 24-Hour Waiting Period

NYC law requires a 24-hour wait between receiving your license and your ceremony. You must marry within 60 days of receiving the license.

4. One Legal Witness

New York requires one witness (age 18+). If you’re traveling alone or without guests, Five Star Officiants provides professional, punctual witnesses who know the City Hall process inside and out.

📝 The 5 Steps for Australian Couples to Marry in NYC

Step 1: Apply for Your NYC Marriage License

Start your application online through Project Cupid. Once submitted, you’ll book an in-person appointment at the City Clerk’s Office to receive your physical license.

Bring your passports when you go.

Step 2: Wait 24 Hours

All couples — locals and internationals — must wait at least 24 hours before the ceremony can take place.

Tip for Aussies: Arrive in New York two days before your planned ceremony. This gives you time to complete your license appointment and the required waiting period.

Step 3: Choose Your Ceremony Type

You have two great options:

1️⃣ City Hall Wedding (Most Popular)

A classic NYC elopement inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau.

Short civil ceremony (2–3 minutes)
Affordable
Same-day marriage certificate
Photo opportunities all around City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge area

Important: You must provide your witness’s name when you book your ceremony appointment.

👉 Don’t have a witness for your elopement? Reserve a professional witness here.

2️⃣ Private Signing-Only Ceremony

If you prefer something intimate, private, or outdoors, a licensed officiant can meet you anywhere in NYC—Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, rooftops, hotel lounges, or scenic spots around Manhattan.

What happens:

Quick “I do’s”
Your officiant signs your marriage license
Your marriage becomes official
Certificate of Marriage is mailed to your Australian address in 3 to 6 weeks

👉 Perfect if you want privacy or photos somewhere other than City Hall.

Step 4: Secure Your Witness

Many international couples forget this part — but it’s essential. NYC will not allow you to get married without a legal witness.

New York requires one witness who is 18 or older for your ceremony, and you must provide their name when scheduling your appointment at City Hall. If you’re traveling alone or your witness bails last-minute and has delays or a change of plans:

👉 Five Star Officiants offers a Fast-Track Witness Guarantee:

Fast responses within 24 hours
Guaranteed witness coverage
Backup witness on standby at no extra cost
Step-by-step guidance
Instant confirmation so you can plan stress-free

🔗 Check witness availability for Australian couples →

Step 5: Celebrate — You’re Married in NYC!

After the ceremony:

City Hall: you receive your official marriage certificate immediately
Private signing-only: the City Clerk mails your certificate to Australia within 3–6 weeks

Then enjoy NYC as newlyweds and take photos all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Central Park!

📬 Will My NYC Marriage Be Recognized in Australia?

Yes — marriages legally performed abroad (including in New York) are recognized by the Australian government. You do not need to register your foreign marriage when returning to Australia. If you need your NYC certificate apostilled for legal use in another country, Five Star Officiants can guide you.

✈️ Travel Tips for Australian Couples

✔ 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 photos & exploring ✔ Consider booking a photographer for iconic NYC portraits ✔ Secure your witness early

🌆 Why Australians Love Getting Married in NYC

Minimal paperwork
One witness requirement
Same-day marriage certificate
LGBTQ+ friendly
Famous photo locations
Fast, easy, romantic

NYC is one of the world’s greatest destinations for a stress-free elopement.

🌟 Need a Legal Witness for Your NYC Wedding?

If you're traveling from Australia and need a witness — or want reassurance that everything will run smoothly — we’re here to help.

We offer:

Professional City Hall witnesses
Signing-only officiants
911 fast-turnaround ceremonies
Clear communication across time zones

👉 Check witness availability 👉 Or book a signing-only officiant if you want to do a private marriage ceremony in Central Park or any other location in New York City

Your NYC ceremony should feel simple, magical, and legally perfect. We’ll make sure it is.

🇦🇺 FAQ Section for Australian Couples Getting Married in NYC

1. Can Australians legally get married in New York City?

Yes. Australian citizens can legally marry in NYC with no visa or residency requirements. You can get married at City Hall or with a private officiant.

2. What documents do Australians need to get married in NYC?

You only need valid passports, a completed online application through Project Cupid, and one legal witness. No birth certificate or visa is required for marriage.

3. Will my NYC marriage be recognized in Australia?

Yes. Australia recognizes marriages legally performed abroad, including New York City. You do not need to register your foreign marriage when returning home.

4. Do we need a witness for our NYC ceremony?

Yes. New York requires at least one witness who is 18 or older. If you're traveling without guests, you can hire a professional witness through Five Star Officiants.

5. How long does it take to receive my marriage certificate in Australia?

City Hall ceremonies provide your certificate immediately.Private ceremonies result in your certificate being mailed to Australia in approximately 3–6 weeks.

6. Do we need an apostille for our NYC marriage certificate?

Most Australian couples do not. Your NYC marriage certificate is generally recognized without additional steps. If needed, you can request an apostille from New York State.

7. Is a City Hall wedding or private ceremony better for Australian couples?

City Hall is fast, simple, and ideal for short trips.Private ceremonies offer more privacy and scenic locations like Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Both options are fully legal.

8. How far in advance should Australians plan their NYC wedding trip?

Arrive at least 2–3 days before your ceremony to complete your license appointment and the required 24-hour waiting period.

9. Does Five Star Officiants offer a guaranteed witness for Australian couples?

Yes. Our Fast-Track Witness Guarantee ensures you always have a witness, with a backup available at no extra charge—ideal for couples traveling from overseas.