Signing-Only Wedding Ceremony NYC: Fast & Legal Marriage

Not every couple wants a full wedding ceremony. Some just need their marriage license signed, legally making them husband and wife (or spouses!) without the extra fanfare.

Whether you’re getting married before a big wedding, tying the knot for visa reasons, or just want to keep things simple, a signing-only ceremony is the fastest, stress-free way to make it official.

👉 Need a signing-only officiant? Check Availability Here

marriage license being signed by bride and groom in new york city

What Is a Signing-Only Wedding Ceremony?

A signing-only ceremony is the simplest way to get legally married in NYC. Instead of a full wedding ceremony, a licensed officiant meets you at a location of your choice, witnesses your vows, signs the marriage license, and files the paperwork.

This minimalist approach is perfect for couples who: ✅ Want to get legally married before a big celebration.

✅ Are getting married abroad and need to complete paperwork first.

✅ Need a legal marriage for visa, insurance, or other personal reasons.

✅ Have a friend or family member performing their ceremony but need an officiant to legally sign.

✅ Prefer a no-fuss, quick, and private wedding.

🔥 You don’t need to go to City Hall. A licensed officiant can make your marriage legal anywhere in NYC! 👉 Find an Officiant to Sign Your Marriage License Here

Who Performs a Signing-Only Ceremony?

Not every officiant offers this service. Many require couples to book a full wedding ceremony. At Five Star Officiants, we connect you with officiants who specialize in signing-only marriages—fast, legal, and easy.

💡 Our officiants will: ✔️ Meet you at an agreed location. ✔️ Witness your vows & signatures. ✔️ Sign & file your marriage license.

🚀 Want to skip City Hall? Get legally married on your terms. 👉 Check Signing-Only Officiant Availability

Do I Have to Go to City Hall to Get My Marriage License Signed?

No! Many couples think they must have a City Hall ceremony to be legally married—but that’s not true.

🔹 City Hall officiants can only marry you inside the City Clerk’s office. 🔹 Private officiants can marry you anywhere and sign your license just the same.

📍 Your signing-only ceremony can take place at: ✔️ A nearby café, park, or your home. ✔️ A scenic location like Central Park or DUMBO. ✔️ A courthouse-adjacent spot for a quick & easy signing.

👉 Book a Signing-Only Officiant Here

What’s the Fastest Way to Get Legally Married in NYC?

If you need a quick marriage, follow this timeline:

📅 Day 1: Apply for your Marriage License online. 📅 Day 2: Pick up your license from the City Clerk’s Office. 📅 Day 3: After the 24-hour waiting period, meet your signing-only officiant and make it official. Don't forget, you'll need at least one English-speaking witness (18+), which you can provide—or we can arrange a professional witness for you.

💡 Need a last-minute officiant? We specialize in fast, no-ceremony signings. 👉 Check Availability for a Signing-Only Officiant

Who Needs a Signing-Only Ceremony?

A signing-only marriage is ideal for couples who:

Want to be legally married before a future wedding. (Example: A big celebration is planned for next year, but they need to make it official now.)
Are getting married abroad and need to sign the legal paperwork before leaving.
Need their license signed before a church or religious ceremony.
Have a friend or family member officiating their ceremony and need an official officiant to legally sign the marriage license.
Want a legal marriage for personal or financial reasons, without a formal wedding.

📌 Bottom Line: If you don’t need a full ceremony, a signing-only service is the fastest way to make your marriage official.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does the signing-only ceremony take place?

We meet at a convenient public location in NYC, such as a quiet spot near City Hall or a nearby coffee shop.

2. Can I still exchange vows?

Yes! Some couples choose to say a few private words to each other before signing the paperwork.

3. Will this be legally recognized?

Yes! Your marriage is 100% legal and recognized once the paperwork is signed and submitted to the NYC Clerk’s Office.

4. Can I bring guests?

This is designed to be a simple, no-guest experience—but you’re welcome to bring one or two people if you like. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least one witness to make your marriage legal. You can bring your own witness (they must be at least 18 years old), or we can provide a professional witness to ensure everything is official.

5. How fast can I get married?

You must wait at least 24 hours after getting your marriage license before signing the paperwork. If you already have your license, we can often arrange a signing within 48 hours. Just remember, your marriage must be finalized within 60 days of receiving your license from the City Clerk's office.

RECAP: How to Legally Marry in NYC Quickly Without a Huge Wedding

A signing-only wedding in NYC is the fastest, easiest way to make your marriage legal—without a full wedding or City Hall delays. Whether you’re marrying for practical reasons, ahead of a destination wedding, or just want a simple, no-fuss legal ceremony, we can connect you with an officiant to get it done. Getting a signing-only marriage is quick and easy if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

Before you can sign your marriage certificate, you must obtain a Marriage License from the NYC City Clerk.

🔹 Apply online at NYC Cupid. 🔹 The license costs $35 and is valid for 60 days. 🔹 You must wait 24 hours before you can legally marry.

🎯 Pro Tip: Get your license ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.

Step 2: Find a Licensed Officiant to Sign Your License

You cannot sign the marriage license yourself. A legally recognized officiant must sign and submit the paperwork to the City Clerk.

🚀 We make it easy—book a licensed officiant here: 👉 Check Officiant Availability for a Signing Ceremony

📍 Where will we meet? We’ll meet at a convenient public location in NYC (such as near City Hall) where you’ll exchange “I do’s,” sign the paperwork, and officially be married.

💰 Pricing: $300 for a signing-only ceremony. (Includes licensed officiant to sign your marriage license and file the paperwork.)

Step 3: File Your Marriage License

After your officiant signs the license, they will file it with the NYC Clerk’s Office. You’ll receive your official marriage certificate by mail within a few weeks.

🎯 Pro Tip: Need a witness? To make your ceremony legal, you'll need a witness (18+) to sign alongside the officiant. If you don’t have one, we can provide a professional witness.

✅ No planning ✅ No expensive wedding costs ✅ No stress—just a legal marriage in minutes.

💍 Ready to make it official? 👉 Check Officiant Availability for a Signing Ceremony